Habitat-Dallas8Starting at the beginning of 2015, Outsource formed a Volunteer Committee to help organize and plan volunteer events at branches across the country. The Q1 charity is Habitat for Humanity International, which was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller. Habitat for Humanity is a true world leader in addressing the issues of poverty housing and the organization has built or repaired over 1 million homes, serving more than 5 million people worldwide. Through the work of Habitat, thousands of low-income families have found new hope in the form of affordable housing. Churches, community groups and others have joined together to successfully tackle a significant social problem―decent housing for all.

Outsource is proud to partner with an organization that has made a direct impact on the lives of so many people. To date, employees from three of our offices—Seattle, Los Angeles, and Dallas—have all dedicated time to volunteer and put their talents to work at their local Habitat for Humanity ReStore center.

Habitat for Humanity ReStores are nonprofit, home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials, and appliances to the public at a fraction of the retail price.  Habitat for Humanity ReStores are proudly owned and operated by local Habitat for Humanity affiliates, and proceeds are used to build homes, community, and hope locally and around the world.

1image1On March 7th, five representatives from the Outsource branch in Dallas met at Habitat ReStore for a day of organizing, rearranging, and “just getting dirty and having fun helping the community” according to Operations Analyst Christopher Trevino. The store was buzzing and, for an organization that relies heavily on volunteers, everyone’s efforts were greatly appreciated. Recruiter Jasmine Christopher said, “It was my first time experiencing Habitat for Humanity ReStore and I have to say that it was a lot of fun!”

Four Outsource representatives from the Seattle office volunteered on Saturday, March 14th, and the team was put to work right away consolidating cabinets, making room for newly arriving goods, and building a floor display. Recruiter Carlie Stone says, “Habitat ReStore is a great place for contractors and individuals to donate extra material and home goods, which is then sold to the public. It’s like a scaled version of Home Depot.” She added, “It was a really positive experience. The people who work there are very invested and they were happy to have Outsource involved and helping.”

That same day, further down the West coast, the Los Angeles team gathered at their local ReStore and they, too, were put right to work, doing whatever was required. Staff Accountant Charles Brunner said, “We worked right alongside the ReStore employees and they were really appreciative of our help. It was a great experience and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for an opportunity to spend a Saturday volunteering.”

Habitat-Seattle4Recruiter Lexi Neste added, “It’s a great place to buy discounted, recycled building materials and home items, plus it helps a lot of people who are less fortunate.” Leonard Bune, who works as a Payroll Compliance Administrator, even gained some insight into the sales world with the help from his ReStore foreman: “Ultimately, they wanted product that we could put together in minutes and place on the showroom area for sale as quickly as possible.” Leonard took the advice to heart and, by the end of the day, helped sell a faux leather sofa, a bathroom sink cabinet, and a steel door.

Habitat for Humanity volunteers – both on construction sites and in Habitat ReStores – have helped more than 600,000 families in need own decent, affordable homes. From customer service to furniture repair, the Habitat ReStores offers volunteer opportunities geared toward individual interests and skills. By giving your time, you can help your Habitat ReStore do more to support local building projects for those in need in your community and around the world.

Stay tuned for more updates and click here to find your local Habitat for Humanity Restore!