Attention crafters, creative builders and DIYers! South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity’s upcoming auction is looking for you. RePurpose for a Reason is this summer’s fundraiser featuring art, furniture and all sorts of items that are getting a second, or simply another, chance at being used. “We keep usable materials out of landfills,” says Shawna Dutton, director of development at South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity. The auction will be fun for everyone and all funds help build houses in Thurston County.
The upcoming virtual event on August 24 will feature spectacular donations such as a remarkable pair of Native American earrings. One lucky neighborhood will end up with a lending library, built by a talented individual. The installation holds books, giving people walking by the chance to select a book or drop one off. It’s a safe and creative way for neighbors to interact with each other. SPS Habitat for Humanity is partnering with local businesses for other auction items including 1200 square feet of sod from Country Green Turf Farms. The auction opens at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, August 24 and stays open through August 28 at 3 p.m. It’s free to join the party.
The past months of limited mobility have inspired many to complete projects around the house. Maybe the garage finally was cleaned out. Along the reorganizing path, you might have found old chairs, pots, baskets and tables. You are done with them, but there’s still plenty of use in them. Maybe you found the time to repurpose them. If you don’t know what I mean, look at Habitat’s Pinterest link that will get your creative energies flowing. “HGTV has been a source of ideas, too,” says Shawna. I watched a pair of older chairs being transformed into a cozy bench. SPS Habitat for Humanity would love to add one of your creations to the auction.
Did you know that every year 12 million tons of furniture is created in the United States? That same year, 9.5 million tons of furniture is tossed into landfills. A bit of inspiration with a bit of perspiration can benefit all of us by repurposing and reusing. If you don’t have such items, you could visit either of Habitat’s stores on Olympia’s westside or in Yelm. “Our stores fill an awesome purpose!” says Shawna. You will find an impressive inventory of new and gently used discount home improvement items, furniture, appliances and more. Locations also accept your donations of building materials and home improvement items for resale.
Funds generated through the stores and fundraising activities support an affordable homeownership program. Community volunteers and future habitat homeowner build single-family, owner-occupied homes. “We are finishing up our development called Deyoe Vista in Lacey,” says Shawna. The nearly completed 33-home subdivision will have 6 homes dedicated during a ceremony later in August. The last three homes will be finished in early 2022. The streets are Hoppe and Mattson Lanes, both named after long time volunteers, Arlo Hoppe and Virginia Mattson. The development is named after Dick and Joanie Deyoe, who supported the organization for more than 20 years. What a thoughtful way to recognize their meaningful contributions.
Working Until Everyone Has a Home
South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity, a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, was founded in 1989, and serves particularly low-income families whose dream is to own their homes. Since then, by working with many volunteers and donors, 4 developments and over 75 houses have been completed in Thurston County. This organization is a Christian-based ecumenical (all-inclusive) nonprofit agency that is welcoming to people of any or no faith. Habitat’s vision is “a world where everyone has a decent place to live.” Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
If you have interest in being a store or construction volunteer, good news! “We are looking to build on our volunteer community,” says Shawna. You are also encouraged to donate to the auction. “The best ideas come from our community. You can donate paintings and photography, all artists are welcome,” she adds.
SPS Habitat for Humanity is part of a circle within our community to address housing needs. Not everyone is capable or ready to be a homeowner. Other options, such as permanent supportive housing, contribute to other housing requirements. There are many steps along the way to getting people into permanent homes, and our local Habitat for Humanity is pleased to be part of the solution. Since 2020, the critical home repairs program has been underway. Habitat p helps local low income homeowners get critical repairs done in order to live safely in their homes.
You can donate one of your repurposed or even newly crafted items to Habitat for Humanity. All the information you need is at this link. It won’t be any fun unless you attend the auction, which is all online. You do need to register and it’s free to attend,
Also, join them for their auction kick off live and in person at Matchless Brewing on August 23 from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Enjoy a beverage and get an in person look at all of the wonderful items you can start bidding on the next morning. Tickets are $25 and available online.
Questions? Reach out to our team at shawna@spshabitat.org or by phone at 360.859.4842. See why people are getting excited about recycling through craftsmanship.
South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity
1216 South 2nd Avenue SW
Tumwater, WA 98512
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