BRAINERD — Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity and its Restore will move to a new Brainerd space this summer.
The East Brainerd Mall will house the affiliate offices and the store, the organization reported in a news release.
“If you've been in the ReStore, you've seen the cluttered aisles and limited space,” the release stated. “We've outgrown our current location and then some.”
One of the ReStore's stated goals has been to ensure every donated dollar goes directly toward home builds, and Habitat for Humanity noted new projects like its Cass Lake initiative are expanding the number of families served.
Habitat for Humanity is part of a group working to alleviate a critical housing shortage of more than 500 housing units in Cass Lake, identified by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and the Cass County Board. County commissioners voted to dedicate American Rescue Plan Act funds toward a solution and convened a group of community stakeholders.
The organization committed to building four to five homes each year for the next few years in Cass Lake, and the first four will be started this year.
The space brings more parking, wider shopping aisles and walking spaces inside along with less congested donation and pick-up spaces. More space means expanding offerings in the store as well, the organization reported.
“After a years-long effort to find a new home for Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity, we are thrilled that patience paid off with securing space in the East Brainerd Mall,” stated Kevin Pelkey, executive director. “This new location promises to bring a better shopping and donation experience, and to increase our visibility in the community as we work to serve more families through our affordable homeownership program.”
The space brings more parking, wider shopping aisles and walking spaces inside along with less congested donation and pick-up spaces. More space means expanding offerings in the store as well, the organization reported.
A meeting and conference room space to share with community groups and other nonprofits is also in the works.
Lakes Area Habitat will remain in its current location until the construction project in the new location is complete. The Wright Street location was listed for sale and almost immediately purchased, the release stated, and the new ownership is allowing the nonprofit to remain there through the summer.
“Through the proceeds of the sale and a capital campaign, the expected increase in donations and sales, the new building will not be a financial burden,” Habitat stated. “Rather, it will be an opportunity to support the growth and mission of the organization.”
