New Haven County ReStore Adds Extra Hours

Beginning on May 5, our ReStore will now be open on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.! This gives our shoppers and extra two hours a week to find the perfect treasures at the store. Our current weekly hours are:

Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 pm.

Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The New Haven County ReStore is located at 286 South Colony Road in Wallingford. To browse our latest items follow us on Facebook.

The Great Give: May 4- 5

The Great Give takes place 8:00 a.m. on May 4 through 8:00 p.m. on May 5!
We were so appreciative of your generosity last year in the height of the pandemic and we are once again asking for assistance in funding the construction of Habitat homes here in New Haven.
In the last 12 months the cost of construction materials has gone up drastically. To give you an idea, here is a comparison of what we usually pay for items needed for our homes and what we are paying now:
  • One piece of sheathing has gone from $9.65 to $46.00, an increase of 377%.
  • A single 2 x 6 has gone from $4.40 to $13.52, an increase of 207%.
  • A single 2 x 4 has gone from $2.96 to $7.46, an increase of 152%.
  • One piece of drywall panel has gone from $15.17 to $18.88, an increase of 24%.
Industry experts conservatively estimate that prices will not return to pre-pandemic levels until the end of this year at the absolute earliest.
The two homes to the left are already under construction and we will be breaking ground shortly on two more homes, followed by two others in the fall. Our goal is to complete the construction of six Habitat homes this year.
We are asking for your support in helping us to achieve this goal. Working alongside volunteers, Habitat homebuyers, and generous donors we have built and rehabbed over 130 homes in the community. The events of the last year have strengthened our resolve to continue building strength, stability, and hope through housing. We hope you will join us in offering your support during the Great Give.

Community Build Sleeping Giant Build’s Spring Magic Floral Arranging Event: May 10

Community build Sleeping Giant Build is holding their Spring Magic event on Monday, May 10 from 7-9 p.m.! You can register here to participate.

A talented floral designer from Forget Me Not Flower Shop in North Haven will teach us how to create our own beautiful spring floral arrangements from the comfort of our homes via Zoom. The arrangement is sure to add a beautiful touch of spring to your home. Or, gift your creation to your favorite nurse to recognize their extraordinary care for National Nurses Week!

All proceeds from Spring Magic benefit the construction of Sleeping Giant Build’s 13th home. You’ll be part of making it possible for the Assiobo-Hudu family to become the proud owners of their Habitat for Humanity home in New Haven!

Supply pickup will be at 10selden (Woodbridge) or Spring Glen Church (Hamden)from 4:30 – 5:30 pm.

For more information and a picture of the completed arrangement, visit Sleepinggiantbuild.org.

 

 

New Hours at the New Haven County ReStore in Wallingford

Beginning March 8, the ReStore will be open on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This will give shoppers 7 days to browse our fantastic selection of new and gently used furniture, lighting, kitchen items, tools, and décor for the home. Our operating hours at the ReStore are now:

Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Donations of small items (dish sets, tools, art, seasonal) can be taken at the door. Other items must be scheduled for pickup or drop off. To coordinate pickup or drop off please send a picture of the item(s) you would like to donate to restore@habitatgnh.org or 203-800-5517. Our donation coordinator will return your message within 48 hours. Thank you for thinking of the ReStore, your donations help to fill our store and purchases help to fund the construction of Habitat homes in our community.

International Women Build Week: March 8-15

On March 8 we will kick off Women Build Week and we could not be more excited! Habitat for Humanity’s International Women Build Week, created in partnership with Lowe’s, highlights the global need for women’s access to safe and affordable housing. This year, more than 300 Women Build projects will kick off across United States, Canada and India on International Women’s Day (March 8), so we are in great company. Watch our Facebook page all week for inspiring stories from our volunteers and homeowners demonstrating the power of safe, affordable housing for women in our community.

2021 Board of Directors Announced

During the affiliate’s Annual Meeting on January 25, five new board members were elected to Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven’s Board of Directors. Candidates were put forth by the Board Selection Committee and the Board of Directors unanimously voted to approve the nomination. The newest members of the board include:

Miguel Almodovar (Travelers); Emma De Las Casas (New Haven  Bank); Louise Dembry (VA CT Healthcare System); Frank Montero (Knights of Columbus); and Victoria Verderame (Knights of Columbus).

The following individuals successfully completed their terms and have been integral in the work of our affiliate for the last six years. These members include Simon Etzel, Michael D. Holmes, Chuck Lindberg, Al Lorie, and John Parese. We thank them for their dedication and service.

The complete Board of Directors list can be viewed here.

Community Build Sleeping Giant Build’s 8th Annual Chili Bowl: February 6

Determined not to be intercepted by the pandemic, community build Sleeping Giant Build is excited to present the 8th Annual Chili Bowl – Pandemic Edition.

Join us for a fun evening of food, music, trivia and chili cooking classes by champion chili chefs – on Zoom! All proceeds from the 8th Annual Chili Bowl – and the Online Silent Auction – will help fund our 12th Home and benefit Sleeping Giant Build’s mission to reduce poverty housing in the Greater New Haven area.

The Official Program:

 

 

 

 

 

*Food is prepared, packaged and refrigerated following applicable food safety guidelines. See sleepinggiantbuild.org/chili (FAQs) for details.

**Watch your email for a team roster request.

Order Chili Bowl Packages at bit.ly/chili21

The Complete Chili Bowl Package – $29 per person

  • Your choice of award-winning, tender prime rib or vegetarian chili created by the USS Chowder Pot’s Chef Peter Bencivengo, cornbread and dessert. Extra chili and cornbread – $8/pint
  • Plus, access to music, chili cooking classes and the trivia game

Chili Bowl Entertainment Package – $20 per person

  • Access to music, chili cooking classes and the trivia game

Silent Auction

The famous Chili Bowl Silent Auction will be online this year. You’ll find a tantalizing selection of items including gift cards and great merchandise, donated by our supporters, on our online auction site.

The Silent Auction opens on Friday, February 5 (9AM) and ends Sunday, February 7 (11PM).

The online auction site is easy to use. Access the auction at 32auctions.com/chili21 to browse the auction items – an account is not required to browse.

To bid:

  • Click “Login” at the top right of the 32auctions home page, then click on “Create an account now”
    • Note you’ll just need to supply your name and email address to create an account – no need to enter payment information until you win a bid at the end of the auction
  • Click on your selection. You’ll find a complete description. Check the description for delivery information
    • Enter the bid amount, then “Place My Bid”
    • You’ll receive an email confirming your bid. If you’re outbid, you’ll receive an email so you can bid again!
    • If you win the bid, you’ll receive an email with a link to your invoice.
      • Pay securely using PayPal or a major credit card

 

FAQ’s

Chili Bowl Package Questions

Q: Where do I order tickets?

A: The ticket order site is bit.ly/chili21. Major credit cards are accepted.

Q: How do I order vegetarian chili?

A: When you purchase your ticket(s) at bit.ly/chili21, you’ll see an option for vegetarian or meat chili.

Q: Can I order extra chili?

A: Yes! Guests can purchase extra chili ($8/pint, includes cornbread) along with the purchase of a Complete Chili Bowl package ticket. You’ll see the spot to order extra chili when you order your tickets at bit.ly/chili21

Q: What food safety precautions have you taken to ensure that our chili and dessert is safe?

A: The chili and dessert have been packaged by commercial sources following current food safety guidelines. Chili will be refrigerated until you pick it up.

Event Questions

Q: Where do I find the Zoom link for the Chili Bowl?

A: You’ll receive an email with the link after you register for the Chili Bowl. If you don’t receive the link by Thursday, February 4, please email info@sleepinggiantbuild.org and let us know that you haven’t received the link.

Q: What’s the deal with the private Zoom rooms?

A: Private Zoom rooms are available if you’d like to hang out privately with your friends during the event. Note that if you’re in a private Zoom room, you won’t be able to hear the program (e.g., trivia game, music by Gary D).

Q: Can I move among events during the Chili Bowl?

A: Yes! Thanks to the magic of Zoom, you can move from music, to chili cooking classes, to a Zoom room to join your friends freely. We suggest that you stay in the main room during the trivia game.

Q: Do I have to play the trivia game?

A: No! If you prefer, you can hang out with your friends in a private Zoom room. Private Zoom rooms will be available during the entire event.

Q: Who do I contact if I’m having trouble logging onto Zoom during the Chili Bowl?

A: Email info@sleepinggiantbuild.org. This email address will be monitored during the event.

Silent Auction Questions

Q: How can I access the Online Silent Auction?

A: Go to 32auctions.com/chili21. The auction opens at 9AM on Friday, February 5 and ends at 11PM on Sunday, February 7.

Q: How do I get the items I won at the end of the auction?

A: Some items will be mailed while others will be delivered (local delivery). Check the item description on the auction site for delivery details.

Q: How do I pay for the auction items I won?

A: You’ll receive an email from 32auctions with a link to the invoice page. The page will direct you to enter your method of payment (PayPal or a major credit card).

Miscellaneous

Q: I still have questions. Who should I contact?

A: Email us at info@sleepinggiantbuild.org

New Haven County ReStore Now Offering Gift Certificates

We are excited to announce that we now have gift certificates available at the New Haven County ReStore in Wallingford! Certificates are available in any denomination and may be purchased at the ReStore during normal business hours. These make great gifts for any ReStore shoppers you know as well as anyone moving into or redecorating a home. Stop in today to stock up on gift certificates for upcoming birthdays and holidays.

Our Annual Appeal Letter Featuring the Lopez-Sandoval Family!

Each year we ask one family to share their story in our annual appeal letter. This year, homeowner Patty and her children welcomed us to their home to share how being a part of Habitat has changed their lives in the past year, and how it is helping them to prepare for the future. We hope you will read the appeal letter and make a donation in support of other families just like Patty’s. Thank you as always for your generosity!

 

ReStore Holiday Schedule

The holidays are quickly approaching! In order to give our ReStore staff the opportunity to spend time with their families, we will be operating on the following schedule:

Wednesday, November 25: Closing at 1 p.m.

Thursday, November 26: Closed

Thursday, December 24: Closed

Friday, December 25: Closed

Thursday, December 31: Closed

Friday, January 1: Closed

Our office and construction sites will be closed November 26 and 27, as well as December 24- January 1.

Happy holidays from all of us at Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven!