Chronicle Telegram interview Filed by Chuck Humel February 22nd, 2010

Speaking to John Keaton, Lorain Ohio, Executive director for Lorain County Habitat for Humanity since 2007.

Q.  The most notable person to wield a hammer for Habitat for Humanity was ex-president Jimmy Carter, right?

A. He was. He didn’t start it — that’s been a big misconception. It was started by Millard Fuller in 1976. Jimmy Carter lent his name and his talents to it, and as a result there are Habitats all over the world.

Q. What kind of hats have you put on while working on Habitat houses?

A. Drywall, roofing — none of the skilled trades like plumbing or furnaces, but probably everything else. I’m probably the best door and window man in the county! They have to be plumb when you install them.

Q. How many Habitat homes are in Lorain County?

A. We have built, to date, 39 Habitat homes. As a matter of fact — I guess I can say this now, the Moen Corporation is going to be the sponsor of our 40th home. We’re going to have a big to-do when we build that one. It’s going to be in Elyria.

Q. As director here, you have a relatively new idea that you’re trying to introduce to the county.

A. That is the Lorain County Habitat ReStore. Actually it’s a Re-Store, resale store. We get donations from businesses like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Moen and people, and we in turn sell those items to the do-it-yourselfer.

I’ll give you an example: I had an attic that was a scary place that only ghosts and spiders lived in. I converted that into a room and everything that helped me achieve that goal I purchased at a Habitat ReStore. The lights and electrical, the drywall, the carpet, everything. We’ve never had one in Lorain County, and in an effort for us to become self-sufficient, this idea came about that we should open a ReStore because they have been successful with other Habitat locations. We’re in the process of doing that now.

Q. Tick off a list of some items that are useful?

A. We picked up a ladder this morning; Lowe’s called us the other day and we picked up a whole kitchen cabinet set — sinks and cupboards. Everything has to be operable though. We don’t want to take anybody’s junk. We have caulk, door bells, boxes of nails, construction materials, wire, lamps, insulation. We can use tools, windows, doors, sinks and tubs, lumber, appliances and furniture, but items must be complete and in good working condition. They can call the office and we’ll make arrangements to come out and pick it up or you can bring it to us; it’s another way of recycling.

Q. Is there anything else you would like to mention?

A. Habitat for Humanity builds affordable homes for families that qualify. We’re always looking for applicants. Currently, we’re looking for a building for our ReStore — something in the neighborhood of 40 to 50,000 square feet or more with a bay (door for trucks). We’re ready to move in. We can negotiate with whoever owns the building. The commissioners have been real instrumental in helping us get this temporary building. Preferably we would like to be located in Elyria. We’ll need parking, display space, a little more decorative than here. I just want everybody who reads this to think of the ReStore, think of how we’re going to help the county recycle items, and come and see us if they need something that we have..

Q. Are there income guidelines for the store?

A. No, no income guidelines for the store, anyone can donate or shop.

Chronicle photographer Chuck Humel shines the spotlight on the people of Lorain County each week. Know someone worthy of 15 Minutes? E-mail chumel@chroniclet.com.