See coverage in The Roanoke Times and Blue Ridge Business Journal
Reclaimed Building Materials from Cottages Donated to Habitat ReStore
ROANOKE, Va. (June 16, 2010) – Brandon Oaks, a nonprofit lifecare retirement community, is helping Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley fulfill its mission with a generous donation of reclaimed and reusable building materials. Doors, windows, kitchen, bath and lighting fixtures are being salvaged from six Brandon Oaks cottages, and will be donated to the Habitat ReStore, where homeowners, landlords and contractors can purchase the items, and in turn help provide affordable housing for Roanoke-area families.
Fulfilling A Basic Need
Shelter from wind, rain and cold is a basic human need. As a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide, Habitat for Humanity is fervently committed to its mission of providing adequate, affordable shelter to people in need, regardless of race, religious preference or background.
“With this donation, Brandon Oaks is playing an important role in helping us carry out our mission, as materials and proceeds from the Habitat ReStore help build more homes,” explains Betsy Whitney, deputy director for Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley. “It also assists with our goal of building sustainably. By using reclaimed and recycled materials, we are able to build homes that use less resources, are healthy to live in and are affordable,” she says.
A Shared Commitment to Environment and Healthy Living
Brandon Oaks’ own commitment to the environment and healthy living has made the donation of reclaimed materials to the Habitat ReStore possible. In order to break ground for The Pines, the community’s first sustainably designed and developed residence, Brandon Oaks must first remove six of its cottages. The Pines will then be built on the existing site, eliminating any need for clear-cutting.
“The Pines offers features that are healthier for our residents and easier on nature,” remarks Brandon Oaks Executive Director Andy Dickinson. “Using local and low-toxicity materials, water-saving plumbing and high-efficiency air filtration, The Pines contributes to your health and quality of life. It’s not only green living — it’s great living.”
Contributing to the community’s effort to “go green” is Charles Norfleet, general manager for building systems. Norfleet will oversee construction of The Pines and will conduct ongoing analysis and evaluation of existing facility support systems on the Brandon Oaks campus to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
Habitat ReStores sell reusable and surplus building materials to the public, and the proceeds help fund local Habitat house construction. The Roanoke Habitat ReStore accepts donations from community organizations and individuals Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tax receipts are issued for all donations. For more information about acceptable items, or to schedule an appointment to have a donation picked up, please visit the Habitat for Humanity in Roanoke Valley website at www.habitat-roanoke.org.
Brandon Oaks is a nonprofit lifecare retirement community. Open to everyone, Brandon Oaks operates under the sponsorship of Virginia Lutheran Homes. Established in 1966, Virginia Lutheran Homes (originally Virginia Synod Lutheran Homes) serves residents in three locations: Brandon Oaks in Roanoke; Luther Manor in Virginia Beach; and Luther Crest in New Market.
