All posts by Teton Habitat

Remember The ReStore This Fall

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Embrace the End of Summer Clean-Up: Donate and Shop at the ReStore 

It’s that time of year again – the perfect opportunity to embark on your end-of-summer clean-up, start the moving process, or begin back-to-school preparations. The ReStore wants to remind you of the incredible impact your actions can have on our community and the environment. So, as you sort through your belongings and get ready for the next season, please consider donating and shopping at Teton Habitat ReStore. 

Clear Out Clutter Responsibly

The end of summer brings a sense of renewal, making it a great time to declutter your home, garage, or storage unit, and let go of items you no longer need. Instead of tossing them in the trash, why not choose a more sustainable option? By donating gently used furniture, appliances, building materials, and more to Habitat ReStore, you’re not only giving your belongings a second chance at life but also helping to reduce waste in landfills.

A Win-Win: Shopping with Purpose

As you gear up for the upcoming months, whether it’s outfitting a new apartment, sprucing up your living space, or getting ready to head back to college, Habitat ReStore is your go-to destination. Our store is a treasure trove of unique finds, from furniture to home décor, all at affordable prices. By shopping at the ReStore, you can score incredible deals while supporting a worthy cause – building truly affordable housing for families in need.

Supporting Your Community

Every donation and purchase at Habitat ReStore contributes to the mission of Habitat for Humanity – making sure everyone has a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home. Your actions directly impact local families and individuals, creating a ripple effect of positive change within the community. It’s a wonderful way to give back and create a lasting legacy of kindness.

Eco-Friendly Choices

Embracing sustainable practices doesn’t stop with donating and shopping. When you support Habitat ReStore, you’re also making an environmentally conscious choice. By reusing and repurposing items, you’re reducing the demand for new production, conserving resources, and lowering your carbon footprint. It’s a small change that makes a big difference for our planet.

As the summer sun sets and you dive into your end-of-summer rituals, remember the power of your actions. Habitat ReStore is your partner in making a positive impact on the community and the environment. Donating and shopping at the ReStore clears out clutter, saves you money, and supports Habitat for Humanity’s mission. Together, we can build a brighter future, one donation and one purchase at a time.

 

The Restore is located at: 

850 W. Broadway Suite D

in the Grand Teton Plaza

Jackson, WY 83001

 

Our hours are: 

Tues – Friday: 9am – 5pm

Saturday: 10am – 5pm

 

Donations Accepted

Tues – Friday: 9am – 4pm

Saturday: 10am – 4pm

 

Have questions? Contact us at: 

307.734.0389

restore@tetonhabitat.org

Habitat Success Story- 10 Years Later

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At Teton Habitat, we believe that everyone deserves a decent place to live. Through donations, volunteering, and the support of our community, we are able to provide truly affordable housing in Teton County. 

In 2013, Teton Habitat built four townhomes at the Homesteads at Teton Village. These were Habitat’s 25th – 28th homes.  As a requirement of the Teton Village Expansion, Crystal Springs Ranch, Inc. gifted the lots to Habitat. JLF & Associates, Inc was the architect for the project. This Old Bill’s season, we are excited to feature a Habitat family who is still thriving in their home after 10 years. 

Sharon and Stephen Fralin were excited to build their dream – a Habitat home that would be safe and healthy for their children in the town that was their home. Beset by financial and health hardships, they lost their first home to foreclosure in 2010. This was also emotionally devastating because it was the home where Sharon, a fourth generation Wyoming native, and her family were raised. 

After foreclosing on their home, the Fralin’s struggled in the Teton County rental market. Their rental, before purchasing a Teton Habitat home, was a small two bedroom apartment where ice collected on the inside of metal window frames during the cold winter months. They also had to deal with mold growing in the bathrooms. 

Sharon worked as a cook and cashier for Teton County School District and Stephen was a chef and a River Rock Lodge Assisted Living Center Dining Services Director. Both Stephen and Sharon enjoy the outdoors, being involved at their church, and volunteering with organizations that have benefitted their family such as Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding Association and the Special Olympics program. 

Their oldest child has down syndrome. “She has brought us incredible joy… and helped us renew our faith,” say Sharon and Stephen. The Fralin family continue to live and raise their family in their Teton Village home. 

It is through community support and donations that we can build truly affordable home for families like the Fralins. Now through September 15th your donations can go further through Old Bills Fun Run. You can donate to Teton Habitat Here. 

Unable to donate financially? We are always looking for people to donate their time to help these homes become a reality. Please consider volunteering here. 

September ReStore Update

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It’s been a busy month in the ReStore with a lot of changes taking place. First, the ReStore is excited to have a new Point of Sale system called ThrifCart. This system is geared specifically for thrift stores and more than half of the ReStores in the nation are now using it. As we continue to work with ThiftCart we will be adding new features to help our mission and efficiency.

Along with the new POS system, we have also started a Customer Loyalty Rewards program. To sign up we just need you name and phone number. Every $5 you spend earns a point and every 100 points gets $5 off your next purchase and points do not expire! To sign up, see an associate in the ReStore or email restore@tetonhabitat.org.

On top of that, the ReStore started a new partnership with GreenSheen. GreenSheen operates out of Denver Colorado and recycles paint as a small-batch, eco-friendly option. Contractors, individuals, and other companies drop off to them and they recycle it in their warehouse which then ships worldwide. The recycled ‘new’ paint is then repackaged into appropriate-sized containers (1 gallon cans or 5 gallon buckets) and sent to the ReStore for sale. Our shelves are currently stocked with 18 color options as well as white.

Finally, The EPA has released new guidelines on light bulb efficiency. Light bulbs must have 45 lumens to every watt, because of this we are now only taking LED bulbs to ensure we are keeping up with more eco-friendly guidelines.

September Parkside Construction Update

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The Habitat construction team has been on a roll this last month! In four weeks, they framed most of the interior walls in building two and started installing Zip sheathing around the lower part of the building. Additionally, the team spent 12 hours installing the SIP (structural insulated panel) roof on August 10th. This consisted of lifting 15 panels (1000lbs each) onto the roof then slipping them into place by hand and fastening them down individually before moving to the next.

While the team transitions to installing interior walls in building two, Fish Creek Excavation dug out two foundations for buildings three and four. These foundations coincide with the next six families being selected for homeownership and will be ready for vertical construction as the families come to the job site for their sweat-equity hours.

The Habitat Construction Partner of the Month for September is Bressler Insulation. Bressler Insulation has been a longtime supporter of Teton Habitats construction work and regularly donates products we use to insulate tight spaces inside our units, such as expanding foam insulation. Their donations reduce the cost of building for Habitat and their products reduce heating and AC costs for homeowners. Thank you, Bressler!

 

Phase 2 Homeowner Selection for Parkside at Benson & Brown Station

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Teton Habitat is excited to report that we have selected 6 families and 3 alternates for Phase 2 of the Parkside at Benson & Brown Station. 

The selection process for the second six homeowners for this project began by informing our “active” pool of applicants of the income verification document deadline. 33 applications were submitted by our deadline of June 28, 2023. All applications and income verification documents were reviewed by the Homeowner Services Manager and submitted to a sub-committee for review and approval. The subcommittee then recommended 12 applications for Homeowner Selection Committee review. 

Fourteen homeowner selection committee members participated in an anonymized round of selection. The selection criteria included need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner.  All selected applicants are required to do 500 hours of sweat equity, attend homebuyer education courses, and save for their closing costs.  Teton Habitat sells homes to selected applicants through a zero per cent interest, 30-year fixed mortgage. 

Chosen applicants from our community include:

  • A 20-year resident of Teton County, a single parent with 2 kids currently living in a 1 bedroom/ 1 bathroom rental with many issues. 
  • A 25-year resident of the Valley, a single parent with 4 kids currently living in a 2 bedroom/ 1 bathroom rental with threats of eviction. 
  • A 16-year off/on Teton County resident, a single parent who has moved nine times in the last year. 
  • A 22-year resident in Teton County, single parent of 1, whose lease ends in October. 
  • A 22-year Teton County resident, single parent of 3 whose lease ends in November.
  • A 22-year resident, single parent of 1 with rent continually increasing. 

Chosen applicants for Phase 2 of the Parkside at Benson & Brown Station have been notified of their selection. Some have already begun their sweat equity hours. The Teton Habitat staff, Board of Directors and Selection Committee Members are thrilled to bring truly affordable and safe housing to 6 more families in Teton County. 

Phase 3 homeowners will be selected early next year, which will complete this 18 unit, single-family housing neighborhood. 

Learn more about his project HERE. 

Learn how you can get involved HERE. 

Remember Teton Habitat During Old Bill’s 2023

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Remember Teton Habitat during Old Bill’s 2023. This year our goal is to raise $200,000 through Old Bill’s for affordable housing. 

“No matter what amount, it counts.” shared Teton Habitat Homeowner Michelle Knobe. Teton Habitat provides truly affordable housing to families making 30-80% of the area’s medium income. More than ⅓ of the people working in Teton County may qualify for a Teton Habitat home. Your donations to Teton Habitat directly support building affordable homes for the people who make our community special. We are currently building 18 units at Parkside at Benson-Brown Station and we are working on other multi-family units with the town and county. 

“When you donate, I don’t think you know what an impact you have on my life… cause it is a big one.” – Teton Habitat Homeowner

Old Bill’s Fun Run giving season is now open and runs through September 15th!

Donate to Teton Habitat Here. 

Habitat Success Story- Meet the Jimenez Family

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At Teton Habitat, we believe that everyone deserves a decent place to live. Through donations, volunteering, and the support of our community, we are able to provide truly affordable housing in Teton County. 

In 2015, Habitat built four townhomes in the Daisy Bush subdivision located in East Jackson. The land was purchased from St. John’s Medical Center. This month, we are excited to feature a Habitat family who is still thriving in their home. 

Rosalba and Juan Jimenez and their three children were excited about their Habitat home, as it allowed them to realize two dreams – to own a home of their own and to stay in Jackson, an area they love due to its beauty and tranquility. Born in Tlaxcala, Mexico, Juan has lived in the United States for 30 years. He has lived in Jackson for over 10 years.

Before purchasing their Habitat home, they lived in a small, two bedroom, one bathroom house.The two teenagers (boy and girl) shared one bedroom while Juan, Rosalba, and their youngest child shared the other bedroom. The house was poorly insulated. 

Juan is a custodian for the Teton County School District and also works part-time as a laborer for Architectural Stone and Tile. Rosalba is a homemaker and enjoys caring for her family and making crafts for her loved ones. Together, they enjoy spending time with their children in their own home. 

The Jimenz’s monthly rent was $1200. Their monthly mortgage, including loan payment, land lease, property taxes, and homeowner insurance, is now $570. Habitat partner families put in 500 hours of their own ‘sweat equity’, save for a downpayment, and take monthly homeowner classes.

It is through donations that we can build truly affordable homes for families like the Jimenez’s, and it is through the help of our volunteers that these homes become a reality. You can donate directly to Teton Habitat HERE, or Volunteer HERE. 

Break A Sweat for a Good Cause This Summer

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While summer is short in Teton County, the beautiful weather and longer days allow Teton Habitat construction to accelerate. Indeed, summer is our prime building season—a time to create lasting impact. In order to really make gains during the summer, we need helping hands. That is where our fantastic volunteers come into play.

It takes a community to build truly affordable housing in Teton County. And our volunteers are critical to lower construction costs. We hope that you will consider joining us for what remains of the summer to make a difference in the lives of your fellow community members. 

No construction skills? Not necessary, we can teach you. The Teton Habitat team will provide you with the necessary training and guidance, empowering you to step outside and embrace the rewarding experience of breaking a sweat for a worthy cause.

Stuck indoors at your day job? Many organizations offer paid time off for volunteering. Or better yet, bring your whole office with you for a team-building experience that gives back to the community.

Sign up to volunteer or set up a team-build day here.  For questions, contact our Volunteer Manager at laneisha@tetonhabitat.org

Parkside Homeowner Update

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Affordable homeownership is the focus and end result of the work collectively done at Teton Habitat. The Homeowner Services team is in full swing this summer, managing multiple facets of Teton Habitats homeownership program. 

First, our Phase 1 (first six units) homebuyers, who were previously selected, are going through their Homebuyer Education Classes while also working on the job site to fulfill their sweat equity hours – 500 in total! 

While this is happening, applicants for Phase 2 (the next six units) are being reviewed by our selection committee this month. Once selected, Habitat will welcome the next six partner families as they begin to work on their sweat equity this winter. 

Finally, our application portal is open for anyone interested in applying for Phase 3 at Parkside which includes the final six units of our project. These units will come up for sale in Summer/Fall 2024 with an expected completion date in Spring/Summer 2025.

English Application

Spanish Application 

 

Learn about the homeowner process with Teton Habitat Here. 

Teton Habitat is Looking for Construction Volunteers – No Building Experience Needed!

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Summer is our prime building season in Teton County and Teton Habitat is looking for more construction volunteers on the Parkside at Benson-Brown Station project. Parkside is moving along, with the first six units approaching completion. We can use your help to get these homes ready for our excited new homeowners.

It takes a community to build affordable housing in Teton County. Our volunteers are critical to keeping construction costs low and making a Habitat house truly affordable. “We hope people will join us at Parkside and help make a difference in our community.” shared Kris Greenville, Executive Director of Teton Habitat. “Our first group of Parkside homebuyers has been working hard and several families have nearly completed their 500 hours of ‘sweat equity.’ Volunteers have an amazing opportunity to work alongside these inspiring folks and help address our affordable housing crisis.”

Teton Habitat invites volunteers to come out each Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Shifts are 8:45 am to 4 pm with a lunch break. Volunteers do not need construction experience. Each volunteer day, the Teton Habitat construction team provides necessary training and organizing. You can volunteer once, weekly, or monthly. We also offer group volunteer opportunities – if your team or organization is interested in volunteerism, a Habitat Build Day is a wonderful team-building experience.

By participating in Habitat building projects, you directly contribute to constructing homes that will improve the lives of individuals and communities. According to a survey conducted by Habitat for Humanity International, 89% of homeowners reported better family health, and 79% reported improved academic performance of their children after moving into a Habitat home.

Contact Teton Habitat’s Volunteer Manager, LaNeisha Pickens (laneisha@tetonhabitat.org), to volunteer or set up a team-build day. To learn more about volunteering with Teton Habitat, you can also visit www.tetonhabitat.org/get-involved.