HFH-CC April 2026 Newsletter

Together, we've built 51 homes

Work has officially begun on our 52nd home build, located on Grove St. here in Wilmington!

After a few months’ layoff during the winter season, our build team is excited to get back to doing what they love—helping another family realize their dream of homeownership.

The footer has been poured, and block work is up next. Stay tuned as we bring this home to life!

Jay’s journey with Habitat for Humanity began in 2001, when his pastor invited him to attend his first meeting in Highland County. At the time, the Highland County chapter was newly formed and just beginning construction on its very first home. What started as a single invitation quickly grew into a long-standing commitment.

In 2010, Jay and his wife, Linda, moved back to Wilmington, where he continued his involvement with the Clinton County chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

Over the years, Jay has contributed wherever he’s needed most on the build site. His skills span a wide range of tasks, including marking slabs, installing vinyl siding and laminate flooring, and even tackling the “high-wire act” of setting trusses.

Outside of Habitat, Jay and Linda -both retired, he as a teacher and she as a registered nurse- enjoy working together on projects both at home and in the community. They have two grown sons with families of their own, and spending time with their grandchildren is one of their greatest joys. Jay also pursues woodworking, crafting segmented bowls from scrap wood and repurposing the remaining pieces into serving trays.

Their commitment to service extends well beyond Habitat. Over the years, Jay and Linda have volunteered with the Free Clinic and Your Father’s Kitchen, supporting important local efforts to care for those in need. Linda has also been actively involved in the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Together, they have especially enjoyed a meaningful project honoring the past -visiting the gravesites of former members of the George Clinton Chapter of the DAR, helping preserve and recognize their legacy.

If you see Jay and Linda around town, please join us in thanking them for their dedication to both Habitat for Humanity and the broader community.

Volunteers like Jay are at the heart of Habitat for Humanity’s mission. Their commitment, compassion, and hard work make it possible to build not just houses, but stronger communities. If Jay’s story inspires you, consider joining us on a future build day or supporting our efforts in other ways.

Interested in getting involved? Click here.

Join us for a Dine to Donate Fundraiser on Thursday, April 23 at Fiesta Veracruz Mexican Restaurant in downtown Wilmington. Enjoy a great meal while supporting a great cause—Habitat for Humanity–Clinton County and our mission to build safe, affordable homes for local families.

Save and print the image shown on the left, then present it to your server or let them know you’re there to support Habitat for Humanity and a portion of your bill will be donated by Fiesta Veracruz.

Eat Local. Support Local. Build Local.

Applications for the Affordable Homeownership Program starts on May 1, 2026. To apply for the building site at 287 Hawley Ave in Wilmington, please contact Mitzi Dennis at 513-601-4664 or mdennis@clintonhabitat.org to schedule an orientation meeting.

Shop. Donate. Volunteer.

The Habitat for Humanity Clinton County ReStore is more than just a place to shop for home improvement items—it’s a cornerstone of the community. Offering a wide selection of new and gently used furniture, building materials, and home goods, the ReStore makes affordable living possible while supporting Habitat for Humanity’s mission to eliminate substandard housing and create opportunities for homeownership.

Among its many loyal customers, one stands out. For this story, we’ll call him Dan.

A few years ago, when Dan and his family moved to Wilmington, they quickly realized there was a shortage of affordable rental housing. Rather than accept the situation, Dan decided to take action. He made it his mission to help create safe, affordable places for people to live. By hiring local craftsmen and investing in property conversions, Dan began transforming houses into homes for those in need.

It wasn’t long before Dan discovered the ReStore, and a strong partnership was formed. Searching for quality, affordable materials—from cabinets and lighting to plumbing supplies and décor—Dan found exactly what he needed. Today, he visits the ReStore two to three times a week, always on the lookout for items that can help keep his projects both practical and cost-effective.

But Dan’s presence at the ReStore is about more than just materials. He’s become a familiar and welcomed face among staff, volunteers, and fellow shoppers. Known for his friendly conversations and stories—especially those about his grandchildren—Dan brings a sense of connection and warmth every time he walks through the doors. It’s not uncommon for other customers to stop and chat with him, a testament to the relationships he’s built.

Dan’s vision for the community doesn’t stop at housing. He is currently planning to open a small convenience store, giving local residents a safe and accessible place to pick up everyday essentials like milk or bread. His efforts reflect a deep commitment to improving not just homes, but the overall quality of life in the area.

The ReStore is proud to support customers like Dan, whose work aligns so closely with its mission. Together, they are helping make Wilmington a better place to live, work, and play—one project, one partnership, and one story at a time.

Score big savings every time you visit the ReStore! With our color-coded discounts, you can save 25%, 50%, or even 75% off original prices on select items. Inventory changes daily, so there’s always something new to discover—and the deeper the discount, the faster it goes. Best of all, every purchase helps fund the building of safe, affordable homes right here in our community.

With your help, we can take action today to ensure more families in Clinton County have a safe, decent place to call home. Your donation puts materials on job sites, and hope where it’s needed most. Give now and be part of building strength and stability for our neighbors—because when you give, you help build more than a house. You help build hope.