Local church leaders visit Ballymena Habitat ReStore

Habitat ReStore recently welcomed local church leaders to highlight some ways churches can engage to support the vulnerable through Habitat for Humanity, at home and around the world.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Nov 2016, 09:36 BST
Updated 22nd Nov 2016, 12:06 BST
Rev. Dr. David Rock from Ballymena Methodist Church; Isobel Kerr, Habitat ReStore Ballymena Manager; Rev. Dr. Colin McClure from First Larne Presbyterian Church; Jenny Williams, Chief Executive of Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland, at Habitat ReStore.Rev. Dr. David Rock from Ballymena Methodist Church; Isobel Kerr, Habitat ReStore Ballymena Manager; Rev. Dr. Colin McClure from First Larne Presbyterian Church; Jenny Williams, Chief Executive of Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland, at Habitat ReStore.
Rev. Dr. David Rock from Ballymena Methodist Church; Isobel Kerr, Habitat ReStore Ballymena Manager; Rev. Dr. Colin McClure from First Larne Presbyterian Church; Jenny Williams, Chief Executive of Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland, at Habitat ReStore.

Habitat is a global, Christian housing organisation that welcomes people of all faiths and none to help build a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Habitat ReStore is its social enterprise which enables local people to improve their homes at low-cost and provides opportunities for volunteers of different abilities and backgrounds. It also diverts tons of reusable waste from landfill and raises vital funds to build hope and homes.

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Jenny Williams, Chief Executive of Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland, who met with the local church leaders during their visit to the Ballymena Habitat ReStore said: “It’s a shocking statistic that one in four people in our world live in poor conditions. At Habitat, we seek to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.

“ReStore connects what we do locally to our global mission. Helping people improve their homes here, and diverting tons of material from landfill, is a powerful symbol about the kind of world we believe is possible, where all our resources are shared more effectively.”

Church leaders, including representatives from local Presbyterian, Methodist and Catholic churches, learned how Habitat offer practical ways for individuals and congregations to put faith in action.

In ReStore this includes volunteering for just four hours a week or donating unwanted, reusable DIY and home improvement material.

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Every day, Habitat for Humanity works beside families to build, renovate or repair their home in 70 countries around the world. Habitat advocates to improve access to affordable shelter and support funding models that enable families with limited resources make vital improvements to their homes. In Northern Ireland, Habitat brings people together from across the community to serve the most vulnerable.

Isobel Kerr, Habitat ReStore Ballymena Manager, said: “We have been encouraged by the support of local people, churches and companies for ReStore. We would love to talk to anybody who is interested in getting involved as we deliver positive impacts for the wider community.”

Habitat ReStore is located at Bridge Park, Larne Road (beside Dunelm and Jollyes) and is open Wednesday to Saturday, 9am – 5pm.