A Magical Afternoon for the Community – Thank You for Joining Us!

At Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County, we believe in building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. That’s why we were thrilled to partner with Keller Williams Keystone Realty for an incredible free community event that brought together fun, family, and philanthropy!

On Sunday, March 30th, the Capitol Theatre in Chambersburg, PA, was filled with excitement as families gathered for an afternoon of entertainment and connection. Uncle Bean wowed the audience with a spectacular magic show, bringing smiles and laughter to kids and adults alike. Guests also enjoyed:
– Free food from Fox’s Pizza Den
– KidZone fun activities
– Golf simulator fun from Pure Impact
– A silent auction supporting Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity and Keller Williams share a common mission—helping people achieve safe, stable housing. KW agents work to find families their dream homes, and HFHFC volunteers build homes for those in need. This event was a wonderful reminder of the power of community in making housing opportunities accessible for all.

There’s Still Time to Make a Difference!
Even though the event is over, you can still support Habitat’s mission! Our silent auction is still live online, featuring fantastic items donated by local businesses, with all proceeds benefiting local housing efforts. Place your bids here: tinyurl.com/y34n8h7t

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this event a success! Your support helps build homes, hope, and a stronger community.

An Intern’s View

This February has been particularly cold and windy. As an intern, I drive to the Habitat office in Franklin County once a month and feel the biting cold of the early morning while I wait for my car’s heater to fight the chill in the air.

I visited three Habitat home sites today: one rehab, one in-progress lot, and one unbuilt lot. Each lot is unique and will soon become a finished home for local families and individuals. My last stop on the tour was the in-progress lot. The home covers 1,200 square feet with an open-concept layout, three bedrooms and a clear view of the mountains. As I walked through, I imagined what it would look like in May after its dedication and in six months as the family prepares for the holiday season. I see a Christmas tree in one corner with toys scattered across the couch and floor. I see a birthday cake on the kitchen counter with plenty of balloons and cake for all. I see a crowd of kids running in and out of the front door during the summer, enjoying icy lemonade under the warm sun.

But for now, this home is empty. I hear the wind whistling past the house, unable to get past the new insulation. In a moment, I’ll have to step outside into the full force of the wind and drive back home. I’ll see my roommate, and we’ll drink tea, safe from the elements. But my mind will wander back to that almost-ready home, wondering where its family is as they wait for it to be completed.

Written by Joanna Story, Lancaster Bible College senior and HFHFC intern

The HFHFC ReStore’s 10th Anniversary!

Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County celebrated the ten-year anniversary of its ReStore, not with a ribbon cutting but with a board-cutting ceremony. “We don’t cut ribbons at Habitat, we cut boards,” said Mark Story, Habitat’s Director of Advancement. Justin Hoke, the original store manager, cut the board ten years ago when the ReStore first opened and was proud to cut another alongside Les Clugston, the current manager, at the celebration on January 23rd.

In recognition of ten years, Story gave a speech thanking the many people who have contributed to Habitat ReStore’s success, from past and present volunteers to community members to anyone who has made a purchase at the ReStore. Over the last ten years, sales from the ReStore have funded the equivalent construction of 20 homes for local families in Franklin County. The ReStore is an integral part of the Habitat for Humanity mission and is looking forward to a future where everyone has a decent place to live.

BWise and Brechbill Trailers Partner to Support Habitat

Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County has a powerful new tool in its mission to build homes and hope, thanks to a generous donation from BWise Trailers and Brechbill Trailers. The two local businesses teamed up to provide a brand-new 12’ DT10 BWise Dump Trailer, solving a long-standing challenge at Habitat’s construction sites. Previously, Habitat relied on roll-off dumpsters for nonrecyclable debris, but those dumpsters often became filled by others overnight, causing delays and extra landfill fees. Now, the donated dump trailer offers a secure and efficient solution, allowing volunteers and homeowners to focus on what matters most—building safe, affordable housing.

Mark Story, Habitat’s Director of Advancement, expressed his gratitude: “Our volunteers and homeowners are the true beneficiaries of this generous gift. We are tremendously proud of the philanthropic spirit and community support offered by the Cumberland Valley.”

The trailer is already hard at work at Habitat’s 59th home under construction in Hamilton Township, showcasing how community partnerships can make a lasting impact.

Habitat for Humanity Voted Top Nonprofit Organization

Wow! It’s always fun to win and we were just made aware that Habitat of Franklin County has been selected as the top nonprofit organization through a recent community choice vote! Our mission to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope is only possible because of the unwavering support of volunteers, donors, and advocates like you. This recognition is a testament to the incredible dedication of everyone who shares our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Thank you to all who voted and to those who work behind the scenes to support our efforts every day. Together, we are building so much more than homes—we’re building a stronger, united community.

Mark Story, Director of Advancement

Inspiring the Next Generation

This month I was honored to speak to nearly 800 elementary school students in Waynesboro about Habitat for Humanity and the difference it makes in our community. It was a truly rewarding experience to see young faces light up as they learned about the importance of safe, affordable housing – and how they, even at their age, can play a part in building a better world.

The students were curious and engaged and understood that we all live in community together and that we should seek ways to be kind and helpful. Opportunities like these remind me why Habitat’s mission is so powerful: it doesn’t just transform houses – it transforms lives and inspires people of all ages to come together for a common purpose. These students may not be swinging hammers just yet, but they’re learning about compassion, community, and the power of giving back. And who knows? Maybe a few future Habitat volunteers or even homeowners were sitting in that audience.

Mark Story, Director of Advancement

Help Build Hope

Help Build Hope is a division of CrossRoads Missions. They partnered with New Life Church in Frederick, Maryland on Saturday, July 20th to frame walls for two of our upcoming housing projects. In 2023, they framed out half of the duplex on Queen St and decided they wanted to do more in 2024.

Over 100 individuals of all ages took part in building the walls and completed the work in just under 4 hours. This included setting, building the walls, and loading the trailer for transport back to Chambersburg. G&M Transport, LLC. provided the trailer and transport from Frederick to our warehouse, where we will store the walls until one set is used in August of 2024 and the other set sometime in 2025.

“We are grateful for organizations and churches like CrossRoads Missions and New Life, who give of their time and resources to better communities through providing the walls for some of our homes. This donation goes a long way to helping us keep the houses affordable and allows us to impact more families because of the savings it provides. It will never get old to see churches step up and be the active hands and feet of Jesus in our world.”

Habitat Worldwide

Habitat houses in the United States and Canada are typically built using wood frame construction, Gypsum board interior walls, vinyl siding and asphalt shingle roofs. U.S. and Canadian Habitat houses are modestly sized with three-bedroom houses typically not exceeding 1,050 square feet of living space.

Throughout the countries where Habitat for Humanity works, houses are designed for the local setting. Habitat builds with locally available materials by country, reducing costs and making it easier for homeowners to maintain the houses.

For example, houses in many African countries are constructed with fired clay bricks and tile roofs made of cement or fired clay. Houses in Latin America often are built with concrete block or adobe walls and metal roofs. Houses in the Pacific are often built with wood frames and are constructed on stilts.

People of different countries use their houses in different ways. Habitat’s house designs reflect these cultural considerations. Meals are cooked outdoors in many African countries; there, Habitat plans call for a kitchen area outside of the house. In the Philippines, laundry and other chores traditionally are done on a small outdoor utility porch, so house designs reflect this custom.

No matter where they are built, Habitat house sizes are always designed to meet the homeowner families’ needs while keeping costs as low and affordable as possible for low-income families.

Office Hours

Monday: 9am – 2pm
Tuesday: 9am – 2pm
Wednesday: 9am – 2pm
Thursday: 9am – 2pm
(other hours by appointment only)

1502 Lincoln Way East
Chambersburg, PA 17202
717-267-1899

ReStore Shopping Hours

Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday: 10am – 6pm
Thursday: 10am – 6pm
Friday: 10am – 6pm
Saturday: 9am – 3pm
Sunday: CLOSED

1662 Lincoln Way E
Chambersburg, PA 17202
717-491-1156

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We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

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Affiliate Office

1502 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, PA 17202
717-267-1899

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1662 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, PA 17202
717-491-1156

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Questions about financial donations? Please contact mark@habitatfranklinpa.org

Our EIN # is 25-1706987