Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

July 10, 2008 issue

Watauga Habitat For Humanity Finds a New Home on an Old Highway

Operation Now Located on Old 421

Story by David Brewer

After running Watauga County operations from an office on George Wilson Road since the beginning of 2005, Habitat For Humanity has relocated to the former Norris Furniture building at 2447 Old Highway 421. The location is five minutes from New Market Shopping Center toward Parkway Elementary School.

Citing financial issues and the need to increase overall space, Volunteer Coordinator and Administrative Assistant Caroline Bond said that the move, which occurred on June 21, has proven to be a positive change for the organization. In addition to more square footage and a bigger showroom for the Habitat ReStore, Bond said the new location is providing increased visibility.

“We seem to be reaching more customers than we were before,” said Bond.

The nonprofit’s former building on George Wilson Road could not accommodate all the ReStore’s wares, so many items had to be stored in the yard of the complex. The new location features ample space and will allow for better customer service, particularly during inclement weather.

In addition to searching for a new executive director, Watauga Habitat For Humanity also recently purchased 21 acres in the Green Valley area and is organizing a program called Youth United. The new program will allow youth ages 5 to 25 a chance to work together building homes for Habitat clients.

To contact Watauga Habitat For Humanity or schedule a pickup for dropoff for the ReStore, call 828-268-9545 or click to www.wataugahabitat.org.