Project Description
The City of Stockton is partnering with Habitat for Humanity of
San Joaquin County's ReStore program and provide a creative solution to
recapture and reuse construction and demolition (C&D) materials to meet the AB939 mandate.
Introduction
Having lost Habitat for Humanity's Executive Director in February
2005, the ReStore started the year on the wrong foot. However, due to
the assistance of the City of Stockton, this Reuse Assistance Grant,
dedicated volunteers, and board members, the ReStore has become a
reliable resource in the community for donating and procuring used and
discarded building supplies. Habitat has remained consistent with their
four main tasks: Hire a full-time ReStore Manager, Increase the ReStore's
Publicity, Acquire Specialized Equipment, and Grant Administration;
however, they have attempted to economize sub-tasks and re-budget to
better uses of funds consistent with meeting their goals and objectives.
One new sub-task they would like to discuss with the CIWMB and add is
Task 3.3 to cover their monthly expenses on renting a 6,000 square foot
warehouse. They aim to become self-sufficient by end of this grant
cycle; the City of Stockton has stayed in touch with the board members
and ReStore management, and monitored the progress closely.
The steps required to accomplish their project are as follows:
Task 1: Hire a Full Time ReStore Manager.
Task 1.1: Announce Job Position in Newspaper.
An ad was taken out in the Stockton Record Newspaper asking for resumes
from qualified individuals. Experience in retail sales and construction
was highlighted. The job opening was also promoted within Habitat for
Humanity's network of existing volunteers. Job outreach was conducted by
board member Isabel Fiscus. Task 1.1 is 100 percent complete.
Task 1.2: Interview Job Candidates (Matching Services).
Several resumes were received and interviews were conducted by staff and
board members. The board and staff concluded that hiring a part-time
ReStore Manager and a part-time assistant was appropriate at that time.
Prior to the solicitation of the position, temp agencies and existing
resumes on file were utilized to staff the ReStore. After the resumes
were reviewed, Chris Kovach was officially re-hired on June of 2005 as
ReStore Manager. Prior to the official hiring of a ReStore Manager, the
ReStore was staffed by volunteers and a temporary position was created.
For this period, staff and volunteer time was paid by Habitat for
Humanity and is included in matching funds. Further reviewing of resumes
and advertising was conducted for an assistant. On July 28, 2005 Licia
Viegas was hired as a ReStore Assistant Manager. Task 1.2 is 70 percent
complete.
Task 1.3: Hire ReStore Manager Payroll Year One.
Due to the fact that Habitat hired later than was anticipated in the
original grant and hired only a part-time manager and an assistant, they
have come under budget in payroll. See task 1.3 in expenditures and
matching funds. Task 1.3 is 60 percent complete.
Task 1.4: Workman's Comp Year One.
Task 1.3 is 100 percent complete.
Task 1.5: Train ReStore Manager (Matching Services).
ReStore Manager training was conducted by board members and volunteers
(Dan Guerin, Sandy Hibler, Isabella Fiscus, and others), who helped to
train the ReStore Manager and Assistant in inventory, donation
solicitation, bookkeeping, volunteer solicitation, sales, marketing, and
operations. Assistance on a volunteer basis was also contributed by
ReStore managers from other counties. The ReStore Manager was encouraged
to visit other ReStore, participate in online discussions with other
ReStores and receive phone consultation when needed. Task 1.5 is 100
percent complete.
Task 1.6: Implement Extended ReStore Hours.
ReStore hours were extended to Wednesday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m., and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. With on-going volunteer
help from San Joaquin County Habitat for Humanity's community they have
been able to extend and maintain consistency of store hours. While staff
are out picking up donations, marketing products and pick up services,
putting up posters, attending promotional events, installing racking,
stocking, and organizing shelves, the ReStore has stayed open due to
dedicated volunteers. Task 1.5 is 100 percent complete.
Task 1.7: ReStore Managers Payroll Year Two of Grant.
See Next Reporting Period.
Task 1.8: ReStore Managers Workman's Comp Year Two of Grant.
See Next Reporting Period.
Task 1.9: Implement Extended ReStore Hours Year Two of Grant.
See Next Reporting Period.
Task 2: Increase Reuse Publicity and Education.
Task 2.1: Announce Extended ReStore Hours in Newspaper Ad.
(Matching Services).
The City of Stockton's Solid Waste Divisions quarterly newsletter placed
a coupon for used building materials in their newsletter once. In the
last addition a small advertisement was placed which explained the
ReStore's role in donation and sales of used building materials. New
business hours were highlighted in each of these. Task 2.1 is 100
percent complete.
Task 2.2: Print ReStore Brochures.
Instead of a three-fold brochure ReStore staff decided on printing of
business cards, flyers, posters, and coupons, which allowed them to be
more versatile in their advertising strategy. All printed materials were
printed on 30 percent recycled content paper; the City of Stockton's and
the CIWMB's logos were printed on the materials along with, "Paid for by
a grant from the CIWMB. Zero Waste, You Make it Happen." The
ReStore
Manager e-mailed the CIWMB and received approval of language on the
flyers, business cards, and posters. Task 2.2 is 100 percent complete.
Task 2.3: Print ReStore Brochures.
See Next Reporting Period. Task 2.3 has not yet been started.
Task 2.4: ReStore Manager Outreach Year One.
In criteria #2 Goals and Objectives section entitled Quantified Outreach
Goals, Habitat for Humanity stated and detailed four outreach goals for
the duration of the Reuse Assistant Grant:
- Develop a C&D flyer to distribute with every building permit.
- Distribute 10,000 brochures to the public at community events,
meetings, mailings, and gathering centers.
- Presentations at two organizations a week.
- A media outreach campaign.
Goal A has temporarily been met by other means. A ReStore flyer was
not allowed in the C&D packet; however, it is under consideration. See
Task 2.11.
Goal B is well on its way to being met. However, three-old brochures
have not been the primary form of advertising. Habitat has used flyers,
posters, coupons, and business cards. Flea markets, large box hardware
stores, and discount shopping centers have been their primary site for
verbally engaging the community and distributing promotional
information. One-hundred posters; 1,000 flyers; 1,000 business cards;
and 10,000 coupons have been distributed in the community as part of
matching funds (separate from the City Newsletter coupon insert). See
Task 2.2
Goal C is well on its way to being met. The ReStore Manager, board
members, and volunteers have visited thrift stores and local retail,
manufacturing, and distribution companies and explained the ReStore's
services for picking up discarded building supplies. Each business
typically receives the Habitat for Humanity magazine and a business
card. Mass mailings to applicable businesses were also helpful in
meeting these goals.
Goal D has been met. Five free ads were taken out in the Penny Saver
and Stockton Record throughout the entire year, and two ads were placed
in the City's quarterly newsletter. In September 2005 the ReStore was
featured on Telemundo as one way to help the victims of hurricane
Katrina. Throughout the year, City staff have highlighted the ReStore on
the City's Web site. Task 2.4 is 100 percent complete.
Task 2.5: ReStore Manager Outreach Year Two (Matching Funds).
See Next Reporting Period.
Task 2.6: ReStore Public Service Announcement KJOI (Matching
Funds).
Free advertising has been utilized by the ReStore whenever the
opportunity presents itself. They have had announcements on Channel 10
news, Web sites, and local radio stations.
Task 2.7: ReStore Public Service Announcement KJOI.
See Next Reporting Period.
Task 2.8: ReStore Public Service Announcement KJOI.
Task 2.9: ReStore Public Service Announcement.
Task 2.10: ReStore News Spot.
In September 2005 the ReStore was featured on Telemundo as one way to
help the victims of hurricane Katrina. Channel 10 announced Habitat for
Humanity ReStore as a drop off site for a holiday coat and sleeping bag
drive.
Task 2.11: ReStore Flyer C&D Year Two for Permit Packet.
Task 2.11 has been temporarily been met by other means as a ReStore
flyer was not allowed in the C&D packet; however, it is under
consideration. Habitat for Humanity ReStore was listed in a resource
list in the C&D recycling packet. They have placed four posters and
several brochures in the Permit Center. In implementation of the
Construction and Demolition Ordinance, City staff has called and meet
with hundreds of permit applicants. When appropriate, Habitat for
Humanity ReStore is mentioned as an option for donating salvageable
building supplies. Demolition contractors, developers, remodelers, home
builders, and window installation companies have been the focus of City
ReStore outreach. Task 2.11 is 100 percent complete.
Task 2.12: ReStore Flyer C&D Year Two for Permit Packet.
See Next Reporting Period.
Task 2.13: ReStore Newspaper Ad.
The ReStore has benefited from free advertising in the Stockton Records
bargain basement and the San Joaquin County Penny Savers free classified
ads. Considering their customer base is low income this service provides
by the Penney Saver and Stockton was sufficient advertising in these
publications. Therefore they have re-budgeted these funds. Task 2.13 is
100 percent complete.
Task 2.14: Newspaper Ad.
Re-budgeted.
Task 2.15: ReStore Newspaper Ad.
Re-budgeted.
Task 2.16: ReStore Newspaper Ad.
Re-budgeted.
Task 2.17: ReStore TV Spot Channel 97.
They are in the process of developing a PowerPoint presentation for
Channel 97 to play on local television. Task 2.17 is 50 percent
complete.
Task 2.18: ReStore TV Spot Channel 97 Year Two.
See Next Year's Tasks.
Task 2.19: ReStore TV Spot Channel 97.
See Next Year's Tasks.
Task 2.20: ReStore TV Spot Channel 97.
See Next Year's Tasks.
Task 3: Acquire Specialized Equipment to Increase the Amount
Recaptured and Reused.
Task 3.1: Stake Bed One Ton Truck.
From January to December 2005 the ReStore has relied on staff and
volunteers' donation of a truck and the use of a vehicle. Staff vehicles
have been reimbursed at .34 cents per mile. Auctions, local box truck
mechanics, newspapers classified ads, and used truck dealer yards have
been reviewed on a regular basis by staff and volunteers. Several
opportunities to purchase a box truck has been reviewed by staff and
presented to the board. However, they have been reluctant to move
forward as of yet. A 1998 Mitsubishi four-speed 14' box van with 235,000
miles is currently being considered for purchase by the board. However,
the ReStore may be receiving a donation of a JMC truck from a local
supporter. In that event they would need to purchase a large trailer in
order for it to fit their needs, and it would also require some work.
They will stay in contact with the California Integrated Waste
Management Board and the City of Stockton as this develops. When all
lower budget alternatives have been exhausted they will go forward with
purchasing a box truck. Task 3.1 is 50 percent complete.
Task 3.2 Warehouse Forklift 5,000 to 6,000 Pound Capacity.
From January 2005 to December 2005 Habitat for Humanity ReStore has made
use of a forklift from Central Valley Lift Truck Inc and Ace Hardware.
Their ability to temporarily borrow forklifts from their neighbors has
allowed them to maintain basic operation such as disposal of trash,
loading and removing pallets and other heavy items, while searching for
the best price on a used forklift. The opportunity to purchase a used
forklift has presented itself several times throughout the year. Also an
opportunity to receive a donated forklift from a local business has been
a lingering possibility. As their business hours and donations have
increased they have seen a greater need for a forklift in their daily
operations. Their relationships with their neighbors have been strained
and they are seeing the need to purchase soon. Habitat plans to stay in
contact with their CIWMB and City representatives as this develops.
In addition, the ReStore has purchased and received donations of
pallet racks which has somewhat reduced the need for horizontal storage
of doors and windows. While a forklift is still necessary for daily
operations, they have included this in matching funds. Task 3.2 is 50
percent complete.
Task 3.3 Lease Agreement (New Subtask to be Proposed as
Reimbursable Expense).
From January 2005 to December 2005 the ReStore has leased 6,000 square
feet of warehouse space and office at 2050 East Fremont Street in
Stockton, California. This has been their main ReStore expense
throughout the year. While their warehouse is an ideal location for
distributing used building materials to customers behind an Ace Hardware
Store, they have also seen Ace Hardware siphon off ReStore customers.
Efforts have been made throughout the year to locate a source for a
lower cost of rent within the City. While these efforts have not been
fruitful, the ReStore has high hopes for their current location. By
purchasing two large billboards and placing them in visibility of the
parking lot traffic they can make better use of their location and
benefit from having local traffic. Task 3.3 is 100 percent complete.
Task 4: Administer the Grant.
Task 4.1: Managing Funds, Planning Tracking Miles Stones, Record
Keeping Year One of Grant.
To meet Task 4.1, Habitat for Humanity has appointed Isabella Fiscus as
the primary agent for tracking the progress of the Reuse Assistant
Grant, and the City of Stockton has appointed Heidi Melander of Brown
Vence and Associates the primary agent for tracking the Reuse Assistant
Grant for the City. Representatives have stayed in contact with one
another and have followed the ReStore's progress and challenges through
the year. A tracking system was developed for implementation by Habitat
for Humanity's bookkeeper to monitor incoming donations, sales, customer
base, and effectiveness of advertising. Every donation and sale is
logged daily; the number of customers and their reference to the ReStore
is noted, as well. Heidi Melander's time is logged in matching funds and
the bookkeeper's wages are logged in employee expenses. Grant
Administration was originally listed as a matching fund, but they will
be requesting this as a budget change. Task 4.1 is 100 percent complete
for Year One.
Task 4.2: Managing Funds Planning, Tracking Milestones, Record
Keeping Year Two of Grant.
This was originally listed as a matching fund but they will be
requesting this as a budget change. See Next Reporting Period. Task 4.2
has not yet been started.
Task 4.3: Submit Progress Reports and Payment Request Year One of
Grant.
Submit quarterly reports to CIWMB (Matching Services)
• December 16, 2005 – Submitted progress report. Task 4.3 is 100 percent
complete.
Task 4.4: Submit Progress Reports and Payment Request Year Two of
Grant.
Submit quarterly reports to CIWMB (Matching Services)
• June 15, 2005 – Submitted progress report. Task 4.4 has not yet been
started.
Task 4.5: Submit Final Report to CIWMB.
Submit final report to CIWMB (Matching Services)
• April 15, 2007. Task 4.5 has not yet been started.
Next Reporting Period
With experience and training of ReStore staff and a growing volunteer
base, Habitat for Humanity is looking forward to next year's progress.
With the aid of the City's Construction and Demolition Debris
ordinance—which is only now beginning the final phase of its
implementation—they aim to provide a consistent and reliable alternative
to disposal for salvageable construction, demolition, and manufacturing
industry goods. Having waited on the purchase of a forklift and box
truck, they now have the potential to minimize their expenditures in
that category and redirect funds to better use (with approval from the
City and CIWMB). They also plan to hire another assistant manager and
extend their hours to Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
With Habitat for Humanity building projects in the works, the ReStore
will benefit from their volunteer outreach program and publicity
generated from Habitat for Humanity buildings. They are looking into
selling merchandise online and pursuing online advertising
opportunities, such as CalMAX. Consistent with tasks 2.3, 2.5, 2.7, 2.8,
2.9, 2.17, 2.18, 2.19, and 2.20 the ReStore plans to maintain its
community outreach and pursue opportunities for advertising in the local
media. With continued outreach and word of mouth growing, their goal is
to double their revenue from 2005's total ($25,300) and become self
sufficient. Their daily donations have been rising lately due to their
on-going outreach by the City, ReStore staff, and volunteers.
Currently they receive about $300 a day in donations of used windows,
doors, light fixtures, electrical HVAC, lawn and garden equipment, and
used appliances. They are looking into dedicating a section for commonly
disposed items such as single paned windows damaged bathtubs, etc. to
give away, consistent with their objectives to reduce landfill disposal
and increase reuse.
Consistent with task 4.1 the ReStore will continue to monitor
incoming donations, sales, customer base, and effectiveness of
advertising. Indicated reporting deadlines will be met, as well.
*Permission was obtained from grant recipient to publish project profile.
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