One of the main concerns that self storage facility owners and operators have is that people will try to live out of there storage units. When times are rough and people are hard pressed for cash they will often do whatever it takes to put a roof over their head and that of their families. Paying rent on a storage facility is a lot less than that on an apartment after all.
One self storage company has decided to do what they can to make sure that at least one family does not feel the need to go to such extremes.
A Safe Place Self Storage in East Dorset, Vermont, will be trying to help Habitat for Humanity of Bennington, more specifically the “A Brush of Kindness” program, continue with their work by raising funds to help purchase supplies needed to build a house for a family in need.
To accomplish this fund raising effort, they intend on holding an auction on Saturday, July 16. People can come by and check out the goods up for sale and auction at 9 AM EST, with the auction set to kick off at 10 AM EST. A wide assortment of goods will be up for sale including Christmas cards signed by former President George Bush and his wife, Laura, as well as artwork, furniture, appliances, an autographed poster of the America’s Cup sailboat race, and so much more.
The auction is expected to be as much of a hit as it was last year. In 2010, the auction raised more than $10,000; the tag sale chipped in another $1576.
The lucky family will not just be given the house outright. They are expected to contribute 500 hours of work towards the house. They will then have a zero interest mortgage to make payments on once they move in. The mortgage makes it possible for Habitat for Humanity to help more people in need.
Habitat for Humanity has been building houses for people in need since 1976. The organization has grown to over 2,300 affiliates spread out over all 50 states, Europe, Asia, Canada, Africa, Australia, and South America. The Bennington Area affiliate has been active since 1997 and has completed 11 homes.
A Safe Place Self Storage has two facilities in Vermont, one in East Dorset and the other in Manchester where the house will be built. The auction will start up at 10 AM regardless of weather conditions.
Sources Used:
“A Safe Place Self-Storage of Vermont Hosts Auction to Benefit Habitat for Humanity.” Inside Self Storage; 14 July 2011.
Habitat for Humanity: Bennington Area Affiliate. About Us.
“Answer to Recession: Houston Family of Eight Living in Self-Storage.” ABC News; 06 July 2011.