Items from Broadmoor Bluffs salvaged by Habitat for Humanity after landslide
Homes in the Broadmoor Bluffs neighborhood affected by the 2015 landslides are still valuable to the community, and some of their fixtures are about to appear in new homes by Habitat for Humanity.
“All the memories the homeowners made, it’s obviously changing, but nothing is going to waste,” said Maggie Williams, door relations Manager.
Even though the homes are in unlivable conditions and have extreme problems with the foundation, there are still salvageable parts.
“We may take outlets, and outlet covers, copper piping, other things we can utilize as recycling. We may take kitchen cabinets, washers and dryers. Any appliances left behind,” said Greg Kovach, Director of Operations.
Friday, crews were at one home that’s set to be razed, and they were able to retrieve dozens of items.
“There are 20 homes that are on the list. At this junction we’ve done six, so we will continue as the homes are closed on by the city and are ready for deconstruction. We want to continue this process for the next year or so,” Kovach said.
The items are being sent to ReStore, a part of the Habitat for Humanity organization. The money made through the thrift store are then used by the organization to build affordable homes in the community.
“It’s not that we’re just going to come in and bulldoze this house, it’s benefiting all of El Paso County and will build new affordable homes. So this one home will help build a home for 8 to 10 other families,” Williams said.
The city is buying the houses destroyed by the landslides, with buyouts based on a 2015 appraisal. Even though the homes are most likely worth more today, the homeowners are still able to benefit from the donation.
“Twenty-six dollars an hour for every volunteer hour that goes into deconstruction, benefits the homeowner,” Williams said.
The items are already being sold at ReStore where they will be used to help other families create their dream home.
