VISTA Project Goal

You will make improvements to ReStore operations in order to increase revenue. Funds raised by the ReStore support Habitat’s mission to build homes, increasing affordable homeownership opportunities in and around Oshkosh.

Project Objectives

VOLUNTEER OPTIMIZATION: Assess the current use of volunteers and create and implement a plan to expand the use of volunteers, improving the shopper experience, increasing sales and in-kind donations, and generating more funds to build and repair homes..

1. Review history of the Habitat for Humanity Oshkosh ReStore and its current use of volunteers, identifying areas for improvement as well as strengths.

2. Research best practices, including contacting other Habitat ReStores and reviewing available materials from Habitat for Humanity International.

3. Develop a volunteer recruitment and training plan, including optimization of the volunteer software - Galaxy Digital. Connect with current partners and supporters to generate more awareness (word of mouth).

4. Create a culture of volunteerism at the ReStore and forge strong referral partnerships across the community creating a steady flow of volunteers in the ReStore. Identify who will be responsible for maintaining these connections once the VISTA project is complete.

IN-STORE EXEPERIENCE: Develop a plan increase sales. This may include the layout, presentation of items, signage, creating a frequent-buyer program, etc.

1. Assess the current store’s layout, signage, and collect feedback from ReStore shoppers, volunteers, staff, etc. Identify areas for improvement as well as its current strengths.

2. Research best practices, including visiting other ReStores and thrift shops. Generate a list of recommendations.

3. Work with staff to develop an improvement plan, identifying items that can easily be tackled, and prioritizing others based on available resources (time, money, people).

4. Implement plan. Track project progress and make adjustments as necessary. Identify who will be responsible for continued improvements once the VISTA project is complete.

RESTORE OPERATIONS: Working with the ReStore Director, revise standard operating procedures for the store and develop metrics to measure progress.

1. Review current store operations, including spending time in each role/department to better understand how the store works (versus how it’s “supposed” to work). Collect feedback.

2. Update store procedures and related systems. Train staff and volunteers on new/updated procedures.

3. Assess current methods of tracking sales and donation. Research best practices, including tools to improve efficiency (such as automated scheduling of donation pick-ups, for example). Make recommendations and implement the changes.

4. Track progress and make adjustments as necessary. Ensure ReStore operations manual has been updated.

Start as soon as August 10. VISTA positions are filled on a rolling basis. Apply today!

About HFH Oshkosh

Habitat for Humanity of Oshkosh knows that housing impacts every area of a family’s life – health, safety, education outcomes, and financial opportunity. Habitat for Humanity has been a global movement of people working together to build more prosperous, vibrant communities and expanding access to safe and affordable homes for fifty years. We envision a world where everyone has a decent place to live, and we bring together people to build homes, community, and hope.

Benefits

In addition to the standard VISTA benefits, HFH Fond du Lac offers $400/month housing subsidy and a 30 hour/week.