Habitat for Humanity: Developing a New and Sustainable Weight Estimation Method for Habitat for Humanity (MetroWest/Greater Worcester) and Beyond

Project Overview (Abstract)

Habitat for Humanity Metro-West/Greater Worcester needed a new method to estimate landfill diversion from their ReStore sales. Finding diversion numbers is important as this aids the organization in applying for grants to support the nonprofit financially. We developed a methodology for finding the average weight of inventory being purchased by customers. We compiled data through physical weighing to create departmental averages to implement into a calculator on Microsoft Excel. This will allow ReStores to calculate how many pounds of inventory they diverted from the landfill. We crafted training documentation on how to use the calculator and customize it to each unique ReStore’s needs. Our deliverables meet our goals of being sustainable, simple, and customizable within the organization

Project Sponsor

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps families build and improve places to call home. Habitat works together with families, local communities, volunteers, and partners from around the world so that more people are able to live in affordable and safe homes. Their advocacy efforts focus on policy reform to remove systemic barriers preventing low-income and historically underserved families from accessing adequate, affordable shelter.

This team worked specifically with the Greater Worcester/ Metro-West branch that operates out of Worcester, Massachusetts