DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) -  Christmas decorations still sit outside the former Decatur Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore months after the store closed its doors in November.

The ReStore was more than a retail shop for many in the community. Proceeds from the store helped support the construction of more than 70 homes in the Decatur area.

Almost six months later, former residents, volunteers, employees and customers say they are left with unanswered questions about the organization's future and the families it served.

One person living in a Habitat home, who asked not to be identified out of fear they could be removed from the property, told WAND News they are struggling with problems inside the home they were promised by Habitat for Humanity.

“I feel like I'm stuck. I feel like I've been bamboozled. I feel like I just, I just don't know what to feel anymore. I feel hopeless,” said the resident.

The resident said they were promised ownership of the home, but after living there for several years, they said they never received official paperwork. 

“I haven't seen anything. I don't have any type of paperwork even proving that I'm here, besides just me being there.”

The resident said they have been paying for critical repairs themselves to keep the home safe for their family, which includes young children. They've contacted Habitat for Humanity International and attempted to connect with former employees and board members. While they have been contacted about paying their rent, the person they've talked to has not responded to reports of damage inside the home. 

“I thought I was going to be in a better situation than what I was in, just leaving from where I was at, and it's been horrible. It's been worse.”

Former volunteers and staff members have since stepped in to try to help the family, saying others are facing similar situations.

Former volunteer and staff member Linda Harrelson, who spent seven years working with the organization, said the situation has been difficult to watch.

“It's just heartbreaking," Harrelson said. "I feel total sadness to see all the things that are still inside the store, the things that are outside the store, and to know how many people could use those things and depended on this store in order to survive." 

For former employees, volunteers and longtime customers, the closure of the ReStore has also meant the loss of a community gathering place.

“I lost a way of life, a place to go, and communication with my friends, people that have become friends,” said Gary Garner, a regular at the store. 

What was initially described as a temporary closure now appears to be permanent. Habitat’s phone number has been disconnected, and several pages on the organization’s website lead to error messages.

Former staff member Leslie Viewing said the closure has been disappointing for people who believed in the organization’s mission.

“Habitat was supposed to be a place to help people. It ended up hurting the people [who] were there to help the people.”

Former staff members claim there has been little communication from the nonprofit’s leadership since the first announcement was made on Nov. 21.

Now, many in the community are wondering what comes next for both the former store and the Habitat homes connected to the organization.

“The way the board did this to the store, the community and the people that work for it is just unforgivable,” said Harrelson. 

WAND News attempted to contact Decatur Area Habitat for Humanity Board President Philip Romano several times by phone and email.

During a phone call Wednesday, Romano said he would not respond until he is ready.

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