Appalachian Outreach Inc.has started what Executive Director Rose Hart refers to as "Part B of what we do."

The organization has established the "AOI Storehouse" to assist local residents in doing home improvements or remodeling by making it affordable.

"This is a new endeavor for us," she said. "It is intended to help local families without doing what others are doing."

Appalachian Outreach recently took in more than 200 brand new Simonton windows at its new warehouse facility at the former IGA building in Moundsville. According to Hart, the windows, worth between $10,000 and $15,000, were obtained through the group's relationship with Mountain Re-Source, which links overstocked companies with the underprivileged for the cost of shipping. The new windows came from California, and the company will get a tax credit.

Hart said the windows vary in size from 9x12 inches to 9 feet high. The group was also given three patio doors. She said AOI has invested about $3,500 in shipping costs for the windows.

"We need to get some windows out of here so we can generate some cash," she said.

The new program is "membership based" and requires local homeowners to sign a household membership agreement and pay a $25 per year membership fee. This will allow homeowners to buy the windows, and other items as they become available, for a cost-recovery fee and a commitment to do eight hours of volunteer community service. She estimated the cost of a small window at about $40 and a large window at about $100.

The program is open to the public.

"We have no state or river borders with this," she said. "This is intended for homeowners. If people have a home within a 150-mile radius, we will take them as a member."

Organizations can become members for a $50 annual membership fee.

"This is not for contractors," Hart stressed. "We don't mind if homeowners or groups get the products and have a contractor do the work, but it is intended to help people get a home improvement or remodeling project done at an affordable rate. It gives people the opportunity to maintain their homes.

"We've wanted to do this for a few years," she continued. "We do a lot helping people in the flooded areas of the southern part of the state. We asked, 1What can we do for local residents? What's the missing link?' My idea was providing for people to help maintain their homes - make projects affordable for homeowners and still allow for local vendors to make a sale because we only have one piece of the project."

Hart expects to receive ceramic tile and insulation in the spring. To apply for the program, call Hart at 304-845-2762.