ReStores
ReStores are retail outlets where Habitat for Humanity affiliates sell quality used and new home improvement products at 50-90% off retail. Proceeds from the sales help fund local Habitat for Humanity homes.
ReStores are open to the public, anyone can buy items at discounted prices. Materials sold at ReStores are donated by individuals, construction companies, contractors, and building supply stores.
Win-win-win
ReStores provide a three-way winning situation:
- Tons of building materials are diverted from landfills
- New, or gently used, home improvement supplies can be bought at a fraction of their original cost
- Profits from the sales are used in building Habitat for Humanity homes
Each ReStore sets its own hours of operations (list of ReStores in Michigan). Inventory changes frequently since new items are received weekly, sometimes daily. Some of the items you might find at a ReStore include: doors, windows, kitchen cabinets, paint, plumbing and electrical items, light fixtures, and tile.
Deconstruction
Many ReStores provide deconstruction services, where a team of volunteers will remove salvagable items from a business or home destined to be torn down. At times, the owner has already moved the salvagable items to their garage or storage area. Usually, the team will be using their screwdrivers and other tools to remove fixtures, cabinets, sinks, shelving, doors and other building components.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are needed at ReStores to prepare items for sale, assist customers, join a deconstruction work crew, pickup donated materials, load cars and trucks and stock shelves. Check with your local ReStore for volunteer opportunities.