Habichat, July 2008

HFHMC Slated to get a ReStore!

What is a ReStore?
A Habitat ReStore is a retail recycling business where surplus new and gently used building materials are diverted from the waste stream and made available to the general public. Building supply stores, contractors, and homeowners donate usable building products to the ReStore. At the ReStore, do-it-yourself homeowners, landlords, and others have a source for low cost, quality building materials to facilitate upkeep of homes and neighborhoods. The ReStore concept is consistent with the green values of Habitat for Humanity, and proceeds from sales are invested in rehabbing and building more homes for Habitat families. Proceeds also help Habitats use other tax-deductible donations completely for construction.

The first Habitat ReStore opened in Canada in 1991. There are now over 500 ReStores in the United States alone. Some focus primarily on selling building supplies, while others find that the local market is better suited for furniture and decorating items. Most ReStores are run with a small staff and a large group of dedicated volunteers.

Carpet

Studies completed by several North American ReStores have shown that for every dollar of sales at a ReStore, at least one pound of material is kept out of the local landfill. It is estimated that ReStores totaled nearly $250 million in sales last year and diverted more than 135,000 tons of materials from landfills. The reuse of items is even "greener" than traditional recycling where energy is required to break down and reform the material.

ReStores are a winning scenario for all involved: communities have reduced landfill burden, donors save on landfill costs and receive an "In Kind Donation" receipt for tax purposes, customers purchase high quality items at greatly reduced prices, and the proceeds are invested in building more simple, decent housing for low-income families in the community.

When and Where is Montco getting a Restore?
A ReStore in Montgomery County, PA has been under consideration for quite some time. In the fall of 2007, a business plan was drafted. The ReStore Committee was formed in January of 2008 and has been active ever since. The Habitat for Humanity ReStore of Montgomery County, PA is planned to open in March, 2009. We are thankful for the many ReStore employees and volunteers around the country who continue to share their experience and knowledge with us.

Cabinets for ReStore

Working out of leased warehouse space at Coleman & Schmidt (across the street from the Habitat office), we have been collecting surplus building supplies, windows and exterior doors, solid and six-panel interior doors, nearly new appliances (less than 5 years old), full cans of neutral and light colored paint, and other remodeling materials.

Preparations continue for our permanent ReStore. We are exploring sites in Bridgeport and King of Prussia for possible purchase or lease. Funding has been secured for a used box truck and we are working with a local merchant to secure one. We are still hoping for the donation of a used forklift. A marketing plan has been developed that will take us through the next 12 months. Grant money is being pursued. The list goes on . . .

When the ReStore opens, our ultimate goal will be to fund our already low administrative costs and build new homes each year from the proceeds.

What ReStore Activities are underway before we obtain a facility?
In order to help familiarize people with the ReStore concept, provide some funding, and allow us to begin to establish a donor and customer base. We will be conducting ReStore Yard Sales. Our first Yard Sale will be held on August 2 from 9 am - noon, and a second Yard Sale is slated for October 3. Come find a bargain and help build a home!

Are there any current volunteer opportunities to assist with ReStore?
Linden with Roofs

Volunteers are currently needed to help pick-up donations and prepare items for sale at our August and October garage sales. Our permanent ReStore operation will also expand volunteer opportunities at Habitat, to include: pick-up of donated goods, prepare items for sale, organize display areas, restock inventory, provide customer service, and other retail activities. Please speak with Jenn Lawrow at jenn@habitatmontco.org if you are interested in helping in any of these ways.

Where can I track progress of ReStore Activities?
If you would like to follow the progress of our ReStore, please continue to check the ReStore link at www.habitatmontco.org. If you have any questions or would like to work with the ReStore Committee, please contact any member: Christie Benedict, Robin Cox, Brenda Egolf-Fox, Marlys Hammonds, Marianne Lynch, Kim Nedelka, Brent Nergert, Pat Peddie or Beth Helfrich.

If you would like to donate items to the ReStore, please contact Beth Helfrich at 610-278-7710 or bethh@habitatmontco.org.