Habitat for Humanity ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories, building materials and more to the public at a fraction of the retail price.
ReStores are independently owned and operated by local Habitat for Humanity organizations. Proceeds are used to build homes, community, and hope locally and around the world.
In each store you will find unique items and great deals. I have visited several stores in different cities and found fantastic deals on furniture , art work and building supplies.
The funds raised help fund local Habitat builds to support a family who otherwise would not be able to afford a home in the local community.
I have participated in two Habitat Builds the first one was sponsored by The Maryland Association of REALTORS® in 2003 in Snow Hill, Md as part of the annual state convention on the Eastern Shore.
The National Association of REALTORS® has sponsored a number of Habitat for Humanity Builds. In 2006 NAR was the first major convention to take place in New Orleans after hurricane Katrina. A large contingent of REALTORS® helped with the build project in the Musician Village, a community in the Upper Ninth Ward conceived by New Orleans native musicians Harry Connick Jr. and Branford Marsalis for displaced New Orleans musicians and families.
It was an unbelievable site to personally witness the utter devastation hurricane Katrina did to the properties in the Upper Ninth Ward in New Orleans. The project I was assigned to we actually disassembled a house that was under construction when the hurricane hit. The wood was saturated by the flood waters and could not be used.
If you ever have the opportunity to participate in a Habitat build I highly recommend doing so. It is a very inspiring experience. Once a home is completed Habitat for Humanity has a qualification process to move a family into the property and turn the keys over to the new home owner at a dedication ceremony.
