Habitat ReStore to Close Next Week

Habitat for Humanity is closing down its ReStore, which accepts building materials donations and resells them to the public to raise funds to build housing. I was a big fan of the ReStore, mainly because it was a great alternative to dumping perfectly good items in the landfill.

Citing decreasing donations, increasing fuel costs and continuing struggles with inadequate facilities, Executive Director Dwayne Spencer said the ReStore's performance level dropped dramatically below expectations during the last fiscal year, jeopardizing its viability as a significant fundraiser.


I had high hopes that the ReStore would grow and grow and grow, much like the ReBuilding Center in Portland, Oregon. The ReBuilding Center opened to the public in 1998 and moved to a 24,000 square foot warehouse in 1999. By 2001, five tons of materials were being kept out of the landfill each day! In 2005 The ReBuilding Center completed its expansion project, adding 40,000 square feet of developed property and the potential to divert nearly ten tons of construction and demolition waste per day by 2008.

The ReBuilding Center is a popular destination for homeowners, do-it-yourselfers, contractors, artists, and enthusiasts interested in building with affordable, environmentally low impact materials. With an inventory that changes by the hour, The ReBuilding Center is the largest non-profit used building materials resource in North America.

The last day to shop at the Habitat ReStore is Tuesday, July 15th.