Habitat for Humanity ReStore Most people are familiar with Habitat for Humanity, an organization established here in Georgia in the 1970’s, whose vision is “a world where everyone has a decent place to live.” Since then, they have built over a million homes worldwide, all through the support of donors and volunteers. The Gwinnett Chapter has built 124 homes in Gwinnett County and 160 worldwide. What many people are not as familiar with is the Gwinnett ReStore store, meant as a place for the general public to shop. Gwinnett ReStore is a Lawrenceville shop, containing both new and used household items, which purely funds Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity and families in need of affordable housing. The ReStore concept developed when Habitat for Humanity was flooded with donations of materials and household goods for the homes they were building. When they weren’t able to use all of the donations in homes, they began selling the goods at a discounted rate. “It became a perpetual fundraiser and an unintentional business model,” explained Market Director, Jeremy Keen. “The traditional notion of giving has shifted…people want to see exactly where their money is going,” he said. And, at Gwinnett ReStore you can rest assured that all proceeds cycle back into the Habitat for Humanity Program, “making our shoppers feel like stakeholders in the program,” he continued.
Charlene Rogers and Jeremy Keen
The store also offers alternative volunteer opportunities for individuals who want to help, but might not be able to physically assist with the construction of a
For the holiday season, they will stock the store with ornaments, trees and decorations; and also serve as a drop-off location for Toys for Tots.
The Gwinnett Chapter of Habitat for Humanity has built 124 homes in Gwinnett County and 160 worldwide. home. With the busy shopping season approaching, they are currently looking for additional donations of quality, re-sellable products. All donations are taxdeductible and they even offer a pickup service for large items. From kitchen sinks to cabinets, appliances, doors, windows, building materials, tools, furniture, and household goods – “you never know what we’re going to get,” said ReStore Manager, Charlene Rogers, of items found in their store.
“This truly is a treasure hunters paradise,” said Rogers. And, with a steady flow of items, treasure-hunters better hurry to find that special gift!
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
2100 Riverside Pkway Lawrenceville, GA 770-962-4200 Gwinnettrestore.org
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