To Habitat for Humanity homebuyers in Hillsborough County, a home represents more than just the studs and drywall holding it together. A home is a symbol of stability for families that have known only uncertainty. It is a foundation upon which dreams and futures can be built. On February 23, 2016, Habitat Hillsborough County raised the roof on their 178th home, with much of the funding coming from the organization’s two area ReStores. Habitat for Humanity is widely known as the non-profit organization that builds and restores homes for low-income families around the world. ReStrores are the organization’s nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers selling new and gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories and building materials to the general public at a fraction of the retail price. All proceeds are used to build homes and establish communities for those in need across the globe.
Because all of ReStore’s inventory is donated by local hardware stores, independent contractors and large home improvement retailers such as Lows and Home Depot, all proceeds can go directly towards funding home building projects, which are poised to reach the 200 mark in Hillsborough County sometime over the next two years. Materials donated by retailers, wholesalers and contractors generally come from surplus—so “donated” does not necessarily mean “used.” ReStore maintains strict policy standards for donations, requiring raw building materials such as tile, lumber and wallpaper to be in new, or “like new” condition.
ReStore’s donations are also received from a variety of sources such as manufacturers, commercial builders, malls, restaurants and schools. This means that ReStore can offer the home improvement enthusiast a wide selection of unique and uncommon finds that would normally be unavailable at large, do-it-yourself retail outlets. As American homeowners continue to embrace the culture of repurposing materials like hardwoods and fixtures, ReStore’s business model is providing an avenue for retailers and contractors to adopt “green business practices” by keeping reusable materials out of landfills.
For the most part though, shoppers and home improvement enthusiasts are drawn to the opportunity to give hope to families in need of a home, while simultaneously renovating their own homes at discount prices.
ReStore locations in Hillsborough County:
3738 E. Hillsborough Avenue
Tampa, FL 33610
813-237-1978
11236 W. Hillsborough Avenue
Tampa. FL 33635
813-580-7236
Donation Hotline: 813-540-7540
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