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With its new location at 2301 Romig Road in Akron, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore has gained almost three times the size of the old store. And it’s now in one centralized location with the organization’s offices and warehouse.
“This is a more convenient location for people,” says Rochelle Fisher, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Summit County. As a result, Fisher says she’s noticed an increase in store donations.
The ReStore has a great mix of new and gently used household items, from building materials and plumbing supplies to appliances, cabinets, lighting, paint, sinks, toilets, bathtubs and more. Most items are donated by community members.
“Just because a particular item doesn’t work in your house anymore doesn’t mean it won’t work in someone else’s,” Fisher says. “We like people bringing it to us and giving it new life. The Bible talks about reuse, renew and restore. That’s how Habitat for Humanity came up with the name ReStore. It has life. It always has life.”
Fisher says ReStore customers are about a 50/50 mix of contractors and traditional homeowners or landlords. The contractors are mainly interested in the new products that the ReStore has to offer, whereas homeowners and landlords look for used items as a cost-saving measure.
All proceeds from items sold are returned directly to the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate to cover operational expenses. “It helps to sustain us as an organization, so we’re not always out there in the community with our hand out to cover operating expenses,” Fisher explains.
Because the ReStore is separate from the house-building side of the organization, people can feel good knowing their monetary donations go directly toward helping build Habitat homes, not to paying the electric bill.
With one year left in the capital campaign, Habitat for Humanity is $1.2 million away from reaching its $2.2 million goal to cover expenses from building the new location.
“I’m certain we’ll get there,” says Fisher, who adds that most of the funds raised thus far have come from individuals, foundations and businesses as well as fundraising events like the golf outing the organization held this past July.
Habitat for Humanity’s annual wine tasting, also a fundraiser for the capital campaign, is scheduled for Nov. 5. More information can be found at
hfhsummitcounty.org.
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Akron is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The store is also actively seeking donations of building materials, appliances and furniture. For details, call 330-745-9098. All donations are tax deductible.
