Habitat For Humanity ReStore is Open for Business

Few business models make as much sense in this particular economy as ReStore, a Habitat for Humanity home improvement center, which just opened April 13 at 352 Amherst Street.

Inventory is donated by individuals, businesses, contractors and remodelers where it is organized, shelved, tagged and resold to the public at discounts of up to 70 percent. All proceeds go right back to Habitat for Humanity to build new homes for those in need of affordable housing.

Getting the store ready was a labor of love by local volunteers like Kurt Cameron, who was happy to see the store ready for shoppers on Saturday.

"What you can expect is beautiful stuff that comes in that people donate – some of it used and some of it new. The money is used to build homes – we have one being built now in Hudson and another one will be getting started in Nashua," said Cameron.

Once the home in Hudson is finished, the next project will be in Nashua, said Executive Director Leah Shuldiner – demolition of a burned out multi-family home on Chestnut Street followed by rebuilding of a two-family home.

"We're always, always looking for more volunteers to do everything form swinging hammers to doing office work," Shuldiner said. "We do have a core group of people who come out every Thursday and every Saturday to work on our build projects – and we have a lot of corporate partners who will sponsor a day and come out and bring a crew."

The inside of the store is a cross between Home Depot and Goodwill. On one side you can find light bulbs, appliances, light fixtures, wooden cabinetry, insulation, bathroom sinks, replacement windows and screens, rugs and a continual influx of similar items.

On the other side of the store you will find household items, furniture, chairs, lamps – nothing upholstered, and all donations must be clean and in working condition.

Alderman Barbara Pressly said she was quite familiar with the store's former use, when it was Antique Warehouse.

"I have always been attracted to antiques and second-hand items that can be given new life," said Pressly. "Wait a minute – I need a new sink..." Pressly said, her voice trailing behind her as she made a beeline to the back, where she had spotted a double bathroom sink.

"This is nice," she said, adding that she already had one picked out.

Plus, it doesn't hurt to look.

Pressly was impressed with the selection of light fixtures and general merchandise, including a two-piece teak storage unit which was being sold for $95 for each piece.

"That's a great item," she said.

Stephanie Allen, revitalization committee chair for the French Hill neighborhood said she's been a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity for five years.

"This store is a blessing and a long time coming," Allen said.

Nina Castro of Amherst  wasn't in the door five minutes when she swooped in on a small wicker hamper shaped like a house.

"I saw a table that would be perfect – but if I brought that home my husband would kill me," Castro said. "As soon as I saw this little hamper I had to have it."

Another eager shopper was Sen. Peggy Gilmour, who snapped up a red throw rug for $125 and a pair of elegant wine glasses, $3 each.

"Aren't they fantastic?" Gilmour said, holding up her new glassware.

During the ribbon cutting, Gilmour read from a statement by Gov. Maggie Hassan, which read in part:

"I like to say that New Hampshire is an all-hands-on-deck kind of state combining a sense of community and independence unlike anywhere else. We roll up our sleeves, pitch in and work together to improve our community and this is exactly what this resource wil do," Hassan said.

Mayor Donnalee Lozeau echoed Hassan's sentiments, adding that the ReStore will serve a broad spectrum of the community.

"It's not just about purchasing items. It's about a store to reduce the waste in our landfills, and to find new uses for useful items, all to benefit a great organization like Habitat for Humanity, which in turns, gives back to our community," Lozeau said.

The restore, located at 352 Amherst – directly across from the Five Guys plaza – is open for shopping on Thursdays and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. It is open all day Tuesday through Saturday for donation drop offs around the back.

Items sought for donation:

Appliances: Washers, dryers, refrigerators, rangers, microwaves.

Architectural items: columns, antiques, mantelpieces, etc., cabinets, countertops.

Flooring: New only.

Doors: Pre-hung or door slabs.

Lighting: Usable fixtures and parts.

Furniture and home decor items: Hard goods only (no upholstery).

Hardware: Knobs, hinges, locks, etc.

Paint: Latex only, full or nearly full.

Plumbing: Sinks, tubs, showers.

Lumber: At least 8 feet with no nails.

Windows: Insulated, no sashes or rot.

Roofing: New shingles, full bundle only.

Tools: Hand/power tools in safe working order.

All donations are tax deductible.

For complete donation guidelines go to nashuahabitat.org/restore