In 1991, five volunteers opened Habitat for Humanity’s first-ever ReStore in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The vision was clear — keep new and used home and building materials out of the waste stream while helping fund Habitat’s home-, hope- and community-building work. The concept was successful, and word quickly spread.
Today, there are more than 1,000 ReStore locations across six countries, all contributing to Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Since most of the merchandise for sale in these stores is donated by local residents and businesses, no two ReStores are exactly alike — and neither are their beginnings.
San Diego Habitat’s ReStore had similarly humble beginnings, started in a small warehouse in Lemon Grove by volunteers in 1998. Customers came from all over to find deals on windows, doors, paint, hardware, tools, furniture, appliances, and decor to spruce up their own homes while helping others build and secure theirs. Over the years, your shopping, donating, and volunteering has allowed us to expand to the three countywide locations we now operate.
Your support of the ReStore has helped Habitat to partner with more families in more places to build and improve their homes — all while making our planet a cleaner, healthier place. With every purchase from the ReStore helping fund our building and revitalization projects, together we’re moving closer to a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
