We get that question a lot, so here’s a brief description of what we do and how you can help us build future homes by cleaning out your stuff and doing a little shopping.

In 2007, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona opened a ReStore, where we sell gently used furniture, building supplies, appliances, lighting fixtures, plumbing supplies, windows, doors and a number of odds and ends. We accept and sell donations from all over the Northland. These donations come from retailers, remodelers, contractors and people who are ready to clean out their garages! We also get donations from resorts and restaurants that are looking to completely remodel, so the store never has the same things twice. Our motto: if you see something you like – better buy it quick, it will be gone tomorrow!

We are quite popular with remodelers and those DIY folks! We have our regulars who come in all the time just to see what’s new, then we have landlords who come in when they need to make repairs, and then we have those folks who just like to see what they can do with the most unusual thing they can find. It’s always entertaining to see how creatively people think and see treasures in items that the rest of us can’t even imagine!

The money we raise through the ReStore goes for Habitat’s overhead, which means when we write grants, hold fundraisers, or ask for donations, the money goes to building homes. This year, we reached that point where we have money left over, so now we are starting the ReStore House Fund, hoping that as the ReStore grows, we can cover costs AND build a house! We work with a few paid staff and a number of volunteers who enjoy a fun atmosphere and a never ending stream of unique finds.

If you’re interested in volunteering, donating or shopping, give us a call at 928-779-1314 or go here. What will you build in 2012?