In July of 2002, a local financier purchased 12,000 sq. feet of covered warehouse space with the intent to lease it to ReStore with an option to buy. The warehouse provided space for a kitchen and break room, offices for staff, a Receiving Area to clean, test, and price merchandise, Out Buildings for larger items and a place for our Home Store. ReStore immediately leased the space taking full advantage of this new room to grow. And grow it did... four years later, with the tremendous support of our community, BAHFH was able to purchase the warehouse so that by the end of 2006 ReStore was able to channel even more funds directly into building homes. ReStore now has acquired 7,000 more sq. feet of space across the street for lumber, windows, doors, flooring, vinyl, carpeting, insulation, pavers joist hangers, etc.

The success of the ReStore is a credit to the community. Local suppliers, businesses, contractors and homeowners are increasingly generous in donating new and used materials. Local volunteers, including the National Guard Oregon Youth Challenge Program and community service workers help staff the store and process donations. Habitat families, putting in their “sweat equity” hours, also work there.

Because of the variety of contributors, there is always an interesting and ever changing array of items for sale. Local homeowners, property managers and renters are regular customers who search for supplies for fixing up their properties. One local couple used ReStore finds to augment new materials in building their home at Crooked River Ranch. They purchased cabinetry, windows, paint, tile, light fixtures, furnishings and lumber at one half or less of the regular price. It took a few trips to check out new merchandise, but the savings made it worthwhile. They also prevented many usable items from ending up in the landfill. The money they spent was then added to the budget to help build homes locally.

Everyone wins.