How does the Habitat ReStore store play into the mission of our organization?
Our ReStore is first and foremost a fundraising tool. The purpose of opening and maintaining a store of that size is to generate revenue. Those revenues go directly into our annual budget. Currently, we use those funds to cover as much overhead and general operations as possible and we are able to cover 90% of all general operating with ReStore proceeds. We consider this a tremendous blessing to the overall mission of JC Habitat for Humanity. The Store allows us to fundraise directly for programs and services, including our new construction, home maintenance, large repairs, and homeowner education. Being a homeowner you can also navigate to this web-site as they can help you in getting door services done.
The Model-
Our Store has one full-time manager and four part-time team members. These individuals are the glue that holds the store together. We love and encourage volunteerism at the Store as well as offer a safe space for people to complete community service hours. With the store occupying more than 15,000 square feet and being open six days a week its operations are no accident. It requires considerable intentionality to make that thing tick. The ReStore carries everything from basic household accessories and clothes, to large furniture and building supplies. It truly is a place to find everything.
Why should you donate to our Store?
Because we value your gift like Personalized Anniversary Gifts, authentic carpets, rugs and so on. It means so much to us that you would choose our mission to support with your donations. In addition, you’ll get a donation receipt AND we do free pickups!
Why should you buy from our Store?
First, the money you spend in our store has many different paths. You could be supporting the staff serving you. You could be purchasing building materials for a much-needed project. You could even be supporting vulnerable mothers and children in developing countries. That’s right, because we are Christian housing ministry and believe in the power of tithing, we give a portion of our revenues every year to orphans and vulnerable groups in other countries. These funds are used to provide food, water, and shelter for those in desperate need worldwide. We want to be as transparent as possible with the use of our funds and our board and staff collectively do a wonderful job of stewarding the dollars that are raised at the ReStore.
Why we don’t negotiate prices-
We are serious when we say that we are fundraising for a mission and purpose. Our Store is not a junk store nor is it a place for you to get your bargaining fix. We take our product seriously and let’s be honest the prices are already ridiculously low, often 75% or more off market value. We will not devalue our mission to provide safe, decent housing on the basis of price negotiation. The prices will drop in accordance with the length of time on the sales floor. While this may come across as stern please understand that our top priority is to carry out the mission of Habitat for Humanity in Jackson County.
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Hopefully, you made it this far. Can you tell we are passionate about our ReStore and its purpose in our organization? We hope that through this post you have learned about and gained an appreciation for our ReStore. Come see us!