Habitat for Humanity has big plans this week in St. Joseph with a sneak peak, fundraiser and the re-opening of its ReStore.
The ReStore is a retail outlet that sells donated new and used building materials, furniture, and other home goods. For more than a year now, Habitat workers and volunteers have been renovating the old Vatterott College building off of Frederick Ave.
“Our volunteers have done everything from demolition to rebuilding, painting, cleaning, building displays, knocking down walls, tearing out floors you name it. It’s a brand new building in here,” said Christy George, Habitat Development Dir.
“There were 20 different rooms out here, 20 different classrooms at one time,” said Melissa Koch, Habitat Ex. Dir. “We have completely gutted the entire lower level to make room for the store.”
The agency purchased the building in November of 2015. As we previously reported, the ReStore on S. 9th Street closed earlier this month as crews began the process of moving from that location to 3131 Frederick which boasts 4,300 square feet.
Tickets are being sold for a fundraising event for Habitat for Humanity that will give people a sneak peak at the new facility before its grand re-opening. More than 400 people are expected to attend the “Unlock the Dream” open house Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The cost is $35 per person and includes participation in a silent auction and hors d’oeuvres. Koch said tickets can still be purchased by calling (816) 279-2552 or at the door. The new location will officially open to the public Friday at 10 a.m.
Koch said they are expecting to see more people coming in to use the ReStore.
“We expect to at a minimum have a 50-percent increase in our sales,” Koch said. “With the study we had done we went from having 900 to 5,000 just traffic count on the street.”
In addition to space for the ReStore the new building hosts office space for Habitat employees as well office space for St. Joseph Safety Council after Jan 1 and more.
The store will open with new hours as well; Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.