Photographer / Kerch Creative
Ever since The Habitat for Humanity Boone County ReStore opened its doors last December, the Zionsville community has been highly supportive.
ReStore Manager Natalee Baker believes the strong commitment of customers, store staff and hard-working volunteers have made it flourish.
“The store has a total of two part-time, paid employees, Dara Jones and Roy Cooper, “Baker says. “Their in-store duties include such (things) as customer service and inventory management, as well as picking up donations on our box truck.”
A strong group of supporters have also been key to the store’s success.
“The store has a core group of about eight to 10 volunteers who volunteer weekly,” Baker says, “There have also been several groups of volunteers during our six months of being open, as well as a multitude of other individual volunteers who have volunteered for a single shift to help.”
Baker also believes the Habitat for Humanity ReStore has been a strong community resource for families.
“The store is an important aspect for the community, as it provides quality goods for purchasing at a discounted rate,” Baker says. “The larger benefits are that it provides funding to help with affordable housing in Boone County. Furthermore, by reselling the items, we are helping to keep them out of the landfill and creating less waste.”
Habitat for Humanity of Boone County is a community-level Habitat for Humanity office that acts in partnership with, and on behalf of, Habitat for Humanity International.
“Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a resale shop based solely on donations,” Baker says. “All proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity of Boone County to help fund another home for those in need of affordable housing.”
The program has been highly beneficial for everyone.
“The store helps the community by providing funding to the local county affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Boone County, as they work to provide affordable housing for residents of Boone County,” Baker says.
The workers and volunteers involved with Habitat for Humanity ReStore build homes so that all people can experience home ownership. Baker said the homes are clean and affordable for low-income families. Habitat homeowners pay interest-free, no-profit mortgages, which are used to build more Habitat houses.
Habitat families who qualify are selected based on their need for housing, ability to repay the no-interest mortgage, and willingness to partner with Habitat by earning between 200-400 hours of “sweat equity” or volunteer time.
Donations at the ReStore help families get started in their new homes.
“People can donate any household good, such as furniture, decor, artwork, cabinets, building materials, lighting and appliances. That’s just to name a few. The scope of donations is broad, although we are unable to accept clothing, linens, and mattresses.”
Baker knows there are a lot of great things for families to buy.
“Items for sale include couches, loveseats, dining tables, appliances, full sets of kitchen cabinets, toilets, bathroom vanities, lighting (chandeliers and lamps), doors (both exterior and interior), household decor, dishes, tools and building needs,” Baker says.
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore Is open every Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donation drop-offs are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day, except Sundays. It’s located at 10650 Andrade Drive. For more information, call 317-344-3033 or visit boonehabitat.org/restore.
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