Writer / Erin Smith
Photographer / Forrest Mellott
Our Johnson County Habitat for Humanity affiliate has been working diligently over the past few years to turn the dream of creating a local ReStore into a reality. Executive Director LeeAnn Wilbur delights in telling the story of how long and winding the road can be to create a business plan, find the right location and execute the sale of a building.
“The new Habitat for Humanity of Johnson County ReStore is a Win–Win–Win.” First, the county will have a centrally located place to drop off resalable building supplies and gently used furniture. Knowing that the items you donate won’t end up in a landfill but will, instead, help a neighbor is gratifying.
Plus, the proceeds from the sale of these items will go to build more Habitat homes here in our county as well as around the world. Lastly, the ReStore will be open to the public as a resource for folks looking for budget-friendly items to spruce up their own homes.
Through the generosity of the Johnson County Community Foundation, Old National Foundation and the Branigan Foundation, the ReStore is ready to become a reality.
Currently, the local Habitat office is collecting inventory to fill the store. The typical items needed include: gently used wooden furniture items, cabinets, doors, countertops, flooring, sinks, tools, housewares, lighting, windows, toilets, HVAC and other building supplies.
Items that cannot be accepted: paint, hazardous materials, mattresses/box springs, carpet and fabric-covered furniture. The local business community donated a forklift and industrial racking to help get the store organized. Although it is preferred to have items dropped off, the ReStore hopes to have a box truck decked out — logo and all — to pick up items when necessary.
Hiring a director of ReStore operations is in the works as well as signing up volunteers to staff the store. The goal is for the store to be open three days a week starting out. If demand warrants, the store will look at increasing its hours of operation.
Time to de-clutter? Downsizing or cleaning out the garage this weekend? Consider donating items to the ReStore. Let’s help make the grand opening a huge success.
Wondering exactly where the location is and when the ReStore will open? Attend the More than Houses Breakfast on Oct. 28 and find out. The board plans to unveil the opening date and location at the annual fundraiser.
For more information and to track the progress of the ReStore, please follow on Facebook: facebook.com/habitatjohnsoncounty or contact the office at 317-736-4454.
