Habitat for Humanity’s mission is “Putting God’s love into action.” Since Habitat of Central Arkansas was created in 1989, the organization has done just that – closing on 254 homes and completing more than 830 neighborhood revitalization projects. But it takes a village for Habitat to build its villages.
There are many ways to lend support to Habitat’s endeavors. But perhaps one of the simplest ways: Go shopping! That’s right, Habitat ReStores are a major revenue source for the organization. And soon there will be two local ReStores – one on South University and a brand-new location in the Colony West shopping center on Rodney Parham.
“Our one (South University) ReStore made enough profit in the past year to pay for the construction of almost four homes” says Kelly Fleming, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas. “Last year we built more homes than ever, raised more funds than ever, and the ReStore had its best year ever. How do you beat that? Add a ReStore in a great location.
“Whether you are donating to or shopping at a ReStore, you are partnering with us to build homes, communities and hope in central Arkansas,” she says.
The South University ReStore is situated in a former car dealership and has been dubbed the organization’s “superstore.” It houses the store itself, as well as administrative offices, construction spaces, storage spaces and donation pick-up box trucks.
The superstore includes mostly used (but also some new) home furnishings and accessories, and also a wide variety of DIY supplies, such as paint, tile, LVP flooring, windows, doors, light fixtures … “You never know what you will find!” Kelly says.
“We get some beautiful high-end pieces, some lovely antiques … it’s a treasure hunt.”
“The new West Little Rock location will include furniture, home décor, new paint and painting supplies, some appliances, rugs, plumbing fixtures and so much more!” Kelly says. “We built a custom rack from which to hang and plug in lighting fixtures, and we often have brand new ones.”
The ReStores’ inventory depends on local donations, which benefit Habitat projects and the environment by encouraging individuals to donate instead of discard their goods. At last count, Habitat of Central Arkansas had saved 10,000 tons of items from the landfill.
“Last year, the City of Little Rock honored us with their ‘Sustain the Rock’ award for nonprofits because of this, and also because we are building Energy Star 3 homes, reducing energy use and costs for homeowners,” Kelly says.
A common misconception is that donated products are used in the homes that Habitat builds. But that isn’t the case, Kelly explains. “We put all new appliances, fixtures and materials in our homes. But all the profits your donations generate do go into our homes!”
Wondering what to donate? “There’s a complete list of items we do and do not accept on our website at habitatcentralar.org/restore, the most notable being we do not accept clothing items,” Kelly says.
Every donation helps build homes and revitalize communities. “When the new store is rolling, it will increase our ability to create positive change for families. For example, last Dec. 23, we closed on three homes in one day! These new homeowners got to spend Christmas in their own homes, creating new memories and traditions. Kids are proud to have friends come over. They get to stay in the same school year after year, and parents build equity and stability.”
Habitat is devoted to forming partnerships with the community and with those whom it serves. Multiple orientation sessions are held each year so that families can learn about the process, which includes articulating their need for housing, providing detailed financial information and agreeing to partner with Habitat through 200+ hours of “sweat equity” working on their home or another Habitat project.
“Sweat equity hours are in lieu of a cash down payment, but homebuyers are required to save for their closing costs,” Kelly says. “Approved homeowners also take financial literacy classes including budgeting, understanding insurance, basic estate planning and more. We want to set them up for success.
“I often tell people we are three businesses in one: a construction company, a mortgage company and a major retail operation,” Kelly says.
For more information on how you can contribute to the success of Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas, visit habitatcentralar.org.