BY ELLIE WEBER AND NELSON O. GUTIERREZ
On West Main Street lies an unassuming white building whose awnings have been painted bright yellow. Through the windows, one can see an array of couches, differing in sizes, shapes and colors as well as eras. Beyond the couches are tall piles of dining sets and hutches that once held fine dishes. In another room, there is an indiscernible pile of metal sheeting accompanied by random kitchen cabinets. To some, it may seem like a pile of junk but to the organization Habitat for Humanity, it’s opportunity.
This is Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore.
“If these things weren’t being sold here, they’d end up in a landfill,” said ReStore manager Bryson Bridges. The donated items he refers to are brought in locally, and their profits stay in the area as well. “The ReStores brought in $2.5 million last year,” said Bridges. “Other than a small portion, everything stays here in Peoria and surrounding communities and directly benefits them.”
Some may be surprised to learn that this expansive thrift store can turn such a profit, but according to customers who shop often, it doesn’t come as a surprise.
“I come in all the time, maybe 3 or 4 times a week.” said customer Bruce Henderson. “We own a Victorian house that requires materials you just can’t pick up at Walmart. There’s always something new in here too, there’s always a bargain waiting around the corner.”
The ReStore’s profits feed into Habitat for Humanity, an organization focused on providing fair housing to families who are first-time homeowners earning less than the area median income. These families don’t just receive their homes, however. According to Bridges, they put in quite a bit of work themselves.
“These families have to put in 300-500 sweat equity hours, meaning they have to work on their own homes and sometimes on others,” said Bridges. “They go through quite the process to make sure they’re right for the amount of work that has to go into building these houses.”
After they provide the work, these families receive the homes with no-interest mortgages that just recoup the cost of materials. “These homes can be worth $110,000,” said Bridges. “We only charge them $75,000 – $80,000 and that can mean a lot to these folks.”
The store provides a bulk of the funding for the organization, which can build up to 8 houses in a season. Beyond funding, however, the shop means a lot to its customers and employees. “This isn’t just for folks who need charity,” said Henderson. “Folks of all kinds can find something they need and get it at a fair price.”
Employee Bonnie Mason was a long-time customer before she began working at ReStore.
“It’s a really good feeling to sell things that not only help people with great deals, but the money that comes in goes to such an absolutely wonderful cause,” said Mason.
The ReStore staff looks forward to the end of the year, where they’re predicted to break over $3 million in profits. Before getting rid of that old recliner or chest of drawers, consider taking it to the old white building with bright yellow awnings – they’ll be able to do a lot of good with it.