ReStore: the engine behind affordable homeownership
When people think about Habitat for Humanity, they often picture construction sites and families receiving keys. But behind every Habitat home is a system consistently working to make affordable homeownership possible — Habitat ReStore.
ReStore is more than a place to find great deals. It’s a social enterprise that turns donated furniture, appliances, and building materials into funding for affordable housing across Southern Alberta. Every item donated and sold helps support families on their path to homeownership, while keeping usable goods out of landfills.
It’s a model that connects everyday generosity to long-term community impact.
Because ReStore plays such a critical role in Habitat’s work, operational support matters. Keeping stores running efficiently, from energy costs to logistics, directly affects how much funding can be reinvested into building and refurbishing homes for families who need them.
That’s where ATCO Energy comes in.
Where sustainability and affordability meet
ATCO Energy and Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta are deepening their partnership to strengthen affordable housing across the region. This enhanced partnership reflects a shared commitment to helping families access safe, stable, and affordable homes in Calgary and Southern Alberta — and to supporting families throughout the entire homeownership journey, from the first groundbreaking to preparing homes for move-in.
As part of this partnership, ATCO Energy is the Official Energy & Home Services Supplier of Habitat ReStore and provides financial and in-kind support to reduce operating costs and increase efficiency. By powering the Deerfoot Meadows ReStore and supporting Habitat’s operations, ATCO Energy is helping ensure more resources are directed where they matter most: building homes and supporting families.
ATCO Energy’s support helps ReStore do more of what it already does well: generate sustainable funding for affordable homeownership.
In 2025 alone, Habitat ReStores generated $1.6 million in net proceeds, reinvested directly into housing projects across Calgary and surrounding communities. Over the past five years, ReStores in Southern Alberta have returned $7.7 million to Habitat’s affordable homeownership program — an average of $1.5 million each year.
ReStore also demonstrates how sustainability and affordability go hand in hand, a priority shared by both Habitat and ATCO Energy. Over the past five years, Habitat ReStores have diverted 18,300 tonnes of usable materials from landfill, including 3,900 tonnes in 2025 alone. This circular model benefits the environment while helping families build stability through affordable homeownership.
A values-aligned partnership with ATCO Energy
ATCO Energy’s involvement goes beyond funding. As part of this partnership, ATCO provides energy credits, home services, and employee volunteer support that help make Habitat homes move-in ready and energy-efficient. ATCO Energy team members also participate directly in Habitat builds, including two build days in Chestermere this year, reinforcing the company’s commitment to giving back through tangible action.
Together, this partnership strengthens the systems that make affordable homeownership possible. It ensures Habitat’s work remains sustainable, resilient, and community-driven, from the ReStore floor to the build site.
We’re grateful to ATCO Energy for investing in long-term housing solutions, and to the donors, shoppers, volunteers, and partners who help turn everyday contributions into safe, stable homes for families across Southern Alberta.
