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How Shopping at ReStore Supports Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta

Posted by Ashley Miller on Feb 9, 2021 10:50:19 AM

3 Ways Shopping at ReStore Supports Habitat

Right now, one in five Canadians spends more than half of their income on the cost of housing. In Calgary, there are more than 4,000 people on the waitlist for social housing. Parents have jobs and are working hard to provide for their children, but one of the biggest challenges they face is saving for a down payment. At Habitat, we know that affordable home ownership is a critical determinant of economic well-being.

That’s why our mission is to help families in Southern Alberta achieve stability through our affordable home ownership program. What you might not know is that by shopping at your local ReStore location, you’re helping us to deliver on that mission.

Why Shop at ReStore?

While it may seem like a regular retail outlet, the ReStores are unique and play a crucial role in generating funds to support what we do. Our ReStores provide revenue to offset Habitat’s local operating costs. This allows other donations to go directly toward the cost of building affordable homes. The four ReStores across Southern Alberta generate about $1M of the $7M needed to operate Habitat for Humanity’s affordable home ownership program each year.

Here are three meaningful ways that shopping at ReStore supports Habitat for Humanity in carrying out our mission. We invest the proceeds from the items purchased into these key areas:

1. Helping families build stability

When you shop at Habitat’s ReStore, you’re helping families in Southern Alberta build strength, stability, and independence through affordable home ownership. Habitat home ownership provides families with more than just equity -- it instills them with a renewed sense of pride and responsibility. The impact is immediate, and the effects are lasting. With the stability of a home they can truly afford, parents can thrive at work, kids can succeed in school, and families can make confident plans for their future.

“I’m thankful for the practical way I’m able to contribute to owning my home, the financial security that it will provide us, and for how closely Habitat works with me to make sure I succeed in my journey.

- Nicole, Habitat Homeowner in Silver Springs

 

In 2019 alone, we were able to help 29 families begin their journey into home ownership.

These outcomes are made possible when you support our cause through shopping sustainably at your local ReStore location.

2. Building affordable homes

Habitat builds new homes, in addition to renovating homes, that are sold back when are ready to move on. Each year we build 20-25 new homes and renovate about 15. With the proceeds from our ReStore locations, we can invest funds into new builds, renovations, and continue to welcome new local families into the Habitat home ownership program.

There are many costs associated with running a non-profit which include overhead such as fundraising, infrastructure, and staffing. The proceeds from the ReStores cover a large portion of our administration costs. This allows us to help more families through our work.

3. Strengthening Communities

Strong and stable homes build strong and stable communities.

Research shows that Habitat homeowners are happier, healthier, and more financially stable. This can allow to return to school, learn a new trade, or upgrade their job skills. Meanwhile their children are more confident and do better in school.

But the benefits of a Habitat home reach far beyond the four walls these families help build. In their report on the social return of Habitat’s work in Canada, the Boston Consulting Group found that for $1 spent, about $4 of benefits accrue to society, and every Habitat home built helps create $175,000 worth of benefits for the local community. This value is driven by increased tax revenue from Habitat homeowners, reduced social housing usage, and improved educational outcomes for children growing up in a Habitat home.

Shop Your Local ReStore Today!

If you were looking for a reason to go shopping, look no further. Shopping at your local ReStore is truly choosing to shop sustainably as all the funds raised enable more families to partner with us and access affordable homeownership. This profoundly impacts these families, and their communities.

What are you waiting for?

Inventory is always changing as new items are donated daily. You can expect to find a wide variety of products including furniture, appliances, paint, doors, lighting, home décor and more - all 40-80% below regular retail prices.

Ready to help make a real change in your community by shopping at the ReStore?

SEE OUR STORE HOURS

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