She started by taking small steps—learning as much about ReStores as she could absorb and visiting ReStores in other communities.
“I soon realized that a ReStore would add so much value to our community,” Peterson remarks. “It’s a great business model—a win-win for both Habitat for Humanity and residents of our county.”
But what exactly is a ReStore? “It’s much like a thrift store for building materials,” Peterson explained. “Local builders, contractors, businesses, and families donate their new or reusable materials to the Habitat ReStore. The materials are stocked and either used to build Habitat homes or sold to the public at deep discounts. The profits are used to support the construction of more Habitat homes in Gordon County.
Peterson listed acceptable donations: “appliances in working order, cabinets, new carpet or padding, counter tops, windows and doors, lighting fixtures, roofing materials, lumber that is at least 8 feet in length, tools, and more,” she said, noting that she pre-approves all donations.
“We have a detailed list on our website at www.gordonhabitat.org,” she added.
Finding a home for the ReStore and working out the dozens of fine details was challenging, but it didn’t discourage Peterson. She contacted several businesses in the area to inquire about vacant buildings and spaces that would accommodate the program. Local entrepreneur, Ron Dobbs was receptive to the idea and allowed Habitat to temporarily use one of his empty buildings—the old O Jay Mills plant on Highway 53 spur.
“What a great guy!” Peterson said. “Ron has been so generous and willing to help us. He agreed to let us move in and start collecting materials.”
Just after Habitat began collecting materials for its ReStore, however, a potential buyer contacted Dobbs about purchasing the building and establishing public housing on the site.
“So, we will probably have to move in the spring, but move where?” Peterson said. “We are appealing to the community to help us find a new space—a permanent home for our ReStore. A donated space would be a blessing, but we will also consider low rent spaces, too.”
According to Peterson, the perfect building has a minimum of 8,000 square feet, a loading dock for donation drop-offs, a restroom, and be in a high-visibility location with a few parking spaces.
“Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization, so donations are tax deductible whether the donation is a facility, equipment, or building materials,” she adds. “Mohawk donated a hyster to help us unload and move material. Pro Build donated a large trailer full of new windows, doors, molding, and other supplies. Buddy Ables coordinated that donation and found us some tall, sturdy warehouse racking.”
She also noted that The Seventh-Day Adventist Church has contributed pallets to use at the ReStore. “Don Starkey and his wife help feed families in and around Gordon County through the Seventh-Day Adventist Church,” she says. “The food is delivered on pallets. After they unload the food, they give us the pallets.”
Peterson remains optimistic that Habitat will soon find a new space for the ReStore. In the meantime, she continues to collect donations and dream big. She even envisions a “Fill the ReStore” collection day in early 2011 to continue stocking the store.
"It will be a great opportunity for folks to clean out their garages or basements in preparation for the new year while helping Habitat for Humanity build more interest-free homes for families in need in our community," Peterson said.
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical, Christian-based organization that builds affordable, structurally sound homes for deserving families in Gordon County. Partner families are selected based on need, their ability to pay a no-interest mortgage, and their willingness to partner with Habitat. Approved families invest hundreds of hours of labor—sweat equity—into building their own homes and the homes of others. For more information about the organization, contact Jesse Vaughn at 706-602-0081. To learn more about Habitat’s ReStore, contact Judy Peterson at 770-881-2710.
When one door closes …
Donating items to a Habitat ReStore diverts materials from the landfill and allows others to purchase and use the items — a recycling program that benefits everyone involved.
Eddie and Judy Peterson recently replaced two doors in their home and donated their old doors to the ReStore.
In the meantime, Scott and Padma Lee were in the process of building a greenhouse on their property on McCreary Road. They needed a storm door for the entrance but didn’t want to pay full price, so they contacted Habitat’s ReStore. The Lee’s purchased one of the Peterson’s donated doors for less than 50 percent of the cost of a brand new door. They were happy with their purchase, Habitat made a little money to help build more affordable homes in the community, and the Petersons feel good about keeping their doors out of the county landfill (not to mention that they can use the transaction as a charitable contribution on their taxes).
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