By Bill Parry
Habitat for Humanity will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday in Woodside at its first-ever ReStore in New York City.
The affordable home improvement center, located at 62-01 Northern Blvd., offers a variety of building materials, appliances, furniture, hardware and other discounted merchandise, nearly all donated and typically 50 percent to 80 percent off the original retail value.
Profits from the store directly support Habitat NYC in its mission to build affordable homes in the five boroughs. With the help of thousands of volunteers every year, Habitat NYC has served more than 380 families in New York City with permanent housing needs.
“The ReStore grand opening is a celebration of the new store, but more importantly it marks a major milestone for Habitat NYC and its mission,” Habitat NYC Chief Executive Officer Karen Haycox said. “At Habitat we strive to address the affordable housing crisis in our city and with the ReStore we are proud to introduce this innovative business model that will help us strengthen our ability to serve the community.”
In addition to acting as a self-sustaining funding source for Habitat NYC, the ReStore also protects the environment, officials say. Each year a ReStore can divert up to 309 tons of waste from landfills. Homeowners, contractors and businesses that donate items will receive a tax-deductible receipt.
“The ReStore is the perfect destination for New Yorkers to shop while directly supporting affordable housing,” Habitat NYC Chairwoman Christine McGuinness said. “The store is a true example of reduce, reuse and recycle—it’s an environmentally friendly way to improve your home while helping our organization build more homes for hardworking families.”
The Habitat NYC ReStore grand opening event takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is open to the public and will feature sales, giveaways and shopping.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
