Local nonprofit's ReStore provides funds to build new homes for low-income families

South Collin County's Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement retail outlet and donation center that provides homeowners the opportunity to purchase items to decorate or refurbish their homes and, in turn, provide a less fortunate family with a home.

A simple glance inside South Collin County's ReStore and customers will think they have walked into a thrift store as the establishment carries furniture, antiques, appliances, tools and other items. However, ReStore Director Gary Sharpsteen said items found in the store can be found in some of the most upscale decor and furniture stores.

"We have had a $5,000 chandelier donated, a $1,600 espresso machine and subzero refrigerators donated," Sharpsteen said. "The great thing about it is our customers get to purchase [items] for a lot cheaper than what the original owners purchased it for."

The workers at ReStore price the items 25 percent lower than the cheapest price the items would sell for at a retail, furniture or hardware store. However, Sharpsteen is looking to move away from marking down items.

"We are trying to get away from the discount thing, and we are trying to find those people who will just purchase items because they know their money will go to a great cause," he said. "While we would love to give large discounts, we need enough money for overhead [costs] and to build homes."

The store offers loyalty and frequent shopper programs that allow customers to receive a discount and email updates about the new items that arrive at the store. Sharpsteen said on average the South Collin County ReStore has 2,500 items come in and out of the store in one month, with about 80 percent of the items in the store being brand new.

"We have a lot of items donated from stores like Home Depot and Lowe's and from people who purchase items and then realize they don't want them," Sharpsteen said.

Volunteers play a huge part in Habitat for Humanity as well as in the ReStore. Sharpsteen said he has had several volunteers who have been helping out for years. This year, he said six of his volunteers earned the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, a national honor recognizing volunteer service.

Sharpsteen said with the help of ReStore profits, volunteers are also able to help build homes from the ground up for 100 families each year in Collin County.

Typically, a home can be built in nine days consecutively or in 12 Saturdays. While the construction period may be considered short, Sharpsteen said the homes are solidly constructed modern structures.

"Everything is new in the homes," he said. "These homes are built stronger, better and [are] highly energy efficient. These are volunteers who want to be here and who want to help that are taking extra time to make sure everything is where it needs to be. People have been very generous with donations and fixing houses."

The Habitat for Humanity of South Collin County ReStore serves the local community including South Collin County, Plano, Allen, Trinity Park, Lucas, Wylie, Murphy and Parker.

Habitat for Humanity Restore

1400 Summit Ave., Ste. C3, 972-424-0791, www.habitat-scc.org, Hours: Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. Noon–5 p.m.