If you’re planning a home renovation or demolition and need to stay within budget, you may want to visit St. Louis’ “best-kept secret,” the Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
The ReStore is just one of many ways that Habitat for Humanity carries out its mission of partnering with low-income working families to purchase safe and affordable housing, providing a link between those in need and those looking to donate.
Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis board member Linda Loewenstein calls the ReStore St. Louis’ best-kept secret—and an asset that helps the community at large.
What is the ReStore?
Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis has two ReStore locations open to the public where new and gently used home improvement products and building materials are available at highly discounted prices.
“We get a mix between individual homeowners and contractors who have been very generous donating to us,” Loewenstein says. “A lot are happy to donate because they feel bad about taking out brand-new cabinets in some cases, but it feels a lot better knowing someone who needs them will buy them, and the money will go to building homes in St. Louis.”
In addition to affordability, the ReStore also has a mission of sustainability, by taking in those discarded items that can be reused or repurposed and keeping them out of landfills to lessen the impact on the environment. Since the stores opened in 1997, more than 77,000 tons of materials have been diverted from landfills and put into reuse.
Deconstruction services are also offered by the ReStore. Appointments can be made for a deconstruction team to uninstall any existing items, and a ReStore truck will haul the items away.
“Take someone who is renovating their kitchen, for example. There are multiple ways we can help,” Loewenstein says. “A ReStore employee can come out, remove all of your cabinets, and haul them away for you at no cost. We’re then keeping those cabinets out of a landfill, all of the proceeds made from selling them go back to building more homes, and you get a tax write off—it’s kind of a no-brainer.”
Shopping or donating to the ReStore is also a great option for those looking to get involved in Habitat for Humanity or contribute to the greater good in the St. Louis community. “I have so many friends who have redone their kitchen cabinetry, and they’re just elated when I told them about the ReStore,” says Loewenstein. “Habitat for Humanity is the most wonderful organization and has such a positive buzz. Anytime people can attach to that, they feel good about themselves. They may not be able to go to a build site and build a house, but they’re still doing their part to help and to save the environment.”
What items can I shop or donate?
Cabinetry is one of the most popular departments at the ReStore, and appliances are some of the most desired, with many sold the same day as they are received.
The store’s inventory is ever-changing, based on donations that it receives, but there are a number of commonly available items:
Lumber: Dimensional lumber, plywood, OSB, baseboard, crown molding, handrails and shoes, rough-cut hardwoods, live-edge oak, reclaimed barnwood, and exotic hardwoods
Doors: Entry doors, solid/hollow interior paneled doors, fire-rated doors, storm doors, and sliding glass doors
Furniture: Dinettes, hutches and china cabinets, coffee tables, new couches and love seats, desks, and shelving (based on items donated)
Lighting: Chandeliers, sconces, flush-mount and recessed, vanity lights, floor and desk lamps
Cabinetry: A wide assortment of cabinet sets, single cabinets, and vanity cabinets available
Appliances: From base-model ranges to Sub-Zero brand refrigerators, there’s a wide range of appliances based on donations.
Plumbing: Bathtubs, jet-tubs, sinks, shower pans, toilets, bathroom accessories, PVC, fittings, and more
Visit Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis ReStores’ Facebook page for a sneak peek of new items and upcoming sales. A full list of donation guidelines can also be found at habitatstl.org.
St. Louis ReStore Locations
ReStore South Side (Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis administrative headquarters)
- Address: 3830 S. Grand, St. Louis
- Phone: 314-531-4155 | Fax: 314-371-0404
- Business Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; closed Monday
- Donations: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
ReStore Des Peres
- Address: 2117 Sams Drive, Des Peres
- Phone: 314-678-4596 | Fax: 314-371-0404
- Business Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; closed Monday
- Donations: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis. Visit habitatstl.org to learn more about the ReStore and volunteer opportunities, as well as to donate.
