What Habitat for Humanity ReStore is

Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a network of thrift stores run by local Habitat for Humanity chapters. Each store sells donated building materials, furniture, and household items at a fraction of retail price. The money from sales funds local home-building and repair programs in your community.

ReStore locations are independently operated by their local Habitat chapters, so inventory, hours, and pricing vary by store. Some ReStores focus mainly on building materials — doors, windows, lumber, fixtures — while others carry a broader mix of furniture and home goods. A few larger locations operate both a building materials section and a general thrift section under one roof.

Unlike national thrift chains, ReStore profits stay local. When you buy from ReStore, the money goes directly to your local Habitat chapter's work: building homes with volunteer labor, providing down payment information, or funding home repairs for low-income homeowners in your area.

Key Takeaways

  • ReStore is a thrift store chain run by local Habitat for Humanity chapters, with each location independently operated and stocked.
  • You'll find building materials, appliances, furniture, and household goods at prices typically 50 to 70 percent below retail.
  • Profits from your purchase fund local Habitat programs that build and repair homes in your community.
  • Inventory changes constantly because stock depends on donations, so visiting in person or calling ahead tells you what's currently available.
  • ReStore accepts donations of building materials, appliances, and furniture, and some locations offer free or low-cost pickup for large items.

What you can buy at ReStore

Building materials make up a large part of most ReStore inventory. You'll typically find doors (interior and exterior), windows, cabinets, flooring, lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, and hardware. Lumber and other structural materials are less common but appear when available. Prices on these items are usually 40 to 70 percent below what you'd pay at a home improvement store.

Appliances are another major category. Refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, washers, and dryers appear regularly, though selection depends on what's been donated. Most are used but inspected for function. ReStore typically does not may provide appliances, so ask about the condition and any return policy before you buy.

Furniture and household goods round out the stock: couches, tables, chairs, beds, kitchen items, décor, and tools. Because inventory is donation-based, what's in the store on Monday may be gone by Friday. If you're looking for something specific, call your local ReStore to ask if they have it in stock rather than making a trip.

How to find your local ReStore and what to expect

Habitat for Humanity maintains a store locator on its national website where you can search by zip code or city. The locator shows the address, hours, phone number, and sometimes a link to the store's own website or social media page. Hours vary widely — some ReStores are open five days a week, others six or seven. Many close on Sundays or Mondays.

When you visit, bring cash or a card — most locations accept both, though a few are cash-only. Prices are marked on items, and staff can answer questions about condition or function. Large items like appliances or building materials may require you to arrange your own transport, though some ReStores offer delivery for a fee or have partnerships with local moving services.

If you're buying a large quantity of materials for a project, call ahead. Some ReStores will hold items for a few days or let you know when a specific product is coming in. Staff can also tell you about bulk discounts if you're buying multiple items.

Donating to ReStore

ReStore accepts donations of building materials, appliances, furniture, and household goods in good condition. Items should be clean and functional. Most locations do not accept items that are broken, stained beyond cleaning, or missing parts, though policies vary by store.

You can drop off small donations during store hours. For large items — appliances, cabinets, or bulk materials — many ReStores offer free or low-cost pickup. Call your local store to arrange a pickup time and describe what you're donating so they can confirm they want it and send a truck on the right day.

Donations are tax-deductible in the United States. Ask for a receipt when you donate, and keep it for your tax records. The receipt should list the items and their estimated value. You'll report this on your tax return using IRS Form 8283 if your total charitable donations exceed the standard deduction.

Pricing and how it compares to other options

ReStore prices are typically 50 to 70 percent below retail for the same item new. A door that costs $200 new might be $60 at ReStore. A refrigerator priced at $1,200 new might be $300 to $500 used. Prices reflect the item's age, condition, and local market rates, so the same appliance may cost different amounts at different ReStore locations.

ReStore is usually cheaper than other thrift stores for building materials specifically, because most thrift chains don't stock doors, windows, or fixtures. For furniture and household goods, ReStore pricing is competitive with Goodwill, Salvation Army, and independent thrift shops, though selection and condition vary by location and visit.

If you're buying new materials for a project, ReStore can save you hundreds of dollars. If you're furnishing a home on a tight budget, ReStore offers lower prices than retail but with the trade-off that you're buying used items with no warranty.

Return policies and guarantees

Return and warranty policies differ by ReStore location because each is run independently. Most locations allow returns within 30 days with a receipt if the item is unused and in original condition. Some ReStores offer no returns at all. A few offer limited warranties on appliances — typically 30 to 90 days — but this is not standard.

Before you buy, ask the staff about the specific store's return policy and whether any warranty applies to what you're purchasing. For appliances, ask whether the store tested it and what condition it's in. For building materials, inspect the item for damage or missing parts before you leave the store, because once you've taken it home, returning it becomes difficult.

ReStore does not offer price adjustments if an item goes on sale after you buy it, and most locations do not negotiate prices. What you see marked is what you pay.

How ReStore profits support your community

Every dollar you spend at ReStore goes to your local Habitat for Humanity chapter. The chapter uses this money to build new homes with volunteer labor, provide down payment information to low-income homebuyers, or fund repairs for homeowners who cannot afford them. The specific programs vary by chapter, but all focus on increasing access to safe, affordable housing.

When you buy from ReStore instead of a national thrift chain or a retail store, you're directing money to a local nonprofit with a specific mission in your area. You can ask your local ReStore staff or visit the chapter's website to learn what projects the money supports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return something I bought if I change my mind?

Return policies vary by ReStore location. Most allow returns within 30 days with a receipt if the item is unused and in original condition, but some do not accept returns at all. Call your local store or ask at checkout what their specific policy is before you buy.

Are appliances at ReStore may provide to work?

Most ReStores inspect appliances before selling them, but they do not offer warranties as standard. Some locations offer a limited warranty of 30 to 90 days. Ask the staff about the condition of the specific appliance you're buying and whether any warranty applies.

How often does ReStore get new inventory?

Inventory changes constantly because it depends on donations. Most ReStores receive new items several times a week. If you're looking for something specific, call ahead to ask if they have it in stock rather than visiting without knowing.

Can I donate items I no longer need?

Yes. ReStore accepts donations of building materials, appliances, furniture, and household goods in good condition. Small items can be dropped off during store hours. For large items, most locations offer free or low-cost pickup — call your local store to arrange it.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes, donations to Habitat for Humanity ReStore are tax-deductible in the United States. Ask for a receipt when you donate, list the items and their estimated value, and keep the receipt for your tax records. You'll report this on your tax return using IRS Form 8283 if your total charitable donations exceed the standard deduction.