Three months after opening, organizers are deeming ReStore a success.

The home improvement store, a division of Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County, sells a variety of appliances, cabinets and cupboards, carpets and rugs, doors, electrical supplies, flooring, furniture, garden tools, hardware, fixtures and windows and resells the items below retail prices.

All proceeds - after business expenses - go toward building affordable homes in Clallam County.

Business has been so steady that volunteers are considering opening the store a fourth day a week and possibly adding a delivery service in addition to the existing pick-up service this summer.

ReStore welcomes an average of 130 visitors per day and has received multiple donations from more than 90 individuals and businesses in the community since opening.

"It's been a really good start and we are pleased with the response we are getting from the community," said volunteer Jim Taft, former board president.

"The demand is there, the need is there and the desire is there for us."

The only complaint, Taft said, is that the store would benefit from receiving even more donations.

ReStore, after all, does much more than just sell products, said Bob Eichhorn, store manager.

He described a program in conjunction with OlyCAP that provides vocational training, skills development and résumé building for students and individuals completing community service requirements through the court system.

Participants are "hired" as volunteers and given on-the-job communication and clerical training.

"Donations are the fuel that feeds the fire," Eichhorn said. "Without donations, we can't keep doing all that we do."



Projects in progress

Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County is in the process of getting approval and funding to start the Maloney Heights project in Port Angeles, a joint effort with Serenity House to build 14 houses and a 28-unit apartment building. Board members hope to break ground in June.

All the while, members are searching for building opportunities in Sequim.

"We would really love to be back in Sequim again," Taft said. "We just need to be able to find affordable land there."

More than 15 of the organization's construction volunteers and about 80 percent of store volunteers are from Sequim.

If land were donated or sold at an "affordable" price, Habitat potentially could work on two projects - one in Port Angeles and one in Sequim - at the same time, Taft said.

Habitat for Humanity has completed 20 homes in Sequim, Port Angeles and Forks, all carrying a zero percent interest Habitat mortgage. The last house built in Sequim was completed in mid-2006 on Maizie Court.



Goods for the greater good



Donate goods to Habitat for Humanity and keep furniture, appliances and building materials out of landfills.

ReStore, a home improvement warehouse owned and operated by Habitat for Humanity, especially needs large appliances, cabinets and cupboards, electrical supplies and fittings, wiring, furniture, furnishings and light fixtures.

Store hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Pick-up hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday.

A complete list of acceptable items is available at the store, 728 E. Front St., Port Angeles, or by calling 417-7543.





Ashley Miller can be reached at ashleyo@sequimgazette.com.