A row of couches stretches from the front of the entrance toward the back. Home paints are against the wall. Shelves of books, movies and music are behind the cash register.
This is no ordinary store. The money earned here feeds back into the community, helping families move into homes of their own.
This is Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, a 25,000 square-foot donation center and home improvement store that resells new and used furniture and appliances for lower prices.
Habitat for Humanity provides affordable housing for low-income families in Cleveland County and its surrounding areas.
Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland County reached a milestone of service, recently celebrating its 25th anniversary. Habitat plans activities such as a birthday party and a family fun day in August for its anniversary.
Mike Davidson, volunteer and marketing coordinator, helps manages the local ReStore and promotes its presence in the community.
“Over the past 25 years we’ve put 54 families into new homes, we’re proud of it and we want to make sure our community is onboard.” Davidson said.
Throughout those years, Habitat for Humanity has hosted several fundraisers and community-based events to give back to the community, such as volunteer drives and partnerships with other nonprofits in Norman.
Volunteers build homes, and they also help at ReStore.
“The ReStore is our primary source of funding for the building of those homes right now. Ninety percent of our inventory is donated to us. The sales of all those items racks up anywhere between $2,000 and $7,000 a day. Majority of the money it takes to build the homes comes from the ReStore as well as grants,” Davidson said.
People not only shop at the ReStore for essentials, they also come to find unique items. Around the store there are antiques and items you can’t find anywhere else. While some shop for necessities, others scout for collectibles.
“I’ve been shopping at the Norman ReStore for about a year now, but I have lived all across the country and have shopped the store before,” said frequent shopper Pam Williams.
Bob Smith, a volunteer and employee said, “I like the vision, it gives me more of a reason to come to work than a paycheck.
Previously homeless, Smith said he understands the mission of ReStore.
“I hope they get 25 more (years).”
