The Habitat ReStore is a building materials reuse and surplus center. It is the first of its kind in Wisconsin. Through sales of donated merchandise, the ReStore's mission is to provide low cost materials to the general public for neighborhood revitalization, contribute materials to the construction of Habitat homes, and reduce landfill waste of useable building supplies.

Description:
Habitat ReStore is an environmentally conscious building material center that sells used and surplus building materials to the general public while raising funds to build Habitat homes with low income families in Dane County. Habitat ReStore accepts donations of new or reuseable building materials from contractors, suppliers, remodelers, property managers and the general public. Please see our website for a list of materials we accept or call Habitat ReStore. Some materials are used directly in the construction of new Habitat homes, but most materials are sold to the general public at significant savings making home improvements, repairs and remodeling more affordable. The Habitat ReStore is operated primarily by volunteers - approximately 85 per week cover two shifts per day. Volunteers assist in the areas of: sales and cashiering, warehouse work, driving to pick up donations, office and computer work. Habitat ReStore is open Wednesday through Saturday 10 am to 6 pm.

History:
Habitat ReStore was founded in September 2001 as one of approximately 50 in the United States. It is a product of the vision of the Director, Jen Voichick, who worked in construction and witnessed the incredible amount of usable building "waste" sent to the landfill. Since opening in September 2001, Habitat ReStore has diverted 2,500 tons of materials from Dane County landfills. As of March, 2006, Habitat ReStore has generated enough revenue to fund 12 Habitat for Humanity homes built with low-income families in Dane County.

Contact person: Kathleen Van Den Wymelenberg, Volunteer Coordinator, (608) 661-2813, (email)
Office fax number: 608-661-2840

Address:

208 Cottage Grove Rd. Madison, WI 53716 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.restoredane.org

Directions:

The ReStore is located on Cottage Grove Road just off of Monona Drive. We are next door to the Pinney Branch Library.   Nearest Bus Stop: At corner of Monona Drive and Cottage Grove, 5 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Will you be using VolunteerYourTime.org for Donation Match ONLY?
	No

Overall Experience   
The Habitat ReStore is a top reason to love living here.

I cashiered at the ReStore for nearly two years before grad school time pressure made me cut down - but I loved working with the staff and other volunteers so much that I found a way to complete a class project by working for the ReStore. It's that great. When you work there, you're helping Habitat raise money, helping Dane County homeowners maintain and beautify their homes, and helping reduce landfill waste. Also, I can unequivocally say that the ReStore is the best at volunteer recognition and appreciation of all the gigs I've worked at in Madison. posted by Nichole Fromm on June 25, 2004

Overall Experience   
Powerful way to impact Madison right now

I started volunteering at the Restore because the Restore finds homes for would-be trash at a satisfyingly large scale - building materials are the single largest contributor to our landfills, and all of our customers know that nothing sits in the Restore very long- our inventory is constantly flying out the door! But as I continued volunteering I discovered many other benefits of volunteering at the store. First of all, my impression is that most of the customers are homeowners who are trying to improve their homes on a limited budget. The Restore gives the public an incredible bargain on some great materials. As a result, people can fix up their homes and have a better place to live without spending nearly as much money. People also have a chance to try doing things themselves without risking a big investment in materials- they can try more creative projects. (Seeing all of this, I feel I'm a part of beautifiying Madison in more ways than one!) Second, the fact that all the proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity really hit home today when I found out that two of the wonderful children in a 1st grade class I work with recently moved into Habitat homes. Third, the Restore is run almost entirely by volunteers, so you know all of this couldn't happen without you. It really takes a strong community to support a Restore, and being at the Restore makes me very proud to be part of that community. posted by abmilhans on June 2, 2003

Overall Experience   
The ReStore has added a new dimension to my life.

I look forward to going to the ReStore every Friday to see what amazing new things have been donated that week. Getting things prepared for re-sale is just part of the fun, working with all the great volunteers. I will volunteer as long as I'm able. posted by nancjay on May 30, 2003

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