Habitat for Humanity ReStore Expansion Funds New Home Development

The Charlotte chapter of Habitat for Humanity provides decent and affordable housing to low-income families in the region. In addition to its home-building efforts, the organization includes two building material resale shops, known as ReStores. These retail outlets sell merchandise donated by individuals and corporations to the public. The profits are used to build Habitat homes. The stores help increase the number of homes built, prevent usable items from being put in landfills, and provide quality building materials to the public at discounted prices.

Recognizing that it was quickly outgrowing its administrative space and its ability to meet retail demand, Habitat Charlotte acquired a 34,000 square foot former big-box location for its new headquarters. Self-Help provided over $3.7 million in financing to the ReStore store, using funds from the North Carolina Recycling Loan Fund and the Federal New Markets Tax Credit program.

In addition to the retail operation, the new facility is headquarters for the Charlotte staff, and housing for teams of AmeriCorps and VISTA workers in residence with the organization. And there is Julia’s Coffee, offering a selection of fine coffee, tea, beverages and food, with proceeds supporting Habitat’s work in Charlotte.

According to Bert Green, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Charlotte, “The new facility is a terrific opportunity for us. Self-Help understood the big picture in terms of timing, facility, financing and regulatory considerations, and made sure that the transaction went smoothly.”

Habitat hopes that revenues from the two ReStores will fund 10-12 additional homes each year, bringing the chapter closer to their goal of eliminating substandard housing in Charlotte.