Habitat for Humanity ReStore moving, doubling its size

Habitat For Humanity Huronia is working on another move, but this time it's their own as the popular ReStore is relocating.

For 26 years, the 128 Brock St. location has served as the go-to place for anyone looking to get rid of items they no longer need and for those looking to upgrade their home with anything from furniture to building supplies. 

On Monday, Habitat Huronia CEO Robert Cikoja told BarrieToday the move is expected to be complete in a few weeks and the doors of the new location at 571 Bayfield St. (former long-time home to The Barrie Examiner), should be open July 5.

“We think a grand opening would be allowed in Step 2 of the government's plan, but for now we’re excited at the idea of getting into the new building,” said Cikoja. “We’ve got the walls down inside, so it's one big open space.”

The Brock Street location isn't open due to COVID-19 protocols but is doing curbside pick-up. The building will be closed for good on June 15 until the opening of the new store in July

The Habitat Huronia ReStore accepts and resells quality new and used items. Funds generated are used to support local Habitat home building projects; the ReStore is one of the best ways for the organization to raise money.

“During the last 15 months while we were not able to have community fundraisers, the ReStore was a huge source of money for our fundraising. It really hurt us when we were having to open and close and open and close so often,” said Cikoja. “But we were tight with money, not spending it frivolously, and we are thankfully in a very good spot right now.”

The Bayfield Street location (at the corner of Bayfield and Hanmer streets) is approximately 24,000 square feet, nearly double the size of the Brock Street store. 

“The bigger space is absolutely needed,” said Cikoja. “Whenever we were able to open up during the pandemic, our customers came out in droves. The ReStore is great for shoppers looking for a deal, but also those in the building trade and looking for cheaper items made of good quality. We’re not price gouging and shopping elsewhere has not been financially kind to many with prices of wood, for example, through the roof.”

Habitat for Humanity builds homes for families in need of a place to live and does so through volunteer labour and donations of money and materials. The home owners also help with the build by investing 'sweat equity.'

The next project for Habitat Huronia is at Mapleton Avenue and Essa Road, and after that is a big one in Innisfil where 18 to 40 units will be built.

Cikoja said they are looking forward to getting back to regular operations as far as building homes, but also having the ReStore back to the way it was.

“I feel so bad for our employees and particularly our volunteers. CERB has been able to help some staff which is great, but our volunteers enjoy working here to get out and give back,” said Cikoja.

“There are a lot of retired folks who enjoy saying hi to regular customers and being the familiar face for shoppers. They need to get back when we can.”

For more information on what ReStore has to offer and how to help with Habitat Huronia projects, head to the website here.