Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

The unfortunate downturn in the construction industry forced Lampert Yards, Inc. to concentrate their business focus, and they announced the closing and liquidation of their Builder's Surplus store in December. It was interesting timing for Twin Cities Habitat. 

 For the past couple of years, TCHFH staff researched and developed a business plan to launch their first ReStore - a building materials retail outlet. The revenue generated would go towards building more homes, and better serving existing Habitat families.  In the fall of 2006, the board of directors approved the business plan, hired a project manager, and initially hoped to open doors by Memorial Day 2007.

And then something unexpected happened. Lamperts donated their entire Builder's Surplus business to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, including use of the building rent-free, and the full stock of inventory, worth in excess of a million dollars.   

"The decision to donate this business to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, rather than close the store, felt like the right thing to do. We realized that we could help their interest in providing quality products at a low cost through their ReStore initiative," said Dan Fesler, Lampert Yards CEO. 

 On January 2, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity's ReStore opened its doors. Located on 501 West Broadway in Minneapolis, the store carries an inventory that includes new and gently-used building materials ranging from laminate and ceramic flooring to windows, doors, hardware, plumbing and tools. Store hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays.   

Over 400 Habitat ReStores are open throughout the United States and Canada. Materials sold by Habitat ReStores are typically donated from building supply stores, contractors, demolition crews or from manufacturers who wish to show their support for Habitat. ReStores are environmental friendly and contribute to TCHFH's commitment to sustainable development.   Materials that might otherwise have gone into landfills from construction sites and manufacturer overstocks can instead be donated to Habitat ReStores and sold to raise funds to build more homes for Habitat families.

Contributed by Sharon Rolenc 

The ReStore offers another great opportunity to get involved with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. Volunteers at the ReStore will help by cashiering, assisting with sales floor staff, and general handy tasks. For more information, contact the individual volunteer coordinator at 612-331-4090 ext. 614.