New homes from older bones

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/09/2022 (1115 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s no secret that landfill sites are one of the greatest polluters contributing to climate change, amassing waste that decomposes and produces harmful gases. Landfills pollute the soil and water in the environment, affecting our health and threatening our ecosystem.

What might be less widely known is that Canada is at the top of a list, producing more garbage per capita than any other country on earth. According to a study, Canadians collectively generate approximately 31 million tons of garbage per year, while only recycling about 30 per cent of that material. The average Canadian generates approximately 2.7 kg of garbage each day.

Now, more than ever, is the time to consider how we can avoid creating toxic waste. One example of people working to improve those statistics is the Habitat for Humanity Manitoba ReStore, and they have their own statistics.

Because the ReStore recycles by reselling new and gently used materials and products that would otherwise be headed for overflowing landfills, it annually saves three million pounds of reusable product from local landfills.

Last year, Habitat Canada ReStores celebrated their 30th anniversary. To accompany this celebration, Habitat Canada reached a milestone by diverting over one billion pounds of product from landfills in Canada since the opening of the first ReStore.

Founded in Winnipeg in 1991, the Habitat for Humanity Manitoba ReStore was the first of its kind, anywhere. Now with two locations in Winnipeg and one in Brandon, there are 100 Habitat ReStores across Canada and more than 1,000 worldwide.

Sandy Hopkins just started his 17th year as CEO of Habitat for Humanity Manitoba and he’s passionate about the work being done for families, community and the environment.

“It is a very rewarding experience, or I wouldn’t still be there. It is an absolutely wonderful place to be, with a brilliant and very successful business model.”

Proceeds from the ReStore support the administrative expenses enabling all personal and corporate donations to go directly to the construction of affordable homes for low-income working families to purchase.

“We are one of the few charities that’s figured out how to pay for ourselves.”

The ReStore receives new and used building materials donated by manufacturers, retailers, contractors and homeowners, and resells them to the general public at significantly reduced prices.

For over 30 years the ReStore has been a go-to place with customers shopping for bargains, looking to discover hard-to-find, unique items.

“We are selling stuff that retailers don’t want anymore,” said Hopkins. “We provide a tax receipt. We also sell a lot of used stuff. If we weren’t taking it, all of that stuff would end up in the dumpster. It’s a wonderful income stream.”

The larger of the two Winnipeg stores, at 60 Archibald St., boasts 20,000 square feet of main floor inventory which includes everything from windows, doors, cabinets, furniture, tubs, flooring and appliances to tools, cushions, lamps, art and trinkets. Offices are housed on the upper level.

“We sell a lot of popular items for home renovations and home decor, like flooring, tile, various types of lighting and accent pieces. We also get much further afield,” Hopkins explained, noting unusual donated items like a dentist’s chair, a stretch limousine, and a bunch of 20-foot-tall palm trees.

“One of the joys of the store is you’re never quite sure what you might find there. If we don’t have it today we might have it tomorrow. A lot of creative people come to the store, people doing renovations; a lot of small apartment building owners shop here; the film industry is regularly here: they buy things for sets; a wide variety.”

With two trucks on the road full-time, picking up donations from residents and businesses, there’s a steady stream of customers coming in each day.

“In a typical year, 5,400 individual donors make contributions and there are 136,000 transactions in the stores,” Hopkins said.

Donating to one of the three Habitat ReStores across Manitoba helps not only in looking out for the well-being of the environment but in improving and strengthening families in the community as well.

Habitat Manitoba’s homeownership program works with people from all walks of life to build safe and affordable housing, for purchase by low-income working families.

“ReStore has been the largest single source of cash for Habitat for Humanity. A couple of volunteers started with an idea, and it’s had an immense impact for low income families. It’s a hidden gem in Winnipeg.

“We are leaders for Habitat in Canada, in terms of the number of families we help. Such an important impact, helping families buy a house. There’s a huge community return,” Hopkins said, adding that the tangible community benefits are numerous.

Hopkins notes that Habitat home families are healthier, miss fewer days of school and work, are far less likely to require foodbanks, and more likely to upgrade skills.

“We are the greenest home builder in Manitoba, in any price range. Every home we build is energy efficient, and carbon-free.”

Since its beginnings, with the help of sponsors, donors, partners and volunteers, Habitat for Humanity has built homes for 458 families in Manitoba and for three families in Kenora. Collectively, they house more than 1,400 children.

Donating items to ReStore ensures that Habitat for Humanity Manitoba can achieve its mission to build safe, energy-efficient homes for working, low-income families, through their unique, affordable, home ownership program. It also helps the environment by enabling ReStore to recycle perfectly reusable household items and provide them with a second home, reducing an environmental footprint.

ReStore locations include 60 Archibald St. and 1565 Inkster Blvd. in Winnipeg, and 630 Rosser Ave. in Brandon.

“We are open to the public and there’s no membership required. Many of the people recognize they are supporting a good cause. They get what they want at a reasonable price and great value.”

ReStore accepts product donations and interested individuals can volunteer their time to help out at the stores. For more, go to habitat.mb.ca.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca