Where's It At? It's a Habitat (for Humanity)

I love Habitat for Humanity. You can give them your leftover building materials (paint, windows, toilets, cabinets, appliances, etc.) to keep the stuff out of the landfill and get yourself a tax write-off. They, in turn, give people homes. What's NOT to love?

BUT...Did you know that your search for a cheap thrill (um, the thrift shop kind of thrill) can support their epic quest to build ever more houses for lower income folks?

It's true. Here are two Habitat for Humanity stores that I've checked out, and you should, too.

Santa Barbara, California: Habitat for Humanity ReStore

ReStore manager Ruairi Bateson was extraordinarily busy when I wandered in to his store last winter. He was welcoming guests, fielding questions about products and donation drop-offs, and handling an actual truckload of building supplies that unexpectedly showed up at his wide-open warehouse door.

Still, Ruairi immediately made time to tell me about the ReStore mission, explaining with his rapid-fire Irish accent spread sheets comparing SB sales to those of other California ReStores. The newly moved ReStore was spanking clean, beautifully organized, friendly, and stocked with amazing finds. I expect that Ruairi's team will meet their ambitious goal to make as much as the top earning Habitat ReStores of the LA area.

Ruairi is endearingly competitive about all elements of his life:
he told me the story about how he won the love of his wife,
leaving her NBA player ex-boyfriend crying into his jersey.

Pretty, pretty stained glass

No need to update your tetanus shots before visiting this warehouse--it's super clean!

Keeping the volunteers and shoppers pumped

Lighting: from Home Depot to High End

That's right: the potty party to end all others can be found at the SB ReStore

I was sorely tempted to fly home a better looking faucet than my Home Depot not-so-special

Canaan, Connecticut: This 'n' That from Habitat

Route 7 winds its way through gorgeous western Connecticut and Massachusetts. It's a wonderful, slow drive, made even slower by the irresistible lure of antique shops that line both sides of the road.

Likewise, if you love covered bridges, Rt. 7 will satisfy. Thanks for the pic, Roadfood.com! 

After checking out each and every one of them myself, I can assure you, dear Reader, that few hold a candle to our own Hank's Alley.

Thanks for the pic, New England Girl. I think we're soul sisters.

This 'n' That From Habitat, however, puts the other Route 7 stores to shame.

Manager Judi Moore, like Ruairi, is a happy warrior for housing justice, setting the bar for her store's contributions to Habitat for Humanity higher every year.

Hi, Judi. You are doing great work!

Years ago, Judi and a dedicated group of volunteers started their quest with one big sale at the Hotchkiss School. They made $50,000 that weekend and got hooked on doing right. Today, their "Store" is actually two very large, very well-stocked buildings and an even larger barn, and Judi's goal is to make enough for Habitat to build a house every year.

And when you see what they have to offer, you'll want to go shopping for the greater good, too.

Building #1 is jam-packed with vintage items and small furniture.
It's NOT junk. You're just not able to read the labels from here. Hi, Peggy!

Ohhhh, hello, Barn. What wonders do you hold?

Don't rush this experience. You'll miss something amazing.

Building #3 offers newer fine furniture and decorative items.

Sure, mid-century is great, but maaaaan, I love Deco.

HUGE TABLE, on sale that weekend for $500. And FREE DELIVERY!

So, whether you choose to shop for a cause (or just cuz you like to find awesome stuff), or donate your building materials and other goodies, Habitat is where it's at.


Copyright 2014, Tanya Monier