Habitat for Humanity’s “ReStore” in downtown Roanoke recently received three truckloads of new furnishings from Rowe Furniture – for free. The proceeds from the sofas, chairs, tables etc. from the Roanoke Valley furniture maker will help raise funds for future Habitat homes in the area. “The retail value is 0,000” said Habitat deputy director Betsy Whitney. “This will help us fund many, many houses.” Whitney called it “first quality, new merchandise in the box.”
The ReStore sells all sorts of building supplies, architectural salvage and furniture, all of it donated, much of it new. Shoppers can often save 30-75% over retail prices. At any given time there are a handful of Habitat homes under construction. Future owners, typically from low income families, must contribute their own “sweat equity” to complete the work on their house. “Every time there is work [to be done] they have to be out there,” said family services coordinator Jeannie Darby of the commitment required of the owners.
Project manager Katherine Gray said the money raised by sale of the Rowe Furniture donation will help buy lumber needed for Habitat houses, as well as mechanical and electrical system items.
Rowe Furniture president Stefanie Lucas said the company’s donation to Habitat for Humanity and the ReStore is “just part of a long-term relationship.” Excess inventory and extra fabric that Rowe turned into even more furniture all wound up at the ReStore, “rather than [trying] to sell off that inventory to one of our customers.” Lucas added that as part of a new program, Rowe employees will be allowed to take days off without pay if they want to pick up a hammer and work on a Habitat house.
“We wanted to find an organization that has similar core values to us,” said Lucas. “We felt that aligned quite well with what Habitat’s mission is. [The donation] is a small token on our part.”
ReStore Hours: Monday – Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; 403 Salem Avenue, Phone 767-2267
By Gene Marrano [email protected]