The **Benton Habitat ReStore**, situated on Philomath Boulevard in Corvallis, Oregon, operates as a pivotal entity within the framework of Habitat for Humanity’s mission, which is globally recognized as an organization committed to “provide decent and affordable housing for people in our community.” The ReStore, described as a “used home goods store,” encompasses a broad inventory, including but not limited to furniture, building materials, electrical items, and appliances, all housed within a 15,000 square-foot space.
The ReStore’s inventory is primarily sourced from donations, which, as one regular donor highlighted, is a preferable alternative to seeing “beautiful doors” and other items relegated to the dump. This individual, who visits approximately “once a week,” articulated a sentiment that resonates with various customers who inquire about the destiny of their old items, often hinting towards Habitat for Humanity as a desirable endpoint for their used goods.
The proceeds generated from the ReStore are funneled directly into Habitat for Humanity’s programs within Benton County, underscoring its role as “our biggest fundraiser,” according to a representative. The store, therefore, not only serves as a retail space but also as a financial pillar supporting the broader objectives of Habitat for Humanity.
Volunteers form the backbone of the ReStore’s operations, engaging in various tasks from organizing materials, such as the electrical section, to processing donations. One volunteer, reflecting on the task of organizing, acknowledged the magnitude of the task, stating, “I told the boss that I could spend 120 hours on that.” Yet, despite the seemingly insurmountable challenge, the volunteer’s tone did not waver into negativity, highlighting a commitment that seems to permeate the ethos of those involved with the ReStore.
The ReStore does not merely provide a platform for purchasing and donating items but also fosters a sense of community among its volunteers. One individual, when asked about the impact of volunteering at the ReStore, emphasized its positive influence on mental health, attributing it to “doing positive things for the community” and the dynamic nature of the work, which is “new every day.”
The inclusivity of the ReStore’s volunteer program is notable, with a representative affirming that they “take anybody as they are as they come.” This openness extends to those with disabilities, providing an accessible avenue for various individuals to contribute to the community and the overarching mission of Habitat for Humanity.
Despite the ReStore’s commitment to repurposing and redistributing donated items, there remains the inevitable reality of waste. Items that are “too scratched or damaged” or deemed “unsellable” are, regrettably, destined for the landfill, a practice that is not taken lightly given the associated dumpster fees and the ReStore’s inherent objective to repurpose items when possible.
In synthesizing the above, the Benton Habitat ReStore emerges as a multifaceted entity, intertwining retail, community, and philanthropy, all while navigating the practical and ethical considerations of waste and sustainability. The stories and experiences shared by those involved, from donors to volunteers, weave a narrative that transcends the physical items within the store, reflecting a collective commitment to community and sustainability within the broader mission of Habitat for Humanity.