Habitat for Humanity Edmonton expands with new St. Albert ReStore

St. Albert city councillor Ken MacKay cutting the ribbon at the St. Albert ReStore on July 24. This was the official opening of Habitat for Humanity Edmonton's sixth ReStore. Jessica Campbell/St. Albert Gazette

St. Albert residents can now shop for affordable new and used furniture, appliances, building materials and home goods with the opening of a new ReStore location.

Habitat for Humanity Edmonton held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 24 to mark the opening of its St. Albert ReStore, located at 730 St. Albert Trail.

The store shares a building with Goodwill Industries, marking the first time the two organizations have operated under the same roof.

"This is the first under one roof Goodwill store and Habitat ReStore, not only in Canada, but in North America as well," said Dale Monaghan, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Alberta. "This collaboration symbolizes more than shared space, it represents shared vision, one where two award-winning nonprofits work hand in hand to advance our collective positive impact."

The ReStore is operated by Habitat for Humanity Edmonton. Proceeds from items sold at the store help fund the organization’s affordable homeownership programs.

"Collectively ReStores across Canada divert roughly about 52 million kilograms of usable items from landfills," said Ann-Marie Reddy, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Edmonton. "Transforming diverted goods into funding that creates lasting generational change."

Reddy explained that getting the ReStore ready for opening was no small task and was only made possible due to her team of workers. She added that the stores are central to Habitat's operations. 

"Last year alone, our ReStores made up 60 per cent of our revenue," said Reddy. "Our ReStores are there to support as a social enterprise, our ability to be able to run our programs and cover the costs of administration."

She said the St. Albert community can play a direct role in making a difference. "We hope this new ReStore inspires the residents of St. Albert to make a positive choice. Whether it's shopping here, donating here, or even volunteering, every action that is taken in this location will positively impact the lives of hard-working Albertans for years to come."

Habitat Edmonton board chair Andy England said the organization partners with families who are ready for homeownership but need help overcoming the financial barriers.

"We provide a hand up, not a handout," said England. "The people that we partner with are hard-working Albertans. They're moms, dads, individuals. They have full time jobs, good credit and a strong sense of responsibility. They're not looking for charity. They're looking for an opportunity."

England explained that Habitat offers a repayable down payment loan to qualifying families who are struggling to save enough money for a down payment for a home.

Reddy said Habitat Edmonton has already helped four families in St. Albert who have been able to move into their new homes. 

St. Albert city councillor Ken MacKay said the city welcomes projects that align with its affordable housing goals.

"We want everyone in our community to have the opportunity to own a home in st Albert, regardless of age, their current family situation or their current income," he said. "The new restore location will help achieve this outcome by providing residents with an affordable source of funding and building supplies and materials."

MacKay cut the ribbon at the ceremony, officially opening the St. Albert ReStore. 

"On behalf of City Council, I want to extend our thanks to everyone involved for opening your new store in St. Albert and for delivering such a valuable service to our residents.

Article published by the St. Albert Gazette