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A hui hou, ReStore

Refocusing our efforts to build more homes 

In recent months, Honolulu Habitat for Humanity has gained unprecedented momentum to advance our mission of building homes, communities and hope on Oahu.

At the same time, the need for affordable housing in Hawaii continues to rise.

After considering ways to provide more housing opportunities with our available time and resources, we have made the difficult decision to wind down our ReStore program and focus 100% on building homes.

On Friday, March 17 at 4pm, Honolulu ReStore will permanently close to the public.

Though a significant change, the winding down of ReStore will have zero impact on the other functions and programs at Honolulu Habitat. In fact, all other programs will remain – and expand – in this community once the transition has been completed. Honolulu Habitat continues to seek ways to do even more for our community in the coming weeks, months and years.

All hands on deck to address the housing crisis

“The need for housing is so great that we must be singularly focused on it,” said Honolulu Habitat for Humanity CEO T.J. Joseph. “We agonized over this decision because we wanted to be able to do it all. We acknowledge and appreciate the countless people and organizations who worked tirelessly to bring ReStore to life. It was a great program, and well-supported by our community.”

“But, at the end of the day, the size and scope of Honolulu’s need for housing requires all hands on deck. We’ve embarked on an ambitious 5-year strategic plan to triple the number of people we serve each year. Achieving that will require our undivided focus on Habitat’s construction and homeownership programs,” she continued, “That’s why we’re winding down ReStore.”

As we move into this next chapter for Honolulu Habitat, we’re taking a moment to pause and celebrate the legacy of ReStore. From our dedicated staff and volunteers to partners, donors and shoppers, we deeply thank everyone who made it happen.

As we move into this next chapter for Honolulu Habitat, we’re taking a moment to pause and celebrate the legacy of ReStore. From our dedicated staff and volunteers to partners, donors and shoppers, we deeply thank everyone who made it happen.

Mahalo nui, ReStore team

We sincerely thank our ReStore employees and volunteers for their dedication and commitment to serving our mission. We also mahalo Habitat’s board directors—past and present—who helped launch this program and have nurtured it over the years. Since opening in 2012, ReStore has helped fund the construction of dozens of homes on Oahu. 

“Our ReStore community, and our staff in particular, has made an enduring impact on our community,” said TJ, “ReStore may be closing its doors, but they will always be part of the Habitat ohana.”

The work continues in a new space

This change also means that we will be relocating our administrative offices which are currently housed at the ReStore warehouse. An announcement with the new office address will be made in advance of our move. 

Whether you helped support ReStore by shopping, donating, volunteering or just spreading the word, YOU helped build the story of home. Mahalo to each and every one of you. 

Be part of Honolulu Habitat’s next chapter. Donate today to help more hardworking families achieve the dream of homeownership. 

Keep reading for important dates and common questions about closing ReStore

Important dates

  • Effective Immediately: Pick-up service no longer available: Donors who want pick-up service will need to request it from other organizations. To see if your pick-up address can be accommodated by other organization, please see below.

  • Effective February 10: Donation drop-offs no longer available: Donors are welcome to continue bringing items to our location through Friday, February 10. Our drop-off hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m. -3:30 p.m.
  • Effective March 18: ReStore closes to the public: Shoppers can continue visiting ReStore through Saturday, March 18 at 4:00 p.m. After this time, the Honolulu ReStore location will be permanently closed to the public.
  • Effective March 31: ReStore will permanently close. The Honolulu Habitat for Humanity administrative offices will be relocated – Please check our website for updates.
  • New administrative office address will be announced in the near future. The office phone number will remain the same at (808) 538-7070).  

Q&A

Q: Why is it necessary to close ReStore? Can’t you continue running it while also building homes?

A: Closing ReStore is not the outcome we hoped for, and we tried for some time to focus on doing both ReStore and home-building programs. The sheer economics of renting warehouse space and overseeing the ReStore operation made it necessary to make this decision.

As much as we have loved the ReStore program, our community’s needs for housing right now overshadows anything else we are doing. As we weighed our finite resources, it became obvious that it was time to double down on the single focus of building homes.

Q: How will this affect the administrative offices?

A: Closing ReStore means we will be relocating our administrative offices, which are located at the Restore warehouse. An announcement with our new office address will be made in advance of our move. 

Q: What will happen to the employees at ReStore?

A: Our valued ReStore employees have been offered alternative employment opportunities at Honolulu Habitat for Humanity family and severance packages. Staff will remain in their current roles through the end of this transition. 

Q: After you close, what can I do with the items I usually donate to ReStore? Is there another organization that will provide free pick-service and give me the proper documentation for tax purposes?

A: Consider donating you household items to the following organizations: 

 

Q: Is there any chance that you might re-open ReStore if you get enough resources to do it in the future?  

A: We aren’t ruling out the possibility of resuming ReStore operations in the future. Our current priority is construction homes. 

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? Contact Jonathan Bator, Donation Coordinator at (808) 380-7875 or Jonathan@honoluluhabitat.org.

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