Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester County volunteers, board members, as well as local community leaders gathered in Yonkers recently for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of the nonprofit’s regional flagship ReStore retail location at 470 Nepperhan Ave.
Spanning 8,400 square feet, this newest ReStore, the store that builds homes and reduces waste, features gently used and new overstock and second-hand items for the home, such as furniture, appliances, art, home décor and building materials, at 50% to 80% off its original retail prices. Proceeds from sales directly benefit Habitat’s efforts to build and preserve homes for people in need.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to serve this thriving, diverse and unique county and are so grateful for the support of the local community on this journey,” said Habitat NYC and Westchester CEO Karen Haycox. “New York City and Westchester are intrinsically linked by communities, by commuter rail lines and sadly, by a worsening housing crisis. This ReStore will support our shared mission to advance equitable housing opportunities that enable families in our region to have a safe, stable, affordable place to call home.”
ReStore merchandise is donated by individuals, local contractors, home improvement specialists, architects and corporate donors. The store accepts drop-off donations and conducts pick-ups from donors’ homes or storage locations. The Yonkers ReStore is the second retail outlet opened by the Habitat NYC and Westchester affiliate. “We’re so thrilled to launch an exciting new, sustainability-focused retail destination here in the heart of Yonkers.” said Habitat NYC and Westchester vice president of ReStore Operations Leslie Williams. “We’re delighted to create both employment and volunteer opportunities within the community. And our donation pick-up services will enable residents across Westchester who are renovating, downsizing or decluttering, to donate their household items with complete ease.”
In addition to offering discounted appliances and home goods, the Yonkers ReStore will also host special events, workshops, DIY classes and opportunities for volunteers and housing advocates to directly support Habitat’s housing mission. Since its founding in 1984, Habitat NYC and Westchester has served over 2,400 families through its homebuilding and housing preservation programs and revitalized more than 200 community spaces. Most recently Westchester Habitat, the local chapter organization of Habitat NYC and Westchester, has launched three programs to support seniors aging in place, homeowners seeking to create accessory apartments, and residents affected by recent extreme weather events.
“Thank you to Habitat for Humanity for choosing our city as the home of its flagship store in the region. Yonkers is truly a volunteer city. When the community is in need, we step up. This store will provide volunteer opportunities, donation opportunities, but most of all, help our families with basic needs to feel more at home.” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.
