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Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho is celebrating the expansion of The ReStore, a thrift store that funds most of the organization’s affordable housing and home repair programs in Kootenai County.
Located at 176 W. Wyoming Ave. in Hayden, The ReStore offers a variety of new and used items donated by the community and local businesses including furniture, appliances, clothing, hardware, tools, lumber, paint, home goods and more.
The 12,000-square-foot building housed both The ReStore and Habitat’s administrative offices, but the nonprofit recently moved its business office to 7950 N. Meadowlark Way in Coeur d’Alene. By remodeling the vacant office space, The ReStore was able to add 2,500 square feet to the retail floor.
ReStore Manager Teresa Roberts said the new space will allow The ReStore to sell more furniture and clothing. Three dressing rooms were built and makeshift shelving throughout the store has been replaced by new shelving from a retailer that went out of business.
“It looks so much nicer,” Roberts said. “Everyone that comes in says, ‘Wow!’ It has been a great surprise for our customers.”
The ReStore raises upward of $300,000 a year for Habitat’s home building and A Brush With Kindness home repair program. In 2024, Habitat completed construction on the first units in a Coeur d’Alene development that will provide homes for 21 families.
Prospective homeowners must have satisfactory credit, stable income, the ability to pay a monthly mortgage and complete financial education classes. There is also a “sweat equity” requirement that candidates must complete by volunteering at the construction site or The ReStore.
“With rent prices continuing to escalate, it is harder than ever for families to save for a down payment and afford a monthly mortgage at market rates,” said James Casper, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho. “Proceeds from The ReStore help us increase affordable housing and provide critical home repairs throughout Kootenai County.”
As of this week, hot items on The ReStore’s sales floor include brand new gas fireplaces and cabinets. In addition to traditional thrift store finds, shoppers can find everything they need for home improvement and DIY projects. Additional items that can withstand the weather are available in The Yard, a sizeable outdoor shopping area with everything from bicycles, lawnmowers and gardening tools to tile, lumber and building materials.
The ReStore also sells an assortment of antiques and vintage items, lighting, bathroom fixtures, designer shoes and clothing, jewelry and collectibles on eBay.
The ReStore opened in 2001 in a red barn at the corner of 16th and Hanley in Coeur d’Alene. After two years of bustling business, the ReStore outgrew the space and moved to its current location. The thrift store employs a mix of 10 full-time and part-time employees with additional help from volunteers.
“We are always looking for volunteers and accepting donations of new or gently used items,” Roberts said.
The ReStore is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Yard closes at 4 p.m. daily. Items can be donated at The ReStore and pickup is available for large items. Donation guidelines and additional information are available at www.northidahohabitat.org/restore.
Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho helps homeowners achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better home for themselves and their families.