FREEHOLD — Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County has opened a ReStore home improvement resale store at 45 South St., Freehold. The location is the former site of Silvert’s furniture store and, more recently, a supermarket.
The ReStore will be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
“We recognized we could serve more of our service area with a larger store,” said Nancy Doran, board president at Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County. “This move comes after a great deal of research and hard work. We hope our new ReStore brings in our regular customers while also attracting patrons and supporters from across the region.”
The store moves to its new home from 41 Throckmorton St., where it has been operating since 2002.
In 2014, the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund awarded Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County a grant to distribute 50 ReStore vouchers to families affected and recovering from superstorm Sandy. Since the 2012 storm, the affiliate has worked with more than 90 families to make critical home repairs and rebuild homes, according to a press release.
The ReStore is a national Habitat for Humanity model that brings operating revenue back into the affiliate to help fund affordable housing projects. According to the press release, it is a cost-effective outlet for home improvement projects that is open to the public. Quality used and surplus building materials are available at reduced prices.
The store’s inventory is donated from individuals, corporations or other organizations from across Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County’s footprint. Along with a core staff, the store will rely on volunteers for much of its daily operations.
“We are looking forward to making [45 South St.] our home; we plan to move our administrative offices here in the future,” said Ray Gabler, executive director. “The Freehold community, including fellow businesses and leadership, have been incredibly supportive of our expansion and helping us to get ready for our opening.”
Habitat for Humanity in Monmouth County, serving northeast and western Monmouth County, is a newly merged affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, according to the press release. Habitat seeks to eliminate substandard housing and help low-income families achieve the dream of homeownership through its service area.
This Habitat chapter currently services 83 percent of Monmouth County, including Allentown and Millstone Township.