<![CDATA[Shop. donate. volunteer. deconstruct.            - Blog]]>Sat, 18 May 2013 10:57:35 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Give a Hand Up!]]>Fri, 01 Feb 2013 15:50:15 GMThttp://www.stcharlesrestore.org/1/post/2013/02/give-a-hand-up.htmlOne of our most favorite things about the Habitat St. Charles organization is that we give a hand up rather than a hand out.  Many believe that Habitat for Humanity "gives away homes to poor people."  This is not the case.  Our non-profit aims to eliminate poverty, homelessness and substandard housing through a homeownership partner program.

What does this mean?  It means that those families selected for partnership will pay an interest free, 30 year mortgage, they will also put in 350 "sweat equity" hours.  Candidates will need to have lived in St. Charles County for at least the last year and live in substandard housing.  The families selected are hard working, yes most of them have jobs, responsible citizens who just need a little help.  While looking for some clip-art we ran across and article that sums up a hand out vs. a hand up.  The blog linked below speaks about students but can be applied to almost any realm out there.

Consider giving a hand up to Habitat St. Charles the next time you are in the giving mood!  There are many ways that you can accomplish giving as well...it doesn't have to be in the form of a check.  Shopping at or donating to the ReStore is a quick and easy way to help Habitat St. Charles raise more funds to build simple, decent, affordable housing in St. Charles County.

http://2thoughtslewis.blogspot.com/2012/12/hand-out-vs-hand-up.html

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<![CDATA[ReStore's 5th annual toy drive]]>Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:44:40 GMThttp://www.stcharlesrestore.org/1/post/2012/11/restores-5th-annual-toy-drive.htmlPicture
Building homes for deserving families is our passion at Habitat St. Charles.  Creating better futures and better lives in general is what we aim for every day through opening the door to homeownership. 

During the holiday season we also want to make sure that children get the Christmas that so many deserve yet so many are unable to have.  You can help mulitple organizations with one stop at the Habitat St. Charles ReStore (and yourself too!)  Come on by and bring in a toy, or two, or ten and you will receive a discount...and help raise funds for Habitat St. Charles...and help a child to have a wonderful Christmas.  Plus, you are saving the environment too by purchasing items that were diverted from our local landfills.  It really doesn't get much better than that!!


We hope to see you soon and Merry Christmas!!

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<![CDATA[Volunteers...can't do it without them!]]>Mon, 19 Nov 2012 14:27:57 GMThttp://www.stcharlesrestore.org/1/post/2012/11/volunteerscant-do-it-without-them.htmlPicture
At Habitat St. Charles there is no way that we could run our ReStore without volunteers.  Being a staff of 2.5 people we have to be creative in how we get things done.  All of our volunteers are cherished and every once in a while there is a volunteer that comes along that goes above and beyond.  These volunteers have a profound impact on our operation and organization.  Every year we choose one Volunteer of the Year.  Maybe you have seen Mary C. tucked in a corner sorting and organizing.  She was this year's Volunteer of the Year.  When you come in next time be sure to congratulate her on all of her hard work and for putting up with the staff!

Mary came to us early in the year and has been instrumental in implementing several new merchandizing systems in the ReStore.  She has worked countless hours sorting, organizing, pricing, tagging and bagging items.  What she has done is created a better shopping experience for our customers.  In addition she has been a bright spot in our store and in our lives.  We truly couldn't have accomplished the things we did without Mary.  Every day she is not here we miss her greatly.

THANK YOU MARY FOR MAKING US BETTER AND FOR OPENING THE DOOR TO HOMEOWNERSHIP!!!

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<![CDATA[What do you have?]]>Mon, 12 Nov 2012 19:05:58 GMThttp://www.stcharlesrestore.org/1/post/2012/11/what-do-you-have.htmlOne of the questions we get often is "what do you have there?"  And, this is also one of the hardest questions to answer!  We generally say that we have a whole lot of nothing and a little bit of everything.  That statement is really not that accurate either.  The ReStore carries all sorts of building materials and tools plus furniture.  Many don't realize that we get lots and lots of brand new items.  Currently the Habitat St. Charles ReStore has new Stanley and DeWalt tools, Dow Great Stuff Work Wipes, stair spindles, headboards and much more.  In addition the Habitat St. Charles ReStore gets amazing used items too, such as the Craftsman riding lawn mower and entertainment center shown below. 

The best thing to do is to come by and see what we have, come often too, and if you see something you love...buy it now because it will be gone before you know it!

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<![CDATA[Have you heard about Active House USA?]]>Mon, 08 Oct 2012 13:10:42 GMThttp://www.stcharlesrestore.org/1/post/2012/10/have-you-heard-about-active-house-usa.htmlFrom the Active House USA website:

"Active House USA is an industry innovating sustainable home being built in Webster Groves, MO by Hibbs Homes & Verdatek Solutions. The first of it’s kind in North America, Active House USA takes an innovative approach to energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and interaction with the surrounding environment.

Using the Active House specifications developed by the Active House Alliance and built for certification in four North American, sustainable building standards: Energy Star, EPA Indoor, Building America Builder’s Challenge, and ANSI ICC-700 also know as The National Green Building Standard, this custom home is a prototype for North American homes of it’s kind and will help further develop green home building specifications to fit North American climate and environmental needs."

Want to check it out for yourself?  You can do that!

Open House for General Public
Saturday October 13, 2012
10am until 2pm

Habitat St. Charles ReStore was invited to aid with the deconstruction of the home that sat on this site.  The diversion of usable materials from the previous home helped in the green initiative that is Active House USA!

http://activehouseusa.com/

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<![CDATA[Habitat for Humanity ranks No. 6 among largest homebuilders in the U.S.]]>Mon, 23 Jul 2012 16:30:48 GMThttp://www.stcharlesrestore.org/1/post/2012/07/habitat-for-humanity-ranks-no-6-among-largest-homebuilders-in-the-us.htmlHabitat for Humanity is the sixth largest U.S. homebuilder for the second year according to annual survey

Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County built and rehabilitated 8 homes in 2011, helping its national organization to rank as the sixth largest builder in the U.S., according to an annual survey completed by BUILDER magazine. 

BUILDER, a publication for the residential construction industry, annually compiles data from U.S. builders and ranks them by the number of closings. Habitat built or rehabilitated 4,970 homes across the United States and is the only non-publicly traded company in the top ten ranking. The organization made an additional 2,795 house repairs to existing homes, which were not accounted for in the survey.

“I’m very proud of the work of our more than 1,500 affiliates in the U.S.,” said Jonathan Reckford, Habitat for Humanity International CEO. “The fact that they are continuing to build and rehab homes in these difficult economic times is a testament to their resourcefulness and their commitment to families, affordable housing and the communities they serve. We are grateful to our donors and volunteers whose generosity makes this work possible.”

Habitat ranked sixth on the list last year and first made the top 10 in 2010 as the eighth largest builder.

The local Habitat for Humanity affiliate has set future goals even higher.  They would love to build 10 homes per year and with your help this is possible.  Please consider supporting your local community by donating materials and shopping at the ReStore or by making a monetary donation.  All donations are greatly appreciated and stay here, in St. Charles County, to help families in need. 

For more information about Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County please contact us at 636-978-5712.  The Habitat St. Charles ReStore and affiliate offices are located at 130 Trade Center Drive West, St. Peters, MO 63376.

Shopping and donating hours for the Habitat St. Charles ReStore are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 5:00pm.  For more information about the ReStore you can visit their website at www.stcharlesrestore.org or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/habitatstcharlesrestore.

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 500,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; ]]>
<![CDATA[St. Charles 4th of July Parade]]>Thu, 05 Jul 2012 19:21:26 GMThttp://www.stcharlesrestore.org/1/post/2012/07/st-charles-4th-of-july-parade.htmlIt was amazing to participate in the celebration of our nations birthday with so many dedicated and loyal volunteers and customers, especially when it is sooooooooo very hot! 
We had over 30 people from the ages of 2 to 65+ brave the heat and walk 2.5 miles just to spread the word about the Habitat St. Charles ReStore!!  Thank you to each and everyone who not only assisted the ReStore but a big thanks to those who were watching the parade and cheered us on!!   
Remember:  you can shop, donate, and volunteer at the Habitat St. Charles ReStore!!
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<![CDATA[It is HOT!!]]>Wed, 20 Jun 2012 13:53:08 GMThttp://www.stcharlesrestore.org/1/post/2012/06/it-is-hot.htmlWe are all miserable when it gets to the super hot time of the summer.  As many of you know, we do not have air conditioning in the ReStore and on hot days it's even hotter in the store.  For the safety of our customers, donors, volunteers and staff the store will close when the temperature inside the store reaches 100 degrees or a 100 degree heat index.  We understand that this can be frustrating.  We ask that you call ahead if the high temperature for the day is going to be above 90 degrees and we will be more than happy to let you know if we feel we will be closing early.  Our number is 636.978.5712, press 2 for the ReStore.

The Habitat St. Charles ReStore accepts donated building materials (to include cabinets, doors, windows, appliances, furniture, lights and much more) to resell to the public at deep discounts.  All donations receive a tax deduction receipt and all purchases are tax free!  The funds raised through the ReStore help to build simple, decent, affordable housing for deserving families in St. Charles County.

Thank you for your continued support in making dreams come true! ]]>
<![CDATA[Way To Go Sam!]]>Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:04:13 GMThttp://www.stcharlesrestore.org/1/post/2012/06/way-to-go-sam.htmlWe think that Sam, who lives right here in St. Louis, is a pretty cool kid!  He is finding creative ways to recycle.  Everything we do here at the Habitat St. Charles ReStore ties back to building simple, decent, affordable homes in St. Charles County.  One of the ways we raise funds to build homes is through reuse and recycling.

Read the article about Sam here:
http://dailynightly.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/03/12014025-12-year-old-starts-his-own-recycling-business?lite

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<![CDATA[ReStore seeking temporary part-time associate]]>Thu, 31 May 2012 13:08:13 GMThttp://www.stcharlesrestore.org/1/post/2012/05/restore-seeking-temporary-part-time-associate.htmlHabitat for Humanity of St. Charles County: Part-Time ReStore Associate

Habitat St. Charles home improvement outlet, the ReStore, is seeking an organized, efficient, flexible, energetic and personable individual for the position of Part-time Associate. The ReStore is a unique retail environment that sells new and used donated building supplies, home improvement merchandise and furniture to the public. Qualified candidates will have a background in scheduling and logistics, experience with construction or home improvement related retail sales, have a “customer first” mindset, and have the desire to work in a nonstandard retail environment. This is an opportunity for a retail professional who wants to apply his/her skills to raise funds to support a successful non-profit organization. The mission of Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County is to partner with working families, sponsors and communities to build simple, decent, affordable homes.  This position is currently allotted for up to 32 hours per week.  There is the possibility that the position may become permanent and/or full-time.

The Part-time ReStore Associate is directly responsible for:
  • Clean and price incoming materials, following established pricing procedures and criteria.  Refer questions to the store management or designated staff.
  • Organize and set up materials for sale in an orderly and appealing manner using warehouse material handling equipment as needed.
  • Straighten and clean displays, restocking out of place items.
  • Maintain orderly and clean work area.
  • Keep up-to-date on methods of pricing, inventory and procedures.
  • Greet customers, answer questions and provide assistance as needed. 
  • When requested, assist the driver when picking up material at donor sites.
  • When requested, drive the truck and pick up material at donor sites. 
  • As needed, answer telephone and provide store information, directions, etc. to callers.
  • Regularly communicate with Store Manger regarding warehouse issues and problems.
  • Recommend new/better methods of completing assigned tasks as needed.

Working environment:

Work is performed in a retail/warehouse environment. The use or operation of warehouse material handling equipment such as a hand truck, pallet jack, dollies, forklift and truck/pickup, may be required to assist in completing tasks. Ability to routinely lift 85 pounds is required.  This position is required to work all Saturdays.

  • Education
    - Minimum High School Diploma or GED
  • Experience
    - Three years of retail sales/warehouse experience.
    - Retail experience with construction or building materials/hardware preferred.
    - Routing/scheduling and/or logistics experience preferred.
  • Skills
    - Knowledge of fair market values of new and used building materials.
    - Superior customer service skills.
    - Able to lift up to 85 pounds, perform heavy manual tasks, work standing or walking for a full work day on concrete, and be capable of performing outside duties under all weather conditions.
    - Operate a cash register with proficiency.
    - Able to supervise volunteers with a wide range of skills and abilities.
    - Good computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Windows XP and Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).  Working knowledge of social media and online sales sites a plus.
    - Working knowledge of St. Charles County geographic area and roads.
Please e-mail cover letter and resume to restorejob@gmail.com

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