Paso Robles ReStore Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Celebrations Held

Over 700 visitors welcome the ReStore to North County opening weekend

An atmosphere of excitement filled the air as the community gathered to celebrate the highly anticipated Grand Opening of Habitat for Humanity SLO County’s Paso Robles ReStore on August 25th. The event marked a collaborative effort towards sustainability, community development, and raising funds for affordable housing.

Joining Habitat SLO’s board, staff, and volunteers at the ribbon-cutting ceremony were notable attendees including Clint Weirick, Senior District Representative for State Senator John Laird; Vicki Janssen, Legislative Assistant to Supervisor John Peschong; Blake Fixler, Legislative Assistant to Supervisor Bruce Gibson; John Hamon, Paso Robles Mayor Pro Tem; Ty Lewis, Paso Robles City Manager; Steve Gregory, Paso Robles City Council; Chris Bausch, Paso Robles City Council; Fred Strong, Paso Robles City Council; Randy Harris, Paso Robles Deputy Fire Chief; Scott Hallett, Paso Robles Battalion Chief; Mark Koegler, Paso Robles City Planning Commission; Gina Fitzpatrick, Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce CEO, and Josh Cross, Atascadero Chamber CEO. The joint participation of these officials highlighted the unity between two neighboring communities in support of Habitat’s mission to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope.

Paso Robles ReStore, located at 844 9th Street, is a unique retail concept that offers an extensive range of new and gently used appliances, furniture, building materials, tools, and more. By repurposing these items, the ReStore not only reduces waste but also provides affordable alternatives for those looking to furnish their homes or complete DIY projects. The community’s enthusiasm was palpable even before the doors officially opened, with a line of 66 supporters well before the launch. Four customers shared their thoughts on the Grand Opening: Customer Marcia, a resident of Templeton and a DIY enthusiast, expected a little building and was pleasantly surprised to discover that the ReStore was actually a 10,000 square feet building. “I’m so glad you’re here. At your last location I bought doors, moulding, sinks, and furniture. Prices are good for remodeling projects!”

Customer Willemke shopped at the ReStore in the past as well and has been eagerly waiting for opening day. “I got everything I could at the ReStore. Just loved it. I stopped by almost every day to see if there was something new I ‘needed. It’s such a friendly staff. I’m so glad it’s open!”

Todd, a long-time donor and supporter is always happy to contribute to sustainability. “I believe that building materials need to go to Habitat for Humanity. It just makes sense. This location is perfect, and the store looks great, inside and outside.”
Jennifer Robinson brought her two boys to the ReStore, and six-year-old Lake enjoyed the 1938 Ford Pickup, which has been repurposed as a custom flatbed table. Robinson was glad to find a few other items.” I used to donate and today I am buying a sink and fertilizer. I am glad you are open again.”

To donate, contact the Paso Robles ReStore at (805) 434-0486 with questions, or email a photo and description to restorepaso@habitatslo.org for consideration.

The Paso Robles ReStore is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M.

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ReStore SLO Celebrates One Year on Broad St. with Sale Aug. 5-6

In August of 2021 we reopened our ReStore South at a brand new location: 2790 Broad Street. Following the closing of our ReStores due to the pandemic, this opportunity to start fresh at a new location brought on new opportunities and a new chapter for our organization.

On August 5 and 6 we are celebrating our one-year anniversary at our new location with a store-wide sale. Our entire store inventory will be up to 30% off and customers can expect great deals on everything from tools and home repair items to home furnishings. The ReStore will be open from 10am-5pm on August 5 and 6^.

In addition to home repair items such as doors, windows, sinks, and appliances, our new ReStore also carries furniture such as gently used couches, tables, chairs, and more.

All of our inventory is generously donated by donors throughout our community.

There are many volunteer opportunities at the ReStore. If you are interested in donating your time, you can find out more at www.habitatslo.org/volunteer or stop by the ReStore to chat with our fabulous staff. If you are interested in learning more about how you can donate items to the ReStore, check out our website or give the ReStore South a call at 805-546-8699.

Meet the 2022 Bank of America Student Leaders

Through a partnership with Bank of America, HFHSLOCO welcomed two summer interns to our office on June 15. Adriana and Clara are both entering their senior year of high school; one student attends San Luis Obispo High School and the other attends Paso Robles High School. During their eight-week internship with us, the interns will receive hands-on experience in our ReStore, with our office staff, and with our Board of Directors, and they will complete both an independent and a group research project. Both projects are designed to expand the intern’s knowledge of affordable housing and of homeownership in our county.

The group project involves a combined effort by HFHSLOCO full-time employees and the interns and the goal is to update our ReStore donation guidelines for 2022. The interns will improve education and training materials regarding items our ReStores can accept, providing donors with alternate location sites, and providing our volunteers a guide to utilize during their shifts.

For their independent projects, Adriana is researching the impact of housing stability on children’s education. Clara will report on the ways increasing community awareness could benefit a small non-profit like HFHSLOCO.

The interns are attending the Board of Directors meetings scheduled during their stint with us. They are also meeting with each of our team members to learn how non-profits operate, focusing on the of the ins-and-outs of our organization.

In her spare time, Adriana volunteers at the local historic museum, and enjoys reading and baking for her family and friends. In Clara’s spare time, she volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters and enjoys biking, reading, and watching the morning news.

We are proud to offer local high school students the opportunity to serve their community through the HFHSLOCO and Bank of America summer internship each year. Join our mailing list to receive announcements about future internship opportunities.