MOREAU — We all deserve to have a place to call home. So many however, are hopping from couch to couch because they don’t have an affordable place to live.
“There’s poverty everywhere – here, it’s hidden. There’s a very quiet homeless population here and a very real need within our community to fill a void that’s there,” said Chris Burd.
A resident in the region since 2006, this past July, Burd began working with the Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties to open and manage their newest ReStore on Route 9 in Moreau. An official ribbon cutting celebration was held on October 2, to coincide with the United Nations designated World Habitat Day.
Defining Home
“We need to be aware of everyone’s habitat in the world. To me, the definition of habitat is security,” said Burd.
In a filled-to-overflowing, yet easily shoppable, 7,000 square feet, ReStore helps provide it.
“There is everything to build, outfit, and decorate a house,” he said.
The main retail space exhibits large items such as sofas, chairs, dressers, lamp fixtures, and wall décor. Walking up small ramps through the brightly painted doorways, you’ll discover multiple side rooms with a variety of appliances. Building supplies, doors, windows, and carpeting is for sale in the back of the building. Two outdoor tents are currently being used as additional display space, as well.
Right Nice
Comments such as “Oh, look!”, “I love that!”, and “It’s a good price – it’s just right,” can be heard as the excited crowd shuffles through, shopping the new and gently used items of assorted brands and styles.
“I just happen to be here and I thought, ‘I’m going to stop by’,” said Pat Pimentel. A Saratoga resident, she said she loves the Restore in Albany, and wanted to check out what this new location had to offer.
The consistently changing stock is one of the most appealing aspects of the thrift store experience.
“It’s high energy, high volume, and high stress, but it’s a lot of fun,” said Burd.
Working as a driver with Habitat for just a month, S.G. Johnson said he’s already moved a lot of inventory, and likes that he can use his experience to help others. The proceeds from ReStore sales are used by Habitat to build affordable homes in the region.
Value Added
Before going to your home, and helping to build homes for others, a piece has the story of where it’s been.
Slipped behind the drawers of a dressmaker’s cabinet, Burd was delighted to discover antique photos.
“People sweated, and worked for, these things in their life, and now they’re here. It really gives it that personal connection,” he said.
This is the heart of ReStore.
“When you think home – think Habitat. Everyone deserves a good place to live,” said Burd.
ReStore is open Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 1373 Route 9, in Moreau. For more information go to http://www.glensfallshabitat.org/restore/
