After more than seven years in operation, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Simcoe is set to shut down in October.
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Sean Ferris, chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity Hamilton, said the store wasn’t making enough money to support the organization’s work to build homes for those in need.
“The purpose of the Habitat ReStore is to generate funds to support affiliate operations in our work to provide affordable homeownership opportunities,” said Ferris. “ReStores that are unable to contribute to that goal do not support the sustainability of the affiliate as a whole.
“The decision (to close the store) was not made lightly, but with careful consideration of the needs of the community and the staff.”
The Simcoe ReStore, hosted by Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario (previously Brant-Norfolk), has five employees.
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The ReStore on Park Road near Queensway West is said to be the last remaining registered charity operating a thrift store in Norfolk County.
Habitat ReStores are independently owned reuse stores operated by local Habitat for Humanity organizations that accept and resell new and used furniture, appliances, decor, and building materials to the public at discounted prices. Money generated from the stores is used to build, rehabilitate and repair safe affordable homes for community members.
Ferris said plans are to have the Norfolk area served through other ReStore locations, primarily the Brantford store on Morton Avenue East. But, he said, “we are keeping an open mind to opportunities as they arise.”
While Ferris said there are no current plans for the ReStore to move to another location in Simcoe, Habitat is “always open to input from the community.” He said successful ReStores have high visibility, high traffic and availability of local donations.
Ferris said the organization “extends its sincere thanks to the Simcoe community for their support” since the ReStore opened in 2017.
“From volunteers to donors and partners, the Simcoe community has shown consistent support and engagement. The landlord at this location, and their family, for example, have made tens of thousands of dollars in contributions to both the affiliate and the ReStore. It’s partners like this that Habitat depends on to fulfill our mission.”
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