An Austin original conceived by Diane Beaver MacKie in 1992, the Austin Habitat for Humanity ReStore has become a model for new and gently used building materials outlet stores across the nation.  Today, some 650 Habitat ReStores are raising funds to support their affiliate missions of housing people in need.

The Original ReStore was established in a former laundry processing facility at 310 Comal in East Austin.  The empty building provided the shell for not only the retail venture, but housed all Austin Habitat operations for many years.  

For most of our history, the Austin Habitat ReStores sold the used building materials donations we recieved and did not offer much in the way of new product.  As word of our efforts spread and business grew, we were able to purchase close-out products, manufacturing overruns, or discontinued merchandise from manufacturers and local retailers.  Today, the ReStores offer a wide selection of both new and gently used building materials including ceramic tile, lighting, cabinetry, flooring, plumbing, etc.

In 2003, Austin Habitat opened our second ReStore at 7434 N. Lamar.  While a great success and a benefit to North Austin shoppers, Austin Habitat was presented with a unique opportunity with this property.  A new light-rail service is coming to Austin in 2008.  AHFH discovered the new rail line stop will be located adjacent to our N. Lamar property and when presented with an opportunity to sell the facility and realize a profit over investment, AHFH chose to sell this building and consolidate ReStore operations into The ORIGINAL ReStore location at 310 Comal.

We were truly blessed, first with the opportunity to introduce the Austin Habitat ReStore to North Austin and secondly, proceeds from the sale of the building will allow us to better meet the affordable housing needs of our community. Thank you N. Lamar ReStore shoppers for your support of our north store and continued support of our affordable housing mission.

You never know what you'll find at the ReStore!

One of the things that ReStore shoppers love (besides our low prices) is that you never know what you'll find at the ReStore.  Because we receive donations on a daily basis, our inventory changes rapidly.  Today there's a blue bathtub sitting in the ReStore floor and tomorrow it's replaced by a stack of marble tile.  ReStore shoppers know they'll find a stock of doors, cabinets and flooring, but when you see these one-of-a-kind prizes... snap them up quickly... or someone else will!  

Although many things have changed with our ReStores over the years, one thing that hasn't changed is our commitment to eliminating poverty housing in our community - from the materials we sell improving existing homes to the funds we raise supporting Austin Habitat for Humanity's home building mission... your support of the AHFH ReStore is helping make simple, decent affordable housing possible for your friends and neighbors.

Thank You!