Question 1

What is a Habitat ReStore?

Accepted Answer

Habitat ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers. The items we sell are available to the public and similar to what you may see in other home good stores, such as a brand new box of tile you’ve been needing for your bathroom project or a vintage treasure you won’t find anywhere else. However, Habitat ReStores are more than just resale stores.
The purpose of Habitat ReStores is to contribute to the work of Holston Habitat for Humanity. When you support your local ReStore by shopping, donating or volunteering, you are not only supporting your local community, but you’re also helping the mission to provide decent shelter to everyone around the world.

Question 2

What items do you accept at the ReStores?

Accepted Answer

Though we greatly appreciate everyone who wants to donate to the Habitat ReStores, we are unable to accept all items. Sometimes, the reason is related to safety concerns (such as unframed glass and mirrors, shower doors, lead paint, certain chemicals, etc.), legal reasons (such as certain baby equipment), and other times it is due to the lack of available space. Also, we have found that we just can't sell certain items (such as couches that have rips and stains or appliances that are older than your grandmother.) When we do end up with these types of items, nobody buys them and we have to pay to dispose of the things we cannot recycle, repair, or clean. This takes valuable time and money. If you are unsure if we will accept an item you would like to donate, call 423-335-5573 to ask a ReStore associate. Whether or not we can accept it, we truly appreciate you thinking of Holston Habitat for Humanity!

Items We Accept

Appliances
Refrigerators, Ovens, Washing Machines, Dryers, Microwaves, Range Hoods, Small Appliances (e.g., toasters, blenders), Air Conditioners

Furniture
Sofas, Chairs (e.g., living room, recliner), Tables, Dressers, Bed Frames, Coffee/End Tables, Small House Desks, Benches, Outdoor Furniture, Bookshelves, Chests, Trunks, Antique Furniture
Upholstered furniture cannot have any stains, tears, excessive wear, pet damage or odors. The ReStore in Kingsport DOES NOT accept sleeper sofas. The ReStore in Johnson City DOES NOT accept used mattresses.

Building Materials
Full Sheets of Plywood, New Insulation (in packaging), Lumber, Trim, Fencing, New Roofing Materials, New Siding, Moldings

Architectural Items
Columns, Beams, Mantels, Antique Doors, Framed Stained Glass Windows, Leaded Glass Panels, Wrought Iron Gates, Vintage Industrial Equipment
No items with lead paint.

Home Decor
Art, Statues, Antiques, Memorabilia, Knickknacks, Decorative Glassware, Framed Mirrors, Artificial Greenery and Kitchenware

Cabinets
Kitchen Cabinets, Bathroom Cabinets 
Cabinets must be complete with all doors and drawers attached and void of major stains, defects and water damage.

Doors
Interior Panel Doors, Exterior Doors, Pre-Hung Doors, French Doors, Patio Doors
Doors cannot have any holes, water damage or lead paint.

Lawn and Garden
Grills, Fountains, Yard Tools, Power Yard Tools (must be functional), Outside Décor Items
All in working condition, no mold, or no hard rust.

Lighting (Fully Functional)
Hanging Chandeliers, Floor/Table Lamps, Lamp Shades (in good condition), Ceiling Fans (complete with all parts)

Hardware & Tools
Hinges, Cabinet Knobs, Door Knobs/Deadbolts, Electrical Hardware (please no outdated electrical hardware), Hand & Power Tools, Antique Tools

Plumbing Supplies
Toilets, Pedestal, Vessel, Stainless Steel sinks, Faucets, New Plumbing Hardware, New Tubs, New Shower Surrounds, Whirlpool Tubs, Claw Foot Tubs 
We cannot accept anything with chips, cracks or stains. The ReStore in Kingsport DOES NOT accept glass shower doors.

Paint Supplies
Paint Sprayers, Unused Brushes, Rollers

Flooring
Tile (Full boxes only), Linoleum (new), Carpet (new), Wood (nails removed), Area Rugs (new or gently used), Carpet Tile (new or gently used), Laminate (new)

Windows
Vinyl Windows, Stained Glass, Wood Shutters
No broken glass, water damage or lead paint.

Electronics (Fully Functional)
Stereo Equipment, Blu-ray/CD/DVD Players, Cameras, Music Equipment, Vacuum Cleaners, High Definition TVs
The ReStores no longer accepts TVs more than 5 years old or non-functional TVs.

Housewares
Dishes, Glasses, Bowls, Platters, Silverware, Pots, Pans, Small Appliances.

Miscellaneous Items
Game tables, Toys, Books, Linens, Crafts, Seasonal Items

Vehicles
Cars, Trucks, Boats, Jet Ski’s, RVs, Scooters

Question 3

Do you pick up donations?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do! You can schedule a free donation pick-up of large items by calling 423-335-5573.

Question 4

Is my donation to the Habitat ReStore tax-deductible?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Holston Habitat for Humanity is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We will gladly provide you with a receipt for your donated items. Due to IRS regulations, we are not allowed to assign value to donated items, but your receipt will list the items you donated. We encourage you to work with your tax professional to determine the value and use of your tax receipt.

Question 5

Are the Habitat ReStores open to the public?

Accepted Answer

Yes, indeed! Everyone is welcome to shop at the Habitat ReStores. Stop by during business hours to see what kind of deals you can find, as well as to drop off your own donations.

Question 6

What kinds of things will I find at the Habitat ReStores?

Accepted Answer

You’ll find items that fit into the following categories: building materials, appliances, and furniture. The items you’ll find will range from brand new to gently used, and there will likely be a wide range of brands and styles. We also have books, glassware/dinnerware, crafts and seasonal items, linens, DVDs, and art. Visit the ReStore at Kingsport Facebook page and the ReStore at Johnson City Facebook page to see examples of product that have been posted. Remember, inventory changes quickly, so make sure that you shop often. If you miss a day, you just might miss a deal!

Question 7

What happens if I buy something and can’t fit it in my car?

Accepted Answer

We know that fitting a couch in a Honda Civic isn't that easy. We can hold an item for up to 7 days while you arrange to pick it up.

Question 8

Who benefits from the Habitat ReStores?

Accepted Answer

Lots of folks! Customers benefit by getting good stuff at a good price. Donors benefit by getting a tax deduction, the knowledge that they are turning their excess stuff into affordable housing and keeping reusable items out of the landfill. Volunteers get to learn new skills and be a part of something special. Habitat wins by raising more money to serve our partner families, who are truly the reason we do all this!

Question 9

What is Holston Habitat for Humanity and what do you do?

Accepted Answer

Holston Habitat for Humanity is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that builds and renovates homes in Sullivan, Carter and Washington counties in Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia. We have provided housing solutions for over 300 families and individuals since 1985. To learn more about Habitat’s work in your community, sign up to receive our monthly Habitat Happenings newsletter.

Question 10

How can I get involved?

Accepted Answer

You can donate, shop, and volunteer!

Question 11

How can my company get involved?

Accepted Answer

For businesses, donating to the Habitat ReStores is a great way to move discontinued or excess stock, deal with gently used returns, and show your customers that you care about the environment and your community. Plus, we’ll come to you, which will save you time and money. We also offer group volunteer opportunities if you want to do a little team building while doing good!

Question 12

What is the money raised at the Habitat ReStore used for?

Accepted Answer

The money raised through the Habitat ReStore is used to fund Holston Habitat for Humanity’s mission of building homes, community, and hope. We are very thankful for our shoppers, donors, and volunteers who have helped families in the Tri-cities achieve affordable housing solutions.

Frequently asked questions