Photo by Peggy Bangle

The new Habitat ReStore is open and ready for business in Jedburg.

Dorchester Habitat for Humanity (DHH) ReStore is pleased to announce the opening of their new ReStore and Information Center which opened July 8 in Jedburg. The public is invited to a Grand Opening Ceremony on Saturday, August 9, 2008, 8.30am. Completed ahead of schedule and under budget, the new facility has so much that the old store and offices did not, including air conditioning, plenty of parking, testing facilities for appliances and room for expansion.

The success of the old 7200 sq ft store encouraged DHH to 'build on faith' once more. The lack of affordable housing spurred them on to raise more funds to put working families into decent shelter. Land prices have made it increasingly difficult for those on very low incomes to find housing. "We saw the need for a bigger store and the potential to help even more Dorchester County residents fulfill their dream of becoming a homeowner," says JoAnn Kelly, DHH board member and chairperson of the ReStore committee.

The new facility consists of a 20,000 sq ft store and 3,000 sq ft of office space. The store offers great deals on just about everything except clothing and the office space includes an Information Center that handles family selection, the construction of Habitat houses, fundraising, PR and all other aspects of the mission.

Donations to the ReStore, which accepts everything from housewares and appliances to lumber, furniture and even cars are tax deductible. These donations help DHH generate funds to buy land and build additional Habitat homes. Last year the ReStore raised more than $100,000 to contribute to Habitat homes.

At the same time, it makes home-building supplies available to the general public, the home handyman and small contractor at a very reasonable price. "The ReStore is also a great recycling effort," explains executive director, Star Callaway. "We keep perfectly good items out of the landfill and put it into other hands for good use."

Callaway also notes, "We are at a crucial growth juncture, and the new ReStore is an investment in the future. So many people saw that and wanted to be part of it. They gave generously of themselves to make this happen."

Gary Brantley of Brantley Construction donated his time and expertise as he persuaded Star Building to sell DHH the metal building at cost. DA Architects donated their services. Others who gave include James Hardi Products, Lowe's Goose Creek, Baucom's Grading, BES Janitorial Concepts, Bethany Endowment Committee, BiLo, Cook & Boardman, Creative Solutions, LaFarge, Giant Cement, Sinclair & Associates, Construction Applications of Charleston, Holcim, Carolina Fresh Farms, Home Depot Summerville, Norfolk Wire, Pickett Defense, South Carolina Organization of Retired Executives, Southern Lumber, The New Daughter Production Company, Wyckoff & Demott and Glazing Concepts.

The new Habitat ReStore is located at 101 Greyback Road one block from Hwy 78, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Information Center is open Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm. For more information, visit www.dorchesterhabitat.org or call 843-871- 1159.

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