ReStore helps Michigan
Michigan’s tough economic times require the same spirit as the trappers, loggers, miners and other early Michigan settlers who carved out a life in this wonderful land. Determination, cooperation and generosity are combining to help the Habitat ReStore in Clinton County (St Johns) to face today’s challenges and help people overcome!
The St Johns ReStore is working to partner with Michigan businesses. These are companies that understand that we are looking for quality merchandise at a reasonable price.
“Grip Tools (based in Grand Rapids) provides a wide array of quality merchandise. We’re able to offer these quality items at a lower cost” says Paul St. Louis, ReStore Director. “The response from our customers has recently enabled us to expand our offerings from GRIP, including items of interest to hunters, women, gift givers and the elderly.”
Growth and Opportunity is based in Lapeer, Michigan and employs challenged individuals. Nails, Screws and Rags are carried by the Clinton County ReStore (St Johns) that have been packaged by them. This helps keep them employed.
Lumber Companies in Grand Rapids and Clinton County have been suppliers of trim for the ReStore. “Our customers have been impressed with the quality, price and selection of the trim that we’ve been able to offer,” St Louis says. “We do not have the wide variety of lumber that others offer, so we’re not a threat to their business. Instead, people are finding that they can ‘afford’ to do improvements and will support other businesses for the items that they cannot find here. That’s good for the people and good for the local businesses.”
“We are in discussion with a battery provider in Southern Michigan and a company in Southwestern Michigan (design and manufacture dual flush toilet kits). Their products meet the industry standards that our people want and will be priced to save our customers money. The dual flush toilet kit and our partnership with Michigan Energy Options (providing compact fluorescent bulbs) enable people to save money both at their initial purchase (just $ .99 for the bulbs) and on their monthly energy bills”.
2 Habitat ReStore volunteers have found employment. Michigan Youth Workers this past summer also completed education requirements while gaining job experience. The ReStore can always use more volunteers who want to give ½ a day or more a week, helping their fellow citizens save money.
St. Louis says, “We are constantly helping save space in Michigan landfills as donors are brining in doors, windows, supplies and electronics. We’ve just gone back through our electronics area and now offer older computers with the assurance that they work. These are not top of the line, but can get on the internet, do word processing, accounting and numerous other applications.”
The St Johns ReStore has also set up a blog (www.restorestj.com/blog) that offers articles about new merchandise, design tips, money saving ideas and more.
People are saving money through donations (tax deductable), remodeling projects, energy conservation items WHILE supporting Michigan Business and Habitat for Humanity of Clinton County. “The people of Clinton County have been very generous and supportive and together we are improving the quality of life for hundreds of families! Our forefathers would be proud to see how we are rising to the challenge of the day and forge a new and better life in Michigan.”
For more information the ReStore’s website is www.restorestj.com and includes their address, phone, merchandise, Habitat project and other information.
