ReStore Takes On the Ultimate Upcycle Project

You may know ReStore outlets as a place to find gently used furniture, appliances, building materials, and home goods at great prices. But ReStore is more than a thrift store—it’s part of Habitat for Humanity. This fall, we’re taking ReStore out of the store and into the community to show that connection and impact in action!

Every time you shop, donate, or volunteer at a metro-area ReStore, you’re helping advance Twin Cities Habitat’s mission to create, preserve, and promote affordable homeownership opprtunities in our communities.

In fact, revenue generated by our three ReStore locations helps fund five Habitat homes each year! The impact doesn’t stop there. Each year, ReStore receives more than 20,000 donations through drop-offs and pickups and diverts 6+ million pounds of material from landfills!

Now this fall, ReStore is taking on the ultimate upcycle project: repairing a home for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity!

ReStore is Part of Habitat. Here’s What That Looks Like.

Robin, Director of ReStores, clears brush from the yard.

The home in need of repairs is located in Roseville, MN, and the ReStore community will have opportunities to roll up their sleeves and help get this home ready for its next chapter!

Why are we doing it? Because we often hear a question from ReStore shoppers and donors: “Where does the money from ReStore actually go?”

This ultimate upcycle project helps answer that question in a very tangible way. Robin Henrichsen, Director of ReStores, says:

ReStore is focused on sustainability and keeping usable items out of the waste stream. This project exemplifies these goals. A home is getting a refresh so it can be ready to give shelter to a family. Bringing safety, community, and the opportunity to make memories for a lifetime. 

ReStore isn’t just a place to thrift or donate things you no longer need. The revenue generated by ReStore supports Habitat’s work, and through this project, the ReStore supporters can experience that mission firsthand.

Meet the Ultimate Upcycle

The Roseville house will get a major makeover.

The house is a three-bedroom, two-bath rambler just north of Reservoir Woods Park in Roseville. Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity acquired the property from its late owner, Wanda, who generously gave Habitat the opportunity to purchase her home at 40% of its appraised value.

“Wanda lived her values and cared deeply about giving back to her community,” says Jessica Coyle, Homebuilding Program Manager. “She spent a lot of her time volunteering and looking for ways to help others.”

Wanda also cared deeply about the environment and made simple, intentional choices in the way she lived. Her values feel particularly fitting for a ReStore project centered on reuse, sustainability, and giving something a new life.

She was also an avid quilter. The basement of the home was filled with sewing equipment and quilting projects, offering a glimpse into something she loved and the life that was lived within these walls.

Now, the home is getting a makeover.

The Ultimate Upcycle Begins

ReStore Assistant Manager Diana and ReStore Manager Jan celebrate completing tough yard work.

Work started this summer with demolition and preparations for repairs requiring professional contractors, including asbestos removal.  ReStore staff, volunteers, and members of the House That Beer Built, joined the project in September and will continue working on the home through the winter and into early spring. Robin said the staff specifically got busy prepping the yard for winter:

It was fun to get out of the store and get this yard ready for change. We worked hard pulling weeds, moving rocks and taking out plants. We started the transformation of the yard and made good progress.  

And there's plenty more to do! Plans for the home include updating electrical systems and HVAC ducting, replacing the air conditioner, installing drain tile and an active radon system, making insulation upgrades, replacing the driveway and sidewalks, and completing cosmetic improvements throughout the main level.

Progress on the bathroom continues.

The lower level will receive a significant transformation, including a reconfigured bathroom and renovated family room. The kitchen will also get a new layout, cabinets, and countertops.

When the work is complete, the renovated property will become an affordable homeownership opportunity for a Habitat homebuyer. The home is expected to be ready for sale by the end of June 2027.

Over the coming months, we’ll be documenting the transformation from the early demolition and repairs, to the ReStore crew getting to work and, eventually, the finished home.

Join the ReStore Crew

ReStore staff flex their muscles after a full day!

Want to be part of the ultimate upcycle project?

ReStore shoppers, supporters, employees, and volunteers are invited to join select volunteer days at the Roseville home. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or have never picked up a hammer, Habitat provides the tools, training, and guidance you need to feel comfortable on the repair site. 

Click here to view individual volunteer opportunities. (If no opportunties are listed, please check back!)

Most importantly, be sure to follow Twin Cities ReStore on Facebook and Instagram - we'll post when new opportunties become available, along with progress on the project!

Not interested in volunteering on the site? You can still get involved with ReStore and Habitat. Our ReStore locations rely on volunteers to help unload donations, bring merchandise to the sales floor, price items, assist shoppers, and much more. Most ReStore volunteer shifts are just four hours. View regular ReStore volunteer opportunities.