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Habitat Donations

By: Richard Ryanman RRYMAN@GREENBAYPRESSGAZETTE.COM

December 12, 2010

• Wisconsin Public Service Foundation gave $25,000 to Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity's ReStore in Ashwaubenon.

  ReStore, 2965 Ramada Way, Suite B, a retail outlet, sells donated used and surplus building material, with the proceeds going to support Habitat programs.

  WPS Foundation has donated nearly $200,000 to the Habitat homebuilding program in Brown County and played a key part in opening ReStore in 2009.

  WPS Foundation's money comes from corporate and shareholder donations and not from ratepayers.

  The website is www .restoregb.org.

• Cliff Wall Subaru, 1988 E. Mason St., Green Bay, is donating $25 to Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity for each new Subaru purchased between Nov. 20 and Jan. 3.

  Also, the dealership is hosting a display from Habitat with information on how to donate to or volunteer for the organization.

  Cliff Wall is participating in the third annual Subaru Share the Love marketing campaign, which allows new vehicle customers to select from five charities to receive a $250 donation from Subaru of America.

  In addition to Habitat, the organizations are Big Brothers Big Sisters, Meals on Wheels Association of America, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Ocean Conservancy.

To view the actual article from the Green Bay Press Gazette, CLICK HERE.

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You can redo kitchens, bathrooms on the cheap

By Warren Gerd WGERDS@GREENBAYPRESSGAZETTE.COM

October 16, 2010

The limping economy is giving new meaning to the term "house poor." Job cuts, trimmed wages and furloughs have a lot of homeowners straining after paying the monthly mortgage. They're looking for ways to economically do what they need to keep their home presentable.

Many ask, "What if I don't have money for new appliances, lighting, countertops and flooring to redo my kitchen or bathroom, for that matter? What can I do to improve the drab look of those rooms?"

Everyday wear and tear can take its toll on a kitchen's appearance. In many cases, a fresh coat of paint will do wonders without putting a huge dent in your pocketbook.

Practically any color you want can be mixed at a retail paint store, and in a couple of days one if you're ambitious and you have nice walls again.

The Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity ReStore deals in paint and a lot of other new and used items for the home.

"All of our paint is donated," said Bill Seleen, director of the story at 2965 Ramada Way in Ashwaubenon. "A lot of it is mis-tint. It's never been used. The customer just didn't like the color and they couldn't get it the right color. We get a lot of our paint brand new $5 a gallon, so it's real reasonable."

If your cabinet hardware is worn or has parts missing, an upgrade of the door pulls, hinges and knobs can be inexpensive.

Cabinetry can be expensive. The ReStore is an option.

"We get a lot of people who are refacing cabinets rather than replacing, so they'll donate the doors to us," Seleen said. "There're good doors; they're just not the style that they want anymore."

If you're painting, you should unscrew or detach your lighting fixtures from the wall rather than paint on their surfaces. It's an opportunity to change out the fixtures.

"If you're doing an older home, you might want an older light fixture," Seleen said. "You don't want a new one. If you want something that's more period, we do get those in pretty regularly."

The ReStore accepts new and used items.

"Paint, tile, plumbing fixtures, toilets, sinks, cabinetry, lumber, doors, windows just about anything that would go into a house we have here," Seleen said.

Let's say you're passing a rummage sale, and a wooden kitchen table set catches your eye. Maybe it's worn. Some elbow tax with sandpaper and a fresh coat of paint or clear finish presto that table you picked up for a song could give your kitchen a lift.

Maybe your sink has seen better days.

"Sinks? We've got kitchen sinks porcelain, cast iron, resins and epoxies, stainless steel," Seleen said. "We've got the fixtures to go with them."

The store offers used kitchen sets of various looks, some incomplete and some with almost everything.

"We've had ones that came with the dishwasher, stove and refrigerator," Seleen said. "It just depends on how they come and what people are willing to pay for it."

The ReStore has tile, flooring, molding, baseboards, doors for pantries and many other items in wide variety.

The stock goes up and down.

"Everything changes every day," Seleen said. "We're dependent on donations. Everything that we sell has been donated, whether it be from a contractor or a manufacturer to somebody who's remodeling and has things left over that they want to give to us. We get donations in every day, so our inventory changes every day."

The store operates with two full-time employees and volunteer labor.

"Our pricing guidelines are anything that's new, we want to be at least 50 percent off of retail," Seleen said. "Anything that's used, we want to be at least 75 percent off of retail. Then there's sometimes antique value or conditional things that change that."

Bathrooms get a lot of use and need TLC every so often because of heavy wear and continual steamy conditions. Maybe some tiles need to replaced or upgraded. Or grouting needs repair. The appropriate paint may bring some zing. Maybe something is cracked on your toilet.

"We're big into used toilets," Seleen said. "If it's an old-style flush, the six-gallon type, it's $10. If it's a 1.6-gallon type, it's $25. And we sell a lot of used toilets. I would have never guessed."

The store opened in June 2009.

"We've seen that there's a real demand for what we do here," Seleen said. "There are 700 ReStores around the country, and they've all seen kind of a surge in sales over the last couple of years with the downturn of the economy."

To view the actual article from the Green Bay Press Gazette, please CLICK HERE.

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Homebuilding Treasures await at Habitat ReStore

By Sarah Ludeman sludeman@greenbaypressgazette.com

September 11, 2010

With an ever-changing inventory thanks to donations from businesses and individuals, you never know what you'll find in the Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

On any given day the ReStore is home to everything from cabinets, lumber and light fixtures to doorknobs, mirrors, bathtubs and refrigerators.

Bill Seleen, director of the Green Bay ReStore at 2965 Ramada Way in Ashwaubenon, sees new and returning customers each day in search of tools and appliances, many of whom browse the aisles with a sort of treasure hunt mentality.

"It's hard to say what will be here at any time; things come and go," he said. "We have a lot of customers who like to come in to see what we have on a given day or see what's changed. Every so often we'll see someone dancing out of here with a big grin on their face because they got a really good deal on something and we missed it. That's OK because my ultimate mission is to raise money for Habitat."

Habitat ReStores operate as a division of Habitat for Humanity by selling used and surplus building materials and appliances. The proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that builds affordable housing for low-income families.

While his main goal is to support Habitat, Seleen and the rest of his crew also help people upgrade their houses using the materials found in ReStore. As the winter months approach with their guarantee of ice, snow and cold temperatures, the Greater Green Bay ReStore has plenty of materials to help homeowners winterize their homes for less.

One of the easiest ways to stay warm this winter is to dodge the drafts by replacing old windows and making sure your house is properly insulated, says Seleen. Although the number and sizes of windows at the ReStore vary, Seleen only accepts thermopane windows in an attempt to help people upgrade and get better insulation. At any given time there are 50 to 60 windows lined up for the taking at ReStore, where you can spend around $40 for windows worth around $300, Seleen said.

Although the inventory changes each day, Seleen has seen many products come through that would help warm up a house during the winter months, such as insulated steel doors, hot water baseboards, space heaters, caulk, 3M plastic window film, door sealers and insulation.

Seleen encourages everyone to come visit the ReStore, especially those who want to fix up and outfit their homes for less.

"We get a lot of unique things in here," Seleen said. " You never know what you're going to find. It might be a real bargain."

To view the actual article from the Green Bay Press Gazette, please click here

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Volunteers vital to ReStore success

By Sarah Ludeman sludeman@greenbaypressgazette.com

September 11, 2010

Bill Seleen never imagined when he walked up to a Habitat for Humanity build site in 1993 that it would lead him to where he is today.

"They just put a hammer in my hand and off I went," said Seleen.

With the first swing of the hammer, Seleen knew he was doing something worthwhile and began to volunteer more of his time with Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that builds affordable housing for low-income families.

Today, Seleen, director of the Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity ReStore, can be found leading a group of dedicated volunteers at the Greater Green Bay Habitat ReStore at 2965 Ramada Way in Ashwaubenon. Habitat ReStores operate as a division of Habitat for Humanity by accepting donations of used and surplus building materials and appliances and selling them at a fraction of the retail price. All proceeds from sales go toward building houses through Habitat.

There are more than 15 ReStores in Wisconsin and nearly 700 nationwide, all of which combined to help raise nearly $300 million in sales to benefit Habitat last year. Since opening in June of 2009, the Greater Green Bay ReStore has given back almost $35,000 to help build Habitat homes in the area.

"This summer we built three homes, next year we are planning on building five," Seleen said. "My goal is to build a house a year out of this store. It's the reason we're here."

Aside from helping to build homes, ReStores also help keep unwanted materials and supplies from entering landfills. As of July, the Greater Green Bay ReStore has helped keep 228 tons of materials out of landfills, thanks to the many donations from businesses and individuals. While some ReStores go out and purchase goods to resell, Seleen and his group of volunteers rely strictly on donations.

"We come in every morning and there's orphans outside waiting for us; things that people drop off in the middle of the night," Seleen said. "If someone bothers to put something in their car and drive it here, chances are we'll take it."

Newly donated items are marked at least 50 percent off the suggested retail value, while used items are marked at 75 percent off retail. If an item is sitting in the store for more than 30 days, Seleen and his team take 20 percent off the price and keep knocking it down until it sells in order to make room for new arrivals.

Seleen is just one of two paid staff members who work at the ReStore; all other staff is made up of volunteers. Volunteers are asked to give a four-hour commitment, although many choose to put in additional volunteer time. Volunteers do a bit of everything at the ReStore from cashiering and accepting donations to assisting customers and sorting through and pricing donated materials. People who want to help make a difference and support Habitat but may not want to pick up a hammer and build a house should consider becoming a ReStore volunteer, Seleen said.

Another way to help support Habitat is by donating used building materials, appliances and tools to ReStore. Each donation provides donors with an opportunity to keep from paying disposal costs and keep items out of landfills. All donations are tax deductible. For those that have items too large to handle themselves, the ReStore will pick up donations at a scheduled time every Thursday morning.

To view the actual article from the Green Bay Press Gazette, please click here

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New Zoo in Suamico opening new monarch waystation exhibit...

August 11, 2010

The ReStore donated some rain barrels to the monarch waystation. Click HERE to watch a clip about the waystation, or click HERE to see what New Zoo has posted about the waystation.

Come into the ReStore to get your own.

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ReStore gives new life to old, surplus materials

By Richard Ryman rryman@greenbaypressgazette.com

June 27, 2010

ASHWAUBENON Trixie Quirk of De Pere is a fan of Habitat for Humanity's ReStore.

"I love this place. This is like my daily lunch place," she said, picking through baskets of light switches. "You never know what you will find. Paint, normally $30 a gallon, I got for $5."

The store at 2965 Ramada Way, adjacent to Woodworkers Depot, sells reusable and surplus building supplies. It is 1 year old today.

"My mission is to provide money to build homes. My personal goal is to build at least one new home a year out of this store," said Bill Seleen, store director and one of two paid staff members.

The store has three components: donors,customers and volunteers.

Customers have included first-time homebuyers, landlords, homeowners on budgets, handymen, treasure hunters and even a film crew looking for materials for their sets.

Volunteers fall primarily into four groups: retired folks looking for something constructive to do, students doing public service projects, people performing court-ordered community service and unemployed people looking to get out and do something.

"We ask for a four-hour commitment. It can be four hours in a day, a week or a month," Seleen said. "Our top volunteer put in an equivalent of five weeks."

More than 330 people volunteered 8,000 hours at the store in the past year. Some also help Habitat build houses but not all.

"We say this is an opportunity to help build a house without swinging a hammer," Seleen said.

Donors are the key. They range from building supply companies to individuals cleaning out their garages and basements.

"If we don't get good materials, we don't exist," Seleen said.

Items change with donations, but can include insulation, tile, paint, doors, windows, bathtubs, toilets, whirlpools, office furniture, trim, many varieties of hardware and more.

"Everything from soup to nuts," Seleen said.

Staff and volunteers check all materials before putting them up for sale, but little of what they get is unusable. It is a bit unpredictable, however. Seleen suggests customers measure before they come, because if they see something they think might fit their house, it could be gone before they return.

A handful of regular customers come in daily looking for odd or rare items. They find enough to keep coming back, Seleen said.

There are 14 ReStores in Wisconsin and 300 nationwide, he said. Many are profitable; some don't make it.

"It's a risk. It takes a lot of commitment. There are failures," he said.

The Ashwaubenon store has done better in its first year than planned. Seleen said they expected to operate in the red for a couple months, but were almost immediately able to cover expenses.

"We consulted with other ReStores. We planned steady growth and we've been able to do that," he said.

ReStore is averaging about 100 transactions a day.

The store isn't making enough to pay for a house, yet, but Seleen said they are doing strategic planning for growth either a bigger store or a second one on the east side.

Recession has been mostly helpful. It's certainly brought in customers looking to do more for less, and some companies going out of business have provided materials to sell. But it's also put a crimp in donations from time to time, since businesses are running leaner and have less to donate.

"In January, it really slowed down to a point I was concerned," Seleen said. "Lately, it has been, 'how do we find room for it?'"

ReStore is a nonprofit corporation, so donations are tax-deductible.

Habitat estimates the store diverted more than 200 tons of materials from landfills.

For the full article from the Green Bay Press Gazette, please click here

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Habitat for Humanity's ReStore to celebrate anniversary

June 24, 2010

ReStore, Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity's reusable and surplus building materials store, will celebrate its first anniversary Saturday.

The event will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the store, 2965 Ramada Way, adjacent to Woodworker's Depot. It will include free food and refreshments, giveaways and storewide.

Store directorBill Seleen said Wisconsin Public Service Corp. has donated compact fluorescent light bulbs to be given away and three random shoppers will get their purchases for free (up to $200). Gift certificates also will be given away.

ReStore sells donated building supplies and hardware at discount prices.

Profits are used to pay for local Habitat for Humanity house-building projects.

For the full article from the Green Bay Press Gazette, please click here

New Volunteers Uncover Roots in Eco-Enthusiasm

April 11, 2010

Throw the over-the-hill jokes in the recycling bin. Earth Day turns 40 this year, but its just coming into its prime...

Inspired by a national buzz around this years Earth Day milestone, enthusiasm in the area is high, and local green organizations are picking up new volunteers. This year, the Earth Week Coalition has drawn in more than a dozen leaders whove fostered partnerships with an impressive range of area businesses, organizations and first-time volunteers.

Jesse VanCamp, 22, of Green Bay is one of those new volunteers who has jumped on the green bandwagon. Since VanCamp graduated last May, shes been working as an Americorps VISTA/ Resource Coordinator for the Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity ReStore. VanCamp said this position, which bears the responsibility of coordinating the ReStores Earth Day events, is a first step for her in terms of an environmental career.

It really wasnt an option for (ReStore) not to have an event for Earth Day, VanCamp said. Its one of the few places individuals and businesses can bring new or used building materials for resale in the entire Green Bay area.

On Earth Day, ReStore will host green exhibitors, compost and rain barrel demonstrations, recycled art vendors and small electronics recycling. It truly is wonderful that there is national awareness for such a great cause, but the urgency to become more eco-friendly needs to last longer than 24 hours. For VanCamp, the Earth Day spirit will continue on long after Earth Days 40th birthday party on the 22nd her organizations everyday mission is reducing landfill waste within the community.

On Earth Day, ReStore of Green Bay will host green exhibitors, compost and rain barrel demonstrations, recycled art vendors and small electronics recycling. Mike Peters/Press-Gazette correspondent

Click here to read the full article.

John Tesh Crew to Help Habitat

March 6, 2010

ASHWAUBENON The crew from the John Tesh band [Intelligent Kindness] will help the Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity ReStore collect donations today.

Kathy from the Intelligent Kindness crew)

For the full article from the Green Bay Press Gazette, please click here

Green Bay ReStore Accepting Donations

February 28, 2010

Green Bay ReStore accepts donations of new and gently used building materials from individuals, retailers, businesses and manufacturers.

These good-quality items are sold to the general public at a fraction of retail prices, with all proceeds benefiting Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity.

All donations are tax-deductible. Donation hours are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

Pick-ups available Thursday mornings by appointment. For information or to schedule a pick-up, call ReStore at (920) 338-1650.

To view actual article, please click here.

ReStore Surpasses 6 Month Expectations!

January 15, 2010

Thanks to all of our donors, volunteers and the entire community, ReStore surpassed expectations for our first 6 months! With the help of more than 250 volunteers dedicating over 4,600 hours, we were able to surpass our sales projections and diverted over 105 tons of materials from our local landfills!

To celebrate, we will be having a 10% off everything sale throughout January to ring in the year 2010!

Looking ahead for the next few months, we will be re-organizing the process for taking in donations, continuing to spread the word that were open, and are hoping to begin deconstruction in Brown County early this summer!

Before we can get started with deconstruction, however, we will need of the following donated materials:

Tools (pry bars,cats paws, hammers, sledge hammers, wonder bars, reciprocating saw, come alongs, etc.)

Hard HatsGeneratorDust Masks

Fire Extinguisher Work Lights Work Truck

Pick-up truck Cargo van Enclosed trailer

For the safety of our volunteers, these items may be new or used, but must be in reliable, good-working condition. If you have any of these items and are willing to donate them to the ReStore, please contact us at (920) 338-1650. All donations are tax deductible.

"Habitat Opens ReStore in Ashwaubenon"
WBAY-TV (Green Bay, WI) (06/27/09)

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore has officially opened for business in Ashwaubenon, Wis. The new store specializes in selling used construction materials in an effort to lower housing costs. Bill Seleen, director of the Habitat ReStore, remarked, "The concept of this store is simple. We accept donations of new and used building materials, we use mainly volunteers to staff the store, and we sell these products to the public at great savings." All proceeds go to benefit the Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity. Seleen concluded, "More families will reach their dreams of homeownership." In addition to putting more families in new homes and giving old materials new life, it is estimated the Habitat for Humanity ReStore will divert between 300 and 450 tons of material annually out of landfills. This includes everything from light fixtures to lumber to cabinets.

Click here to read the article in the WRA REALTOR Newswire.

We Want Your Photos!

ReStore is trying to collect photos of projects that have been done using materials purchased from our store.  If you have photos or video of your projects, please email them to Jesse or simply bring them into the store next time you are shopping!

Contact us today!
We welcome your questions and queries. Please call the store at (920) 338-1650 or email us with questions or comments!