Habitat for Humanity Opens First South Side ReStore, Boosting Community

Habitat for Humanity Opens First South Side ReStore, Boosting Community

Habitat for Humanity Chicago marked a significant milestone recently with the grand opening of ReStore Chicago South, the organization’s first ReStore on the South Side. The new location at 6057 S. Western Avenue promises to offer affordable home improvement products while contributing to the revitalization of the surrounding communities.

Grand Opening Celebration

A VIP reception and ribbon-cutting ceremony were attended by local dignitaries and community leaders. Celebrity designer Kyra Epps headlined the event, conducting an interactive interior design workshop called "From House to Home," sharing tips on transforming living spaces.

Mission and Purpose

Jennifer Parks, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Chicago, emphasized the broader mission behind the opening: "We’re about healthy, thriving communities, and we welcome people to come in and buy new and used building supplies, home goods, furniture, windows, doors—you name it. People can drop off and donate to us, or we’ll come and pick it up."

Parks explained that the location on Western Avenue was carefully chosen. "We wanted a wide-open space with good lighting and parking. It’s on a vibrant thoroughfare, and we’re excited to invite people from Englewood, Chicago Lawn, and the wider South Side to check out the store."

Job Opportunities and Community Engagement

The ReStore offers more than just discounted home goods; it provides job opportunities and a chance for community members to volunteer and gain retail experience. "We offer employment and volunteer roles, and for young people needing job experience, this is a great place to start," Parks added.

Community Leader’s Perspective

Local Ald. Stephanie Coleman (16th) shared her excitement for the project. "Western Avenue is what bridges Englewood to Chicago Lawn and Gage Park. Historically, the site, which had been vacant for about 10 years, was the old Jewel-Osco, but on this recent Saturday in October, it was reborn into something much more—a fortuitous development because the ReStore could have been located in any other place in the city.

"Seeing ReStore and Habitat for Humanity making an investment into communities like Englewood, they didn’t have to come here," added Coleman. "They could have easily gone to the West Loop. They could have easily stayed on the North Side, but they saw an opportunity here, and they saw a leader who would lead, who believed in investment in neighborhoods."

Store Hours and Operations

With the opening of ReStore Chicago South, Habitat for Humanity continues its mission of creating opportunities for homeownership, employment, and community engagement on the South Side. The new store will operate from Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., providing affordable home goods and supporting Habitat’s larger vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Photos from the ReStore Grand Opening

[photos: Tacuma Roeback]

About the Author

Tacuma R. Roeback is the Managing Editor for the Chicago Defender. His journalism, non-fiction, and fiction have appeared in various publications, including the Smithsonian Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, and more.

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of the ReStore?

A: The ReStore provides affordable home improvement products and offers job opportunities and retail experience for community members.

Q: What are the store hours?

A: The ReStore is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Q: How can I get involved or donate to the ReStore?

A: Visit our website or contact us to learn more about volunteer or donation opportunities.