ReStore Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ReStore?
Greater Des Moines Habiat ReStore sells new and used home improvement materials to the public at discount prices. All proceeds benefit Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity. Store merchandise is acquired through donations from businesses and the public, as well as select closeout merchandise. Thousands of tons of materials have been diverted from the landfill due to donations to the ReStore.

Is the ReStore open to the public?
Yes! Anyone is welcome to shop at the ReStore.

What does the ReStore sell?
Sales items may consist of but are not limited to: cabinets, lighting and plumbing fixtures, hardware, roofing, carpet, tools, trim, doors, lumber, flooring, and windows. Check back often, our inventory changes frequently!

How are the items priced at the ReStore?
Materials are sold to the public at substantial discount from retail price. (Based on general research of major retailers.)

Where do items come from?
The ReStore accepts new and used building-related materials from contractors, suppliers, individuals, remodelers and property managers.

How often do you get new merchandise?
Our inventory changes often - we are receiving new items weekly, if not daily.

How do I go about donating an item?
If you have good, reusable or new materials, give us a call at the number below. For more details, please check out the donations section.

Will you pick items up?
It is a possibility, please call our Resource Coordinator. Items too large to fit in a standard car, are of $50+ in resale value or are excessivly heavy are main priority for pickup service.

Where do the proceeds from the sales go?
Proceeds from ReStore sales support The Greater Des Moines Habitat For Humanity's primary objectives of building affordable houses with low-income, working families, and the rehabilitation of urban residential neighborhoods.

Are my donations Tax deductible?
Very possibly. Please consult with a tax accountant. We will gladly provide you with a donation receipt which you may use with your tax information.

Does the ReStore place a value on the items we donate?
No, you place the value on your donations.

How can my business get involved?
There are many ways local businesses can contribute: financial donations, equipment donations, sponsor a special event for the ReStore, place an ad for or with the ReStore, volunteer at the ReStore, donate materials to the ReStore, or shop at the ReStore.

How can I help?
∙ Donate - Donate resellable new and used building materials
∙ Shop - Find new home remodeling treasures each week!
∙ Volunteer - By volunteering at ReStore, you help reduce our payroll, enabling more funding to go directly to Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity!

What is the reslationship between ReStore and Dowling Catholic High School?
Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity partnered with Dowling Entrepreneurial Studies Class and teacher Karen Soliday to organize and open a ReStore in 2003.  The original store was open 10 hours a week.  The class received many awards and honors for developing the store and providing an alternative outlet for new and used building materials in Des Moines. To their credit the store experienced rapid growth, and today the store is open five days a week, run by a staff of full-time employees along with multiple Americorp and community volunteers.  The Entrepreneurial Studies Class continued to utilize ReStore as a learning lab until 2007, when the class decided to pursue new opportunities. Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity is indebted to Mrs. Soliday and the Dowling Entrepreneurial Studies Class for their hard work and dedication to ReStore. We are sure they will have great success with future ventures!