Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley helps repurpose for a purpose

Diane A. Rhodes

Special to Village News

Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley has served families in southwest Riverside County for more than 30 years. The affiliate improves living conditions by building and providing affordable homeownership opportunities and through a variety of other housing programs that include critical home repair, minor repair, neighborhood revitalization and education.

In 2008 and 2009, it opened two ReStore retail outlets that also improve living conditions by providing home improvement items and furnishings at a fraction of retail value. Additionally, the Temecula and Lake Elsinore ReStores have diverted more than 10,000 tons of trash from local landfills while allowing consumers to purchase gently used items.

"The ReStores are a community resource that help the environment and are consistent with Habitat for Humanity's commitment to sustainable practices," Tammy Marine, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley, said.

The 35,000-square-foot Design Center has been thriving since it opened in June of 2020, providing a low-cost solution for shoppers on a fixed budget. Its primary focus is on brand new home furnishings. Commonly sold items are couches, tables, outdoor furniture, vanities, rugs, barbecues and more.

"The store is different every day based on donations received. It also has a nice selection of smaller items including tools, paint, linens, pans and more," Marine said. "Our prices are amazing, and the ever-changing selection makes it an exciting place to shop. All of the proceeds support families in southwest Riverside County so the Design Center offers inspiration and obtainability for a feel-good cause."

Marine has been at the affiliate's helm for 17 years and said the Design Center emerged due to a large donation received from "the most significant online retailer in the world."

"We needed extra space to accommodate this large donation and thus the Design Center was conceived," she said. "Over time, we dedicated the new space to brand new materials and now receive donations from a wide variety of donors. The store is a treasure hunter's dream and offers new items at a fraction of retail cost. Discounts are as deep as 70% and our frequent sales drive the prices down even more."

Like the ReStores, the Design Center is consistent with Habitat's mission of providing a way for individuals to improve their own living conditions by purchasing items at huge discounts.

"While we appreciate the wide array of shoppers from about every demographic, we know that a portion of our shoppers are relying on us to help them improve their own living conditions through our affordable prices," Marine said. "If we don't have what you were hoping for when you come in, keep coming back. Eventually you will find what you want."

With full-time and part-time professional staff, all stores have contributed to creating jobs in the communities they serve. Volunteers, groups and individuals are also introduced to the centers through workforce development groups.

"All of our stores represent a combination of many people coming together to do some good," Marine said. "The proceeds go to support our many programs."

Current construction projects include a one-house project in Lake Elsinore that is likely to have its groundbreaking and wall raising in June and a six-house project in Temecula. Marine said the affiliate has done larger multi-house projects in the past but the homes were not located together so the Temecula project will be its largest development to date.

"The county of Riverside approached us right before COVID-19 and asked if we would be interested in partnering with them on a Temecula project," Marine said. "The city of Temecula quickly jumped on board with the project, offering land and additional resources. We were delayed due to COVID-19 but are now in the developmental phase and once the agreements are signed, we will start moving quickly and turning the vision into a reality."

Marine said there has never been a time when housing is more important with affordability, housing shortages and rising costs forcing families to make challenging decisions that have the potential to compromise their quality of life.

"While subsidized programs are needed for some, for others it holds them back," she said. "Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley is committed to finding innovative solutions to the affordable housing crisis while providing a responsible option that bolsters families and sets them, and their children, on a trajectory for success. I am so proud of our holistic long-term solution that elevates families into self-sufficiency."

Marine said now is the time for everyone to get involved and become a part of the solution.

"Volunteering or donating to Habitat feels good and the exposure you gain makes it a good business decision," she said. "We have fun events that make you want to come back for more. Ask about our upcoming Women's Build, Golf Tournament and Christmas Tree Lane events. Together we are more than we ever thought possible."

The Design Center, 28410 Vincent Moraga Dr., in Temecula, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ReStores at 27479 Enterprise Circle West in Temecula and 570-I Central Ave. in Lake Elsinore are open the same days and hours. More information can be found on Instagram @habitatrestoreiv and on Facebook at "HFHIVTemeculaRestore."

Anyone wishing to donate items to either of the ReStores should call the donation line at 951-676-1221. Drop-offs are preferred but someone will pick up items if possible.

Volunteers can contact Kasey Abrahamian at [email protected] or sign up on the website to receive updates when a project needs volunteers.

For more information, visit http://www.habitativ.org or 951-296-3362.