Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana is expanding its Gary ReStore location. Local leaders and Habitat representatives broke ground on a 3,500-square-foot addition Wednesday, giving the store more space to sell appliances, furniture and building supplies.
Store manager Dan Walsh says it'll let them showcase larger items in a safer way. "The number one struggle of having a small location like this is getting large items — I mean massive items — and having literally nowhere to put them," Walsh said.
But beyond that, it'll mean more new homes for working families. ReStore revenue currently translates to one additional home a year, according to Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana executive director Dawn Michaels.
"So another 3,500 [square feet] will hopefully support a half a build, which is perfect. And then we can just keep expanding and, with donations, maybe they can match it, and we can build two," Michaels added.
She said the homes Habitat for Humanity builds help stabilize families, neighborhoods and the workforce.
The ReStore addition is being funded through a loan, as well as a grant from its builder, Tonn and Blank Construction.
