Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley Opens ReStore

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A three-day Grand Opening celebration at the Habitat ReStore Vail Valley will make the dream of homeownership a reality for more Eagle County residents. That’s a tall order for a re-sale shop—but one that has proven to work for the past two decades.

The Habitat ReStore is a vital part of Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley’s path to building affordable homes in partnership with locals. Homeowners and businesses donate gently used items—including furniture, artwork, rugs, lighting, building materials and housewares—that are then sold at a fraction of the retail price. It’s a classic win-win: someone scores something to update their space and the proceeds go to fund the building of more permanently affordable homes in our community.

“One of the greatest problems facing Eagle County is the lack of affordable housing stock. Teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters—their ability to live where they work is in real jeopardy,” shared Elyse Howard, director of development for Habitat Vail Valley. “When Habitat’s first Home Outlet in Edwards opened, sales from donated items were funneled right back into the community. Twenty years later the ReStore is an important funding aspect of our mission to build more homes for hardworking locals.”

Partnerships in Progress

Come June 2, the ReStore will play an even larger partner in the housing continuum. It’s on that date the ReStore will open in its expanded space on Lindbergh Drive in Gypsum. The new ReStore location represents partnerships in progress, by the community and for the community.

The Habitat board of directors spearheaded the purchase, recognizing the long-term benefits and strong return on investment a larger store on the busy Highway 6 corridor will bring. The new location promises a dramatic growth opportunity, a steady source of income, drawing more shoppers from a larger geographic region.

It’s not just locals who recognize the growth potential: Habitat worked closely with Senator Bennet’s office and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to secure a rural economic development loan to complete the purchase. The mountain resort communities may have been hit the hardest with skyrocketing home prices thanks to Covid and remote workers flocking to create better lives for themselves.

“I’m pleased we could help Habitat Vail Valley secure funding from the USDA Rural Development Loan program to purchase the ReStore building. This is an exciting opportunity to stimulate affordable home building in the mountain region, which is desperately needed,” Senator Bennet said.

What’s in Store?

From sofas to dining room sets, high-end tiles to outdoor furniture, the ReStore is never the same store twice. It’s finding the unexpected that keeps shoppers coming back. There are the regulars who show up weekly to see what’s new and others who stop in on their drive through Eagle County—and for good reason. The donors in Eagle County are generous.

Some of the more unique finds over the years include “Gonzo,” an ethereal glass sculpture that is both delicate and robust. It was commissioned by The Four Seasons Resort in Vail to spice up the reception area.

A one-of-a-kind German-made wooden bathtub didn’t last long in the ReStore. Originally retailing for $24,000, a lucky ReStore shopper got it for half that price. The $12,000 went a long way in helping build a Habitat home.

Just recently a homeowner donated an entire kitchen (everything including the kitchen sink!) There have been Wolf ranges, Subzero refrigerators, custom tile and luxury furnishings donated. A piece is repurposed, the buyer has an updated home and the proceeds help build an affordable home.

While the housing crisis in the Vail Valley is nothing new, Habitat for Humanity has a long track record of working with locals to find solutions. The new ReStore is just one step ensuring more locals have a place to call home.

If You Go:

Enter for a chance to win prizes daily!

Where: Habitat ReStore Vail Valley Grand Opening

250 Lindbergh Drive, Gypsum

When: June 2-4, 10-5 Thursday + Friday; 10-4 Saturday

Thursday – Uncle Sleeper’s Food Truck and Gift with Purchase

Friday – Bouncy House, face painting, spin the prize wheel

Saturday – Cars + Coffee, Rocky Mountain Taco Truck, Buy More, Save More sale