Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties celebrated the grand reopening of its Palm Harbor Habitat ReStore location on February 15th, 2021. The location is the affiliate’s third, with additional locations in Clearwater and New Port Richey. The Palm Harbor home improvement center, located at 31541 US 19 N in Palm Harbor, is a retail-only location. The store focuses specifically on shoppers looking for great deals on new and gently used furniture, appliances, home décor and building materials. Those looking to donate to the ReStore are able to schedule contactless pick-ups online at habitatpwp.org/restore or via phone at 727-209-2199.
The grand reopening was well received with the local community, with many shoppers explaining how happy they were to have the Palm Harbor store back. Shoppers enjoyed doughnuts, coffee from Kahwa Coffee and its Kahwagon and Pete and Shorty burgers from Pete and Shorty’s Iowa Bistro in Clearwater. Many had the opportunity to meet former Tampa Bay Buccaneer and Habitat community partner, Martin Gramatica.
“We are excited to reopen our Palm Harbor location, focusing on the retail aspect of the Habitat ReStore model,” said Mike Sutton, Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco president and CEO. “The ReStores are unique shopping outlets – carrying inventory that is often sought after by a contractor, interior designer, a homeowner looking to remodel or even the local DIY-er ready to do some upcycling.”
WHAT: Habitat ReStore Palm Harbor
WHERE: 31541 US 19 N Palm Harbor, FL 34684
Habitat ReStores are retail centers where new and gently used building materials and home furnishings are sold at discounted prices. “Shoppers can feel good about their purchases”, explains Sutton. “Proceeds from our ReStores support the home builds of families in the Habitat homeownership program. So when you purchase that great set of kitchen cabinets or a new couch at the ReStore, you are directly impacting a local family”. The affiliate will continue to enforce COVID-19 safety protocols at all locations. Masks and social distancing continue to be required for all guests to protect shoppers and staff. All ReStore locations are open Monday – Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM.
Each year, the Habitat Pinellas and West Pasco ReStores sponsor a deserving family. The most recent ReStore-sponsored homeowner partner, the Rivera family, completed the program and closed on their home in New Port Richey last month.
At their home dedication, Cheroqui held back tears as she explained the journey from public housing to homeownership. Joshua, Cheroqui and their two young children lived in public housing for the past six years, which was “an ongoing struggle.” Pests, plumbing issues, electrical unit problems – the constant concerns they faced are now behind them.
“When we learned about Habitat, we became determined and did whatever it took to be homeowners. Habitat came to us in a time where we thought hope was lost, but now we have our strength back and have built a place we can call home.”
