Senior News Line: Save money at the Habitat ReStore

It’s that time of year again. Summer is fading and it’s time to start thinking about what cold weather might bring, as well as revisiting the parts of the to-do list that didn’t get completed during the summer.

In my house that incomplete portion of my list includes painting the stairs before management notices the peeling and issues a fine and having a new window installed in the living room.

The reasons for not having done those things yet are the price of a can of paint — $42 for a gallon when I need less than a quart — and over $500 for the window, installation not included.

Do you see a pattern here? And, yes, it’s the price of nearly everything nowadays that keeps so many of us from taking care of things like we should.

However, I’ve just learned of a way to get at least a few things on my list: The Habitat for Humanity ReStore. They have 900 locations across the country, and one of those just happens to be near me.

Started in 1976, Habitat for Humanity is the group that will build homes around the world that are then sold for affordable amounts to low and moderate income families, improve and repair houses for seniors so they can stay in their homes, provide disaster response, and much more.

Their Habitat ReStores are loaded with good quality used merchandise that they take in with donations. It not only keeps household items out of the landfills, but it allows people to buy those items at very reduced prices.

They carry used furniture, building materials, appliances, housewares and so much more, some of it donated by corporations.

To find locations near you, go online to www.habitat.org, click “Shop” and then click “Habitat ReStores.” Put in your ZIP code.