Mercer neighborhoods are being ReStored

As I observe the constant flow of people and hear their excited chatter as they cart windows, doors, washing machines and other materials out of our Habitat for Humanity Restore, I’m reminded that to “restore” is to “make whole.”

When Habitat for Humanity opened its ReStore (“Habitat for Humanity ReStore opens,” Jan. 16), its purpose was to provide a place for residents of Trenton to purchase, at low cost, quality new and pre-owned building materials, appliances and furniture.

As we prepared for last Saturday’s grand opening of our ReStore, I felt deeply thankful for the support we received from all of Mercer County. Homeowners, contractors and building supply stores generously donated new and reusable items to stock the shelves.

Equally important, local residents are shopping at the ReStore. Despite their extremely tight budgets, they are optimistic. They are investing in their homes, their neighborhoods and their communities.

On behalf of Habitat for Humanity, I invite everyone to come shop and/or donate gently used goods; meet the dedicated staff and volunteers; explore the aisles and give us the opportunity to thank them for their support of a brighter future.

I invite readers to explore the neighborhood’s revitalization and drive past homes that have been refurbished thanks to two summers of WorkCamp, which brought in hundreds of students to work alongside residents. And, after school, stop by the learning lab. Or remember to shop at the farmer’s market in the summer.

There’s much more I could share about what’s good. And so much of it is captured in the doors, windows and paint cans carted out of the ReStore and into homes, to make them better — to make them whole.

— Tom Caruso,

Trenton

The writer is executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Trenton.

via Times of Trenton Letters to the Editor – Jan. 26 | NJ.com.