By Chuck Stewart, Jr.
Newburgh - Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh has opened its ReStore in the Kimball Building on Washington Street.
Habitat President Moacyr Calhelha, welcomed everyone to the grand opening celebration. After more than two years of planning and hard work, the community, volunteers, and local officials gathered for a brief ribbon cutting ceremony outside, before heading inside to shop.
The Habitat ReStore houses building materials that have been recycled and are available for resale. The facility offers quality construction materials at a fraction of the retail prices. Items sold help support the services of Newburgh’s Habitat affiliate. ReStore Manager Chris Knasiak hopes that eventually Habitat will be able to sponsor their own build from funds generated by the ReStore.
Habitat’s offices have also been relocated to the Kimball building. They plan to hold classes and workshop for partner families, volunteers and the general public.
Ed Gallagher, co-chair of ReStore Newburgh Now, is working to raise $1 million to retire the mortgage and restoration costs of the project. His family has operated the local bus system in Newburgh since 1934. In the 1980’s they also ran an automotive parts business out of the Kimball building.
That fondness for Newburgh, the Kimball building and the work of Habitat lead him to giving his support of this capital campaign. "Through the years, we have witnessed the sad decline of our city, but are most encouraged by recent revitalization efforts. Habitat’s work of building homes and rebuilding neighborhoods is a key driving force in this renewal, and the ReStore operation will provide an ongoing revenue stream to support Habitat’s mission," Gallagher stated.
Chris Knasiak invited everyone to, "Come shopping. You never know you’re going to find because all the items are donated." The ReStore will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 8am to 4pm with extended hours until 7pm on Thursdays.
If you would like to volunteer at the ReStore, contact Chris Knasiak at (845) 565-1789. Volunteer shifts are 8am to 12 noon and 12 noon to 4pm each day with an additional time slot from 4pm to 7pm on Thursdays. Additional openings are available for picking up donated materials from homeowners and local businesses.
