Habitat for Humanity Wins Support for a ReStore on De Soto Avenue

Habitat for Humanity Thursday won the support of the Land Use Committee of the to open a store on De Soto Avenue.

Tom Stemnock, of the local Habitat board of directors, was requesting a zoning variance to allow the sale of donated appliances, TVs, sinks, toilets and furniture at the new Habitat ReStore at 9610 De Soto Ave. Zoning currently permits sale of lumber, wallboard, paint and other building materials.

Habitat often receives surplus hot tubs and big-screen television prizes for resale from TV game shows such as "The Price Is Right," he said.

Habitat for Humanity builds houses for low-income working families.  They have built more than 200 homes in Southern California. Stemnock said it costs Habitat $150,000 to build each home, and income from the Habitat ReStore, in addition to donations and grants will help to finance the operation. Recipients of the homes are required to provide 500 hours of "sweat equity," as well as learn about budgeting and the importance of family members finishing their education.

A new emphasis, Stemnock said, is providing homes for veterans.

The 15,000-square-foot warehouse "is a regular business operation," he said. "We're hoping to make a profit on a monthly basis." Habitat has a 5-year lease on the building.

Once ReStore opens, it will operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturday, he said.

The Land Use Committee endorsement now goes to the full Neighborhood Council for a vote.