Customers find affordable options at Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Customers say they are happy to find items they need at a reasonable price.
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As tariffs continue to increase prices, building materials, appliances and home décor have become unaffordable for many people.
Habitat for Humanity Long Island CEO Diane Manders says their ReStore is trying to combat those expenses.
“We hear from all of the buyers that this has become a resource and a go-to for them…” Manders said. “We definitely have seen such a big uptick in our shoppers because they're just coming in saying nothing's affordable.”
Customers say they are happy to find items they need at a reasonable price.
“With the economy the way it is, we need all the bargains we can get,” customer Bryant Walker said.
Tariff pricing is affecting contractors and builders, too.
“Five years ago on the island, a regular house was like $200 per square feet to build, and now it’s costing $300,” contractor Mike Ferrero said.
The profits made at the ReStore are funneled back into building affordable housing -- Habitat for Humanity’s main mission.
However, the money still doesn’t fill in the gap for expensive building materials.
“When costs go up, so does the cost of building our homes,” Manders said. “Sadly, this year is the first year that we've seen less production planned out through the end of the fiscal year because we just can't get everything done for the same amount of money that we used to.”
Habitat says they recently opened an online store to help people who live far away benefit from their affordable prices.
