Habitat for Humanity started serving the Suffolk community back in 1987, and has been growing as a division ever since.  Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk opened up ReStore to the public in Ronkonkoma on September 04, 2002. They provide housing and building materials to qualified community residents at a substantially discounted price.  This has given literally thousands of Long Islanders an opportunity to live in homes which they previously would never have imagined.

ReStore accepts donations of either new or very gently used building materials and supplies, and appliances.

Habitat for Humanity Suffolk is able to build houses for approximately $100,000 each.  They issue mortgages that are no-profit, no interest on each home.  The homeowner pays about $800-950 a month including mortgage, taxes and insurance.  Qualifying for these discounts depends on your current salary, and once you’re involved it’s surprisingly easy to get the home building process started.  Here are your duties as a homeowner:

  • Each homeowner agrees to contribute 270 hours of building time (sweat equity) on his or her own home and other Habitat homes
  • Complete educational classes from Habitat for Humanity.  These classes are designed to teach you the proper instructions to perform tasks for each day you’re working.
  • Perform community service as the down-payment on their new home.  The service you perform comes in place of the standard financial down-payment that other new homeowners face. Suffolk has the first ReStore location on Long Island, and so far they have had substantial success helping the community.  Not only in raising capital to build homes, but also providing low cost home improvement materials for people and taking perfectly good items and keeping them from becoming waste.

Most of the items in ReStore are new, and sell for 66% off of the retail price. Not surprising, considering that ReStore shoppers can buy these costly and useful items for one third of their original prices.  ReStore accepts donations of either new or very gently used building materials and supplies, and appliances. These items are then sold to the public, again with a large discount off the retail price.

Whether you’re a business or community member, Suffolk ReStore would appreciate any donation that you can make (assuming it meets their requirements).  For more information, visit the Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk and ReStore websites.  You can also contact Suffolk Restore at 631-521-7789.