Green Country Habitat Expanding And Will Open 'The Restore' At Jenks

The Habitat for Humanity chapter that serves Tulsa has changed names and expanded its mission.

The newly named Green Country Habitat for Humanity marks an expansion for Habitat, moving beyond the City limits of Tulsa, opening this retail store in Jenks, and deciding to build homes for people who need them in cities all over Green Country.

Habitat's Cameron Walker, says this store 'The Restore, at Jenks" is another way Habitat is making the charity sustainable, especially after a year when donations dropped by 80%.

"And so we're very excited, we think this store is going to be a big success and ultimately help us build more housing in the future," said Walker.

The new Restore isn't open for business, yet as employees like Cynthia Bardelli are labeling inventory; in this case brand new faucets. There are chandeliers to hang up for shoppers to see, and floor rugs to display, all in a large new building for Habitat, their first outside Tulsa.

The original "Restore" is at 13th and Norwood, and it's almost all building supplies. They sell paint, and tile, and rugs, and cabinets. They have ceiling fans and hardware. The Tulsa restore is undergoing a major remodel. The Restore Rack, at 11th and Memorial, is a thrift store, with clothes, mainly, and some furniture.

Christine MacDonald, from Bixby, has learned to come often, and walk every aisle.

"We always find something. It's like treasure hunting," said MacDonald.

The store in Jenks is different. Habitat decided this store would offer a larger selection of new merchandise, at a discount. Custom cabinets made in Tulsa are a growing part of Habitat's business, and all of it together pays salaries and overhead, so Habitat can use donations purely for new houses.

"If you give $10 to Habitat for Humanity, $10 is going to build affordable housing and support that work," said Walker.

The Restore at Jenks will open to customers around March 1st, putting down roots in a new Green country community.