The East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity ReStore took a little breather recently, and as of Aug. 1 is once again open for business.

The store sells quality used and surplus building materials at a fraction of normal prices, and the proceeds help fund the construction of Habitat houses. Located on Carey Street in Olde Towne Slidell, the store first opened last August but temporarly shut down at the end of June for officials to make some changes.

New shelving and display cases now help keep the items neat and organized.

ReStore Manager Angela Morrell, far right, is pictured with a group of high school and college-age teens that have made three trips from upstate New York to volunteer with Habitat. From left: Ron Chenevert, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge; Zach Palombo, Da'€™teek Jeffress, Branden Walker; Tatiana Bien-Aime; and Morrell. (Staff Photo by Anne Lautzenheiser)

In addition, new ReStore Manager Angela Morrell brings 20 years of retail merchandising and management experience to her role.

She walks the floor with a practiced eye, pointing out tile samples that need to be moved and greeting customers.

“Everything here is donated, and some of it is brand new,” she said, pointing out lighting fixtures still in boxes. “People have been so generous with helping us stock the store.”

Slidell Hardware donated several things when it went out of business, while others, like ABC Lighting and Home Depot, have contributed discontinued or overstock items. Private citizens have donated furniture or appliances, like the custom cabinets, stainless steel stove and bedroom set dropped off by one gentleman in a flatbed trailer.

The Slidell store is one of about 650 ReStores nationwide. Not only does it provide a reliable source of funds for the local affiliate, it helps others purchase low-cost building materials to renovate their home.

In addition, volunteers who cannot participate on a building site due to age restrictions can help out at the ReStore. Like Branden Walker, a high school student from upstate New York who was in Slidell recently to volunteer with his church group.

The ReStore also helps the environment by keeping building materials out of landfills. According to Ron Chenevert, with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge, every $1,000 in sales equals about one and a half tons of material.

“That’s one of the four purposes of a Habitat ReStore,” said Chenevert.

The East St. Tammany Habitat is located at 2320 Carey Street, and is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. For more information call 649-0067.