New Affordability Promise at Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver ReStores to Combat Rising Cost of Living 

Vancouver, BC - Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver (HFHGV) is excited to announce a new era for its ReStores. In response to the ever-increasing cost of living, this new focus on affordability speaks to the organization’s commitment to serving the community and ensuring that everyone has access to affordable home improvement options. 

“We recognize that many families in the Lower Mainland are facing financial strain like never before. We want to do our part to help alleviate some of that stress,” says Persis Ahrestani, Interim CEO of Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver. “We are committed to being an affordable option for people to find quality furniture, home improvement products, and housing goods while also contributing to the sustainability of the communities where they live.”  

This renewed focus on making home improvement more accessible for low-to-middle income earners in the Greater Vancouver region came from careful consideration of the economic realities faced by families and individuals in the community. 

For many years now, Habitat ReStores have been a staple across Canada, known for offering a wide range of new and gently used items. This pricing adjustment is one way the organization is expressing gratitude and care to the many ReStore customers who have shown their loyalty over the years, especially during challenging economic times. 

“Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver understands the importance of collaboration and strong partnerships in order to achieve its mission,” says Ahrestani. “This revised pricing strategy underscores the need for continued support from partners, donors, and volunteers who share our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.” 

Furthermore, the sustainability impact of the ReStores cannot be overstated. By promoting the reuse of home improvement materials, HFHGV contributes to reducing waste and conserving valuable resources. This has allowed the organization to achieve remarkable results in building programs, surpassing the province's Step Code 3 for all new projects. The dedication to focus on energy software modeling and onsite testing enables HFHGV to design homes with optimized materials that perform efficiently. Moreover, the decision to forego natural gas in all housing projects aligns with the commitment made to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and has set HFHGV apart as leaders in sustainable housing across Canada.  

The new pricing approach aligns with this focus and aims to encourage more individuals and families to choose sustainable options while making improvements to their homes.    

“Ultimately, the heart of our mission remains centered on building homes, communities, and hope,” says Ahrestani.  

Income generated from sales at Habitat ReStores play a crucial role in supporting the organization’s homebuilding projects, allowing them to provide safe and affordable housing to hard-working families in need. To date, HFHGV has 27 three and four-bedroom townhouses in Burnaby, 12 two and-three bedroom units in Richmond, one apartment in Vancouver, two single-family homes in Abbotsford, 19 three-bedroom homes in Mission, and land for 42 townhomes in Coquitlam (ground breaking in 2024). Applications for new partner families are currently being accepted. 

For more information about the revised pricing strategy, Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver ReStores, or our building projects please visit www.habitatgv.ca. 

About Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver 

Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver is a nonprofit organization. Through volunteer labour and donations of money and materials, HFHGV works with families in need to build safe, decent, and affordable housing. 

Joe Norman