High Street, Romford opening for Habitat for Humanity shop ReStore

The Habitat for Humanity shop is called ReStore and sells DIY products for home improvements, in line with the charity's housing work.

Dr Henrietta Blackmore, director of Habitat for Humanity GB, spoke to the Recorder about the store's recent opening and why Romford was chosen as the first location.

The High Street shop was opened on Tuesday, November 26, by the Duke of Gloucester, becoming the first ReStore in Britain.

The charity called the store the "first-of-its-kind" in the UK.

Henrietta said: “We’ve been ever so slightly behind the curve in Great Britain. I think there are at least 1,200 ReStores around the world - the bulk of them are in the USA and Canada.

ReStore sells a range of house furnishings and materials (Image: Habitat for Humanity) “We felt that ReStore is something completely unique and really different compared to other charity shops in Britain. It’s not your normal charity store with books and clothes.

“It’s really focused on home improvement. You can buy anything from light fittings to new sinks to fridges to building materials – anything you might need.

"It's almost like a charitable, affordable B&Q.”

Habitat for Humanity works globally to provide housing for those in poverty.

On top of helping people to get off the streets, Henrietta enforced the importance of not forgetting those who have houses in inadequate conditions.

"It's great to have a space that you can call your own but if you haven't got a bed, a fridge or basic amenities then you're still in a very vulnerable position."

The Romford store is in High Street (Image: Habitat for Humanity) When asked about Romford hosting the first British ReStore, Henrietta explained that the town was in fact a "very deliberate choice of location".

"Romford is vibrant and a proper community," she said.

“We found a really strong welcome from the local authorities, members of the community and the local retail community.

“We are really pleased to be here, and we are sure that Romford is the right place for us to launch this initiative."

Habitat for Humanity GB does not intend to stand still though, with sights set on future ReStores as well as the development of the one in Romford.

“We would like more than one store – we think there are lots of other communities like Romford that could benefit from having a ReStore," Henrietta added.

“For now, we want to work with other charities and organisations as well as the local community who can tell us what they want from the Romford ReStore as it grows.”