Bishop Alan visits local Habitat ReStores

Habitat for Humanity Ireland were delighted to welcome Bishop of Down & Connor, Alan McGuckian SJ, to ReStore last week.

There are four ReStores in the Diocese of Down and Connor, in Ballymena, Belfast, Lisburn and Newtownards and the organisation was thankful to have the opportunity to show Bishop McGuckian the stores in Belfast and Newtownards, and the impacts they have for the local community.

Habitat ReStore, the social enterprise of Habitat for Humanity Ireland, is the low-cost DIY store that builds sustainable community and directly tackles poverty locally. By selling new and used building and home improvement materials ReStore helps local people to improve their homes at low cost and diverted 1,688 tons of reusable waste from landfill last year protecting the planet.

ReStore also provides skills and employability training and is focused on providing a clear pathway to employment for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities including many considered “hard to reach” with learning difficulties, mental health challenges, offending histories or long-term unemployment.  

Habitat Board Chair Angus Beck welcomed Bishop McGuckian to ReStore Belfast & Chief Executive Jenny Williams shared about the impact for people, communities and the planet. Priests from four parishes across North Belfast also joined us in ReStore to see firsthand how partnering with Habitat supports the local community.

Then, in ReStore Newtownards, Bishop McGuckian heard directly from volunteers about their experience in ReStore, where everyone has something to give and something to gain from building sustainable communities.

Bishop McGuckian commented, “Habitat for Humanity is a marvellous organisation that many of us have come to value for its commitment to improving housing for people in need in many parts of the world. The vision that everybody has a need and right to a place they can call home is really inspiring.

During my visit, I met teams of very committed staff and volunteers who take pride in the work they do, making a real difference in the lives of so many people. They reach out and facilitate people who are ready to pass some furniture on and then they help others in real need to improve their homes. It is a beautiful circle, motivated by generosity, and everybody gains.”

Learn more about the impacts that Habitat ReStore is having in eight communities across Ireland here