San Diego Habitat for Humanity closing both ReStore stores

Above: An Aug. 10 report on a milestone celebrated by San Diego Habitat for Humanity.

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego Habitat for Humanity is permanently closing both of its donation-driven home improvement bargain stores, ReStore, later this year, citing high building and finance costs.

San Diego Habitat for Humanity CEO Kwofi Reed said in a statement last month that closing the two stores will help the nonprofit refocus their efforts and resources back to "empowering families by creating more affordable homeownership opportunities across San Diego County."

"Your continued support is key as we navigate this transition and strive to create lasting, positive change in our community," the statement continued.

Habitat for Humanity ReStores offer used and unused materials for homeowners making improvements to their properties. All proceeds generated at the stores directly fund the nonprofit's primary mission of constructing and repairing homes in the county.

The nonprofit previously ran three ReStore locations, Kearny Mesa, National City and Escondido. However, the Escondido location closed at the end of December last year.

At the time, Habitat for Humanity said in a release that the decision was made as "part of our ongoing effort to centralize and enhance our processes." Now, the remaining two stores will also be shuttered on Oct. 31, 2024.

According to the nonprofit, donations of building materials and home improvement equipment are no longer being accepted at either location in anticipation of their closure — folks are encouraged to take these items to another second-hand store like Goodwill or AMVETS.

Shoppers at ReStore will also have until Sept. 28 to redeem points and rewards accrued through in-store purchases under the ReStore Rewards program. After Sept. 28, remaining points will be forfeited.

Until the locations close, both are open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Kearny Mesa store is located at 8108 Mercury Court, and the National City store can be found at 310 National City Blvd.