In an economy where it’s unusual to find a business opening new stores, expanding existing ones and enjoying brisk sales, the non-profit Habitat for Humanity is bucking economic trends with its ReStore outlets.

The first ReStore opened in the mid-1980s in Winnipeg, Canada, followed by the first U.S. store in Austin, as a way for Habitat to raise revenue and promote its message of sustainability, says Larry Gluth, Habitat senior vice president.

The concept has grown continually the past 10 years and there are more than 750 stores nationwide with total sales estimated at between $350 million and $400 million annually, he says. “The number is continuing to grow,”

USA Today Article

The work Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, TN has invested in affordable housing throughout Clarksville and Montgomery County has helped Habitat for Humanity International rank as the sixth largest homebuilder on Builder magazine’s top 100 list. With 6,032 closings in 2010, this is the second time Habitat for Humanity has placed in the top 10.

In 2010, Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, TN helped more than 4 families obtain affordable housing and plans to build 5 homes for 8 adults and their 8 children in 2011. Since 1992, Habitat has built 74 homes for families and over 180 children within its city and county service area.

“We are thrilled that we’ve contributed to Habitat’s ranking as the sixth largest builder in the United States,” said Jennifer Kready, Executive Director. “We are proud to help families obtain affordable housing, and we thank our supporters for their commitment to helping families become responsible homeowners. We also want to highlight the role Tennessee Habitats have contributed towards making our state 5^th in the nation for new Habitat home production in 2010. Tennessee has built 3000 homes since its first Affiliate was established in Appalachia in 1978.”   

Habitat for Humanity ranks No. 6 among largest homebuilders in the U.S.