Project Description
Sacramento County implemented a local ReStore in Sacramento
County. The Habitat for Humanity International
ReStore is a successful and replicable model that has been established in
over 50 communities throughout the United States. Each ReStore uses diverted reusable building materials creatively
to eliminate poverty housing and stave off deteriorating neighborhoods. Diverted construction and building materials
are incorporated
into Sacramento Habitat for Humanity houses and reduce construction costs
while protecting the environment. Diverted materials not utilized in Habitat construction projects
are stored and sold through the retail operations to increase Habitat building capacity,
furthering its mission to eliminate poverty housing. Established a new
ReStore to serve the Sacramento area, enabling the Sacramento ReStore to be
entirely self-sufficient within 18 months of operation.
The steps required to accomplish their project are as follows:
Task 1.00: Start-Up Costs. (7/01 to 12/01)
The first activity for which the term "start-up costs" may be
accurately applied is the City of Sacramento permitting process for the selected
ReStore facility. This process involves their plans to transform the current
warehouse into a retail location. The plans were completed by Dave Coburn,
ReStore manager, with the help of over a dozen advisors, ranging form architects
to energy specialists. Two special-use variances, along with a variance for
their parking lot are also being sought. The plans were submitted to the City
for review April 1, 2002.
The approval process for the City of Sacramento is protracted, but progress
has been made. The Zoning Department has signed off with its approval of the use
of a warehouse industrial zoned site for a retail activity. The Design Review
Department has done a lengthy review, but has now issued an approval letter with
its conditions for operation of the ReStore. The Building Department is
currently reviewing safety issues and building code compliance. The County has
already done some work in anticipation of the department's requirements. Task 1.00 is estimated to be 75 percent complete.
Task 1.01: Acquire Telephone. (7/01 to 12/01)
Soon after their decision to locate at 426 North 7th Street, two phone
lines were added for use by the ReStore staff and volunteers. When the
affiliate's offices move into this space, up to six lines will need to be added,
along with a DSL service. In addition, a ten-unit Toshiba wireless phone system,
donated by Intel, will be used for in-store communication.
With the relocation of the affiliate office to the ReStore site, the AT&T
Merlin system has been installed and additional handsets added for the ReStore
application. The County may still need to acquire and install a few more
stations. The installation costs for wiring of phones and DSL service would have been
equivalent to ten man-day's work of professional electrical work, but were
provided at no cost by the Habitat electrical team. Task 1.01 is estimated to be 65 percent complete. The value of the materials obtained during this reporting period is estimated
to be $6,500, plus an estimated value of $6,000 for donated professional
installation services.
Task 1.02: Acquire Computer System. (7/01 to 12/01)
Further research into the POS software necessary for retail and donor
activities revealed that Atrex offers the most suitable product for the SHfH
ReStore. A $285.00 grant from Soroptomist has been obtained for the purchase of
POS software. Atrex software was also purchased and installed with this money.
A server and three computer terminals have been donated. Networking
capabilities including wiring and cable have been installed, though not
implemented. The computer system has been implemented and tested through its use in
periodic parking lot sales. The County is considering having a backup server to
assure better up time. The original task has been completed, but if a tandem type server is
utilized, the overall project completion is estimated to be 70 percent complete. The value of the materials
obtained during this reporting period is estimated to be $7,000. The value
of the materials obtained thus far is estimated to be $9,000.
Task 1.03: Acquire Cash Register System. (7/01 to 12/01)
In addition to Task 1.02, the ReStore has a variety of hardware needs.
Since the last progress report, two specialty printers for barcodes and
receipts, two cash drawers, and four barcode readers were obtained for use by
our sales team. The cash register will be run through their computer systems. See
Task 1.02. Task 1.03 is 100 percent complete. This system has also been tested as a result of the periodic parking lot
sales. The value of the materials obtained is estimated to be $2,000.
Task 1.04: Acquire Office Furniture. (7/01 to 12/01)
Early in 2002, Intel contacted SHfH with a potential donation from a
remodeling project. Dozens of partitions, filing cabinets, and lumber (for other
purposes) were collected from this facility. Rulands has also been generous
enough to donate desks and tables for office use. Those that are unused will be
sold by the ReStore.
The donated equipment has been utilized in the setup of office space for the
ReStore. Some of the excess equipment will be retained for future flexibility
and/or expansion, while the rest will be sold in the ReStore to keep it out of
the landfill. Task 1.04 is essentially complete, except for future expansion. The value of the materials obtained during this reporting period is estimated
to be $7,000. The value of the materials
obtained thus far is estimated to be $8,500.
Task 1.05: Acquire Alarm System. (7/01 to 12/01)
With their new location, the specifications of their alarm system have
changed. The 7th Street warehouse currently hosts an ADT fire system.
Recommended improvements for this system are being reviewed by the building's
owner. At the same time, Dave Coburn has requested estimates from other
providers so that the new site will be equipped properly, regardless of the
owner's decision. Recommended improvements have been implemented, except for the relocation of
fire sprinklers in one room. Task 1.05 has been reviewed, and is now 90 percent complete.
Task 1.06: Acquire Fax Machine. (7/01 to 12/01)
Upon the purchase of a new fax machine for the Habitat office, a donated
unit was shipped to the ReStore for its exclusive use. The HP OfficeJet 350 also
allows ReStore workers to scan and copy materials, and with the replacement
parts already secured, this machine serves the ReStore's purposes well. In
addition, with the relocation of the affiliate offices, the ReStore staff is
able to use the affiliate fax machine as a backup. Task 1.06 is 100 percent complete. The value of the materials obtained is estimated to be $500.
Task 1.07: Acquire Fixtures. (7/01 to 12/01)
When Lumberjack locations in the Sacramento area recently closed, they
donated a large amount of goods to SHfH. Items ranging from pallet racking to
glass display cases to what will become the ReStore sales counters were all
obtained form these operations. Nearly New Fixtures donated shelving frames and
the lumber to complete the units. As the store begins conforming to its eventual
retail layout, the fixture needs will be reassessed, and any necessary products
will be obtained.
The County has continued to acquire various types of display fixtures,
including some items not really designed for display. As a result, they can open
the ReStore, but not with the most efficient use of space. They are continuing
to search for fixtures such as pallet racking and will replace and sell some of
the current items pressed into service in a retail setting (extra desks, etc.).
Task 1.07 is estimated to be 90 percent complete for purposes of opening the
facility, but with the goal of quickly replacing fixtures to allow them to
accept, display, and sell more materials in their effort to keep them out of the
landfill. The value of the materials obtained during this reporting period is
estimated to be $20,000. The value of the materials obtained thus far is estimated to be
$45,000.
Task 1.08: Acquire Copier. (7/01 to 12/01)
The County now has a donated copier for the ReStore, in addition to the
backup use of the copier in the affiliate office. Task 1.08 is estimated to be 100 percent complete. The value of the materials obtained thus far is estimated to be $6,000.
Task 1.09: Acquire Outdoor Storage. (7/01 to 12/01)
Michael Dunlavey, board member and owner of Dunlavey Studios, has designed
the requisite signs for submission to the City of Sacramento for approval. These
plans are being reviewed by the affiliate. The design for the ReStore sign has been approved by the City of Sacramento,
as well as the placement of two of the three requested signs. Task 1.09 is estimated to be 80 percent complete. The value of the services obtained during this reporting period is estimated
to be $4,000. The value of the services obtained thus far is estimated to be
$5,000.
Task 1.10: Acquire Lighting. (7/01 to 12/01)
The move to the warehouse necessitated significant revisions of the lighting
plan. Fixtures were in place throughout the new site; however, extensive
augmentation and repair was needed. Cliff Popejoy, and the Habitat Electrical
team, spent four weekends in January and February preparing for their
relocation. At this point, minor changes are all that remain. Habitat volunteers have continued to work with the lighting system as
additional issues have been identified. Repairs have also been affected. Task 1.10 is estimated to be 90 percent complete, unless additional issues
are identified by the City building department. The value of the services/materials
obtained during this reporting period is estimated to be $7,000. The revised
value of the services/materials obtained thus far is estimated to be $8,000.
Task 1.11: Install Tenant Improvements. (10/01 to 12/01)
Schimotsu Architects, in conjunction with the efforts of Dave Cobrun, have
designed a retail layout for the new location, utilizing the office structure
already in place for ReStore and affiliate operations. Electrical capabilities
(see Task 1.10 for more information), roofing, and lighting have all been
updated since November 2001.
The County has continued to work with Shimotsu to refine the plans for the
ReStore space, especially in response to comments from the City. The County has
also worked with another volunteer to design planter boxes to satisfy the City's
Design Review Department. The construction of these units will utilize donated,
man-made sandstone. Because off the possible additional requirements from the City, this task
completion level, currently estimated to be 70 percent, may change. The value of the services/materials obtained thus far is estimated to be
$15,000.
Task 1.12: Acquire Truck. (5/01 to 7/01)
No change occurred during this reporting period. Task 1.12 is 100 percent complete.
Even without aggressively searching for donated inventory during this interim
operational period, it has become obvious that the County needs additional
trucks, and trucks that can be more easily driven by the average volunteer.
Consequently, the County has taken donations of two box trucks that need work in
order to put them into service. The County has a priority of getting one of the
two units into service quickly. The value of the materials obtained thus far is
estimated to be $6,000.
Task 1.13: Acquire Forklift. (5/01 to 12/01)
Since the November 2001 Progress Report, a great deal of change has been
made in this area. Holt of California has donated a CAT forklift with 4,000
pound lifting capacity. In addition, Holt has supplied an electrical charger, a
unit that reduces both cost and pollution. As the ReStore's mechanism for moving
product was evaluated, the potential for pallet jack usage was made apparent. In
response, Raley's Grocery Stores donated four electric pallet jacks to
their program. Task 1.13 is 100 percent complete. The value of the materials obtained is estimated to be $30,000.
Task 1.14: Complete Building Improvements. (9/01 to 12/01)
Task 1.14 is currently under evaluation, and includes the following issues
that have become apparent as of the May 2002 report: roof repair; painting of
the complete interior; repair and replacement of the ReStore lighting; repair
and improvement of the sprinkler system; adding a sprinkler alarm system and;
changing over the burglar alarm system from its past configuration for previous
businesses housed in this facility. Already identified tasks are about 75 percent complete, but this list will
probably be expanded as they have the City building department complete its
review. The value of the materials
obtained thus far is estimated to be $30,000.
Task 1.16: Hire Manager and Other Staff. (5/01 to 5/03)
Dave Coburn, a Habitat volunteer for the past two years, has volunteered to
help plan and organize the ReStore. While Mr. Coburn will not be involved in the
day-to-day operation of the ReStore, his donation has significantly decreased
the ReStore's actual operating costs and startup costs. Gordon Howat has been hired as Product Manager.
He will be working 70 hours each month, with over 50 additional matching donated
hours. Other positions will be filled by a diverse group of talented volunteers.
With the anticipated approach of the formal opening, Habitat has advertised
for and has now hired Gary Palmer as staff ReStore Manager, who will begin
working November 1, 2002. Mr. Palmer brings extensive retail experience,
including management positions with Lumberjack. Task 1.16 is 100 percent complete. Donated services (for Mr. Coburn and Mr. Howat) are valued at $41,000 for the year
2002.
Task 1.17: Place Advertisements; Develop and Distribute Promotions. (11/01
to 2/02)
A series of flyers and mailings have been developed for their monthly
Parking Lot Sales. In addition, David White, a local artist and potential
habitat family partner, has created a series of signs for use during the week of
each sale. A marketing plan will be revised and updated during the coming
period. The SHfH Web site has been able to promote each sale, along with the
numerous volunteer openings and operational needs.
A considerable amount of interest has been generated in the media with regard
to the ReStore. The ReStore has intentionally held off on stimulating this
interest to result in actual coverage, because of the lengthy approval process
with the City of Sacramento. The ReStore anticipates great interest in their
grand opening, and are planning a media effort as part of that launch. Since Task 1.17 is ongoing, the work done does not constitute a certain
percentage. The value of the materials obtained thus far is estimated to be $2,000.
Task 1.18: Purchase Office Supplies. (11/01 to 1/02)
Cartridges, barcode labels, multi-part paper, receipts, and ribbons have
all been acquired. Other items will be procured as required. In preparing the ReStore for its initial opening, Task 1.18 is considered 100 percent complete. The value of the materials obtained thus far is estimated to be $500.
Task 1.19: Execute Rent/Lease Agreement. (9/01 to 12/01)
A letter of intent has been signed for the 426 North 7th Street location.
The ReStore has been able to save a considerable amount of the startup costs
because of the support of their landlord in the form of a free rent period.
However, the ReStore has started paying rent as of July 1, 2002 under the MOU.
There are a few technical details still being discussed with regard to the lease
terms, though none are delaying their operation. Task 1.19 is estimated to be 95 percent complete.
Task 1.20: Calculate and Pay Truck Expenses. (9/01 to 12/01)
Gasoline purchases have averaged $175/month. Other required repairs have
been conducted. With the current use of the truck, even before aggressively implementing
their inventory procurement program, and especially with the planned addition of
a second and later a third truck, they know these costs will rise. Since Task 1.20 is ongoing, the work done does not constitute a certain
percentage.
Task 1.21: Secure Utility Services. (10/01 to 12/01)
Telephone, electrical, and water services have been contracted for the
ReStore. Since Task 1.21 is ongoing, the work done does not constitute a certain
percentage.
Task 1.22: Calculate and Pay Any Contingency Pre-Opening Operating
Expenses. (10/01 to 12/01)
While most of these expenses will be unanticipated because of the
imposition of conditions to approval from the City of Sacramento, a few will be
in the form of repairs of older equipment and building improvements. Some of
this is a necessary result of recycling. Tasks 1.22's estimated start date is from April 2002 to December 2002.
Task 2.00: Acquire Inventory Materials Through Purchase. (7/01 to
5/02)
They have not yet found it necessary to acquire items through purchase,
though some ancillary items, such as paint brushes, will facilitate sales of
their regular donated inventory. Task 2.00's estimated start date is sometime after December 2002.
Task 3.00: Acquire In-Kind Inventory
In addition to the previously mentioned donors, a variety of individuals
have made donations of quality products for the ReStore. Orchard Supply Hardware
began working with them in December of 2001. The ReStore receives phone calls
daily concerning product donations. Many impressive donations have been received since the May 2002 report, such
as 2,000 double-paned Milgard brand windows and eight truckloads of man-made
sandstone. The sandstone alone is estimated to be worth $8,000.
Until the ReStore can operate on a daily basis and thereby create a steady
and large volume movement of materials through the ReStore, they have mainly
relied upon word-of-mouth and personal calls to solicit donations. As they near
a grand opening, they are preparing solicitations for major sources of material
from businesses such as Superior California Building Industry Association, who
has already expressed a great interest in promoting the ReStore's efforts to its
extensive membership. Since Task 3.00 is ongoing, the work done does not constitute a certain
percentage. The value of the materials obtained thus far is estimated to be $150,000.
Task 4.00: Operating Expenses. (5/01 to 5/03)
Since Task 4.00 is ongoing, the work done does not constitute a certain
percentage.
Task 4.01: Run Ads for ReStore Manager. (5/01 until filled)
The manager position has been filled. Task 4.01 is 100 percent complete.
Task 4.02: Acquire VISTA Member. (9/01 until filled)
Lee Hu has committed to serving as the ReStore VISTA (Volunteers in Service
to America) beginning late April 2002, for a one-year term. Mr. Hu is a recent
college graduate whose educational and workplace background makes him
well-suited for his position with the ReStore. Interviews and advertisements to ensure that Mr. Hu's place will be filled
consequent to the end of his volunteer services period at SHfH are underway. Task 4.02 is 100 percent complete.
Task 4.03: Calculate Payroll Taxes and Benefits. (5/01 to 5/03)
With Task 1.16 complete, these calculations have been completed
successfully for the coming year. Task 4.03 is 100 percent complete.
Task 4.04: Create Advertising and Signage. (5/01 to 5/03)
The new location of the ReStore and the anticipated opening date have
created a need for revision within their marketing plan. Revisions to Yard Sale flyers and other media materials, including online
marketing publicity have been made in this interim operational period. Further
revisions to the marketing plan are underway and minor adjustments will occur on
a rolling basis up to the official opening date sometime after December 2002. Since Task 4.04 is ongoing, the work done does not constitute a certain
percentage.
Task 4.04*: Value of Volunteer Labor.
The value of the volunteer labor donated thus far is estimated to be
$30,000.
Task 4.05: Calculate and Monitor Vehicular Costs. (5/01 to ongoing)
Task 4.05 is currently being managed by Gordon Howat, Product Manager, and
reviewed by Archie Milligan, SHfH Executive Director. Since Task 4.05 is ongoing, the work done does not constitute a certain
percentage.
Task 4.06: Research and Obtain Accounting/POS Software. (5/01 to
ongoing)
See Task 1.02.
Task 4.07: Write Off Bad Debt. (5/01 to 5/03)
Eight hundred dollars have been written-off thus far. Since Task 4.07 is ongoing, the work done thus far does not constitute a
certain percentage. The ReStore has determined the need to monitor bad checks, and the new
ReStore Manager has been assigned the task of researching the options. This may
result in having to subscribe to a service such as Telecheck and would
consequently add a small amount to the startup and ongoing operating costs.
Task 4.08: Expand Online Banking Capabilities and Credit Card Scanning
Hardware. (9/01 to 12/01)
See Task 1.02. Moving the affiliate to the ReStore location brought with it the card
scanning hardware. They will be looking at the option of moving it onto a
ReStore checkout stand, or acquiring another unit. They will also research
whether or not to support ATM/POS cards, though the ReStore can, and likely
will, open without this service. Task 4.08 is estimated to be 60 percent complete.
Task 4.09: Establish Equipment Rental Partnership with Rental Company.
(11/01 to 12/01)
A new agreement has been arranged with Rental Services that provides for a
50-100 percent discount. In addition, the ReStore has been able to work with MT
Trucking and Pacific Coast Building Supply to temporarily utilize semi-trucks
and forklifts for major product moves. Task 4.09 is estimated to be 80 percent complete. The value of the materials
obtained thus far is estimated to be $11,000.
Task 4.10: Design and Conduct Staff Training. (5/01 to ongoing)
Don Mangeau, a former SMUD employee with years of experience in this field,
has volunteered to lead this aspect of the ReStore staff team. As staffing
requirements are refined and positions filled, he will begin to implement this
program. This revised Task 4.10 is estimated to be 20 percent complete.
Task 4.12: Acquire Insurance. (9/01 to 12/01)
Insurance has been acquired through the SHfH office. Task 4.12 is 100 percent complete.
Task 4.13: Establish Janitorial Services and Design Schedule. (10/01 to
12/01)
This task is under review by Gary Palmer, who will officially take his
position as ReStore Manager on November 1, 2002. He has identified small changes
to the restrooms and other parts of the facility that will affect the janitorial
process. Plans will be made to ensure that janitorial services are fulfilled
based on the schedule designed by Mr. Palmer. Since this task is ongoing, the work done does not constitute a certain
percentage.
Task 4.16: Acquire Postage Meter. (5/01 to 9/01)
The estimated start date for Task 4.16 is June 2002.
Task 4.17: Establish Alarm Monitoring. (10/01 to 12/01)
See Task 1.05.
Task 4.18: Establish Utility and Trash Services. (10/01 to 12/01)
The ReStore has contracted with Waste Management, Inc. for their garbage
services. They have also engaged their long time volunteer Scott Newens to
establish a recycling program for other materials at the ReStore. Task 4.18 is estimated to be 50 percent complete. The value of the materials
obtained thus far is estimated to be $2,000.
Task 5.00: Secure Lease of Warehouse. (7/01 to 12/01)
See Task 1.19.
Task 6.00: Ongoing Capital Expenditures. (5/01 to 5/02)
With the start of the lease and the beginning of regular yard sales, this
is an ongoing tasks that they can mark from the start of the lease payments on
July 1, 2002.
Task 7.00: Design Collateral Materials. (7/01 to 12/01)
A pre-opening ReStore brochure has been designed for informative and
recruitment purposes. In addition, Scott Newens, who will be coordinating their
direct recycling efforts, has constructed a Recycling Handbook for use within
the ReStore. Task 7.00 is estimated to be ten percent complete. The value of the materials obtained thus far is estimated to be $1,000.
Task 7.01: Design and Distribute Direct Mailer to Building Contractors.
(3/01 to 5/02)
Direct mailers (sent in the first reporting period) will be resent with the
ReStore's new address. The mailer will also advertise available
opportunities for involvement during the coming reporting period. Superior California Building Industry Association management is very
supportive of the ReStore and is eager to help them notify their membership of
the full-time operation of the ReStore. This outreach effort will begin as soon
as the ReStore receives final approval of their permits from the City of
Sacramento. Task 7.01 is estimated to be 60 percent complete.
Task 7.02: Acquire PSA Spot Airtime. (10/01 to 5/02)
Video of the ReStore has been filmed, a professional volunteer is producing
PSAs from this video, and SHfH will contact the media as soon as final approval
is received from the City. Task 7.02 is estimated to be 60 percent complete.
Task 7.03: Design PSA Content. (10/01 to ongoing)
The video for Habitat's ReStore Public Service Announcements was filmed
during September 2002, with over 100 hours donated by a two-man filming crew,
numerous volunteers, and business representatives that appear in the footage.
Extensive footage of the facility itself was captured, as well as some
collateral material from SHfH building sites that help add perspective to the
ReStore's place in the overall mission of the affiliate. A preliminary 7.5
minute video was produced and aired at the Habitat Dream Builders' Breakfast
fundraiser held October 11, 2002. From this, SHfH has received feedback as to
how the affiliate can better promote the mission of the ReStore to its target
donor and customer base. Task 7.03 is 100 percent complete.
Task 7.05: Submit Final Report to CIWMB. (5/01/02)
The estimated start date for Task 7.05 is from December 2002 to May 2003.
*Permission was obtained from grant recipient to publish project profile.
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