Volunteers from Chumash Foundation Volunteers Prepare New Habitat ReStore in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARAM Calif. (KEYT) ⁃ A new Habitat for Humanity ReStore is getting a fresh start on State Street with help from volunteers with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation.

Inside the future store, volunteers are painting walls, moving furniture, and organizing the space as they prepare it for opening.

“This is the rewarding part of my role where you get to see your work firsthand and you get a quick turnaround and see the impact that you have,” said Mayra Terrazas, program coordinator with the Chumash Foundation.

The ReStore, located at 400 State Street in Santa Barbara, will sell donated furniture, appliances, and home improvement items. Proceeds from the store will support Habitat for Humanity’s affordable housing efforts in the community.

Nick Gianis, philanthropy manager with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, said the volunteer effort is part of the tribe’s employee giving program.

“We have Team Chumash. It’s a program we developed for employees to be able to give back to the community. The tribe has a big heart,” Gianis said.

Habitat Santa Barbara is continuing to accept donations of furniture and household goods as the store prepares to open.

“We have seen the community wants this ReStore to come back,” said Susan Renehan, director of philanthropy and external affairs with Habitat Santa Barbara.

Each donated item has the chance to make an impact twice — first by finding a new home, and then by helping support affordable housing for local families.

The ReStore is expected to open this summer in Santa Barbara.

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