HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SOUTH BAY/LONG BEACH ANNOUNCES
GRAND OPENING OF LOW-COST BUILDING SUPPLIES STORE

Vintage, One-of-a-Kind Items and Bargain Home Improvement Materials for Sale

GARDENA, Calif., August 24, 2004 — Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles (HFH SB/LB) today announced the Grand Opening of its Home Improvement Store and its new headquarters location in Gardena, California. The public is invited to the Store’s Grand Opening scheduled for Saturday, September 4, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at 17700 South Figueroa Street in Gardena. Weekend shoppers will be treated to the first opportunity to purchase some of the unique building and home improvement items that have been donated to the Store. Popcorn and refreshments will also be available during the Grand Opening celebration.

Habitat for Humanity’s Home Improvement Store is a retail business selling surplus new and used home furnishings and building and home improvement materials to the general public. Retail businesses, contractors, individuals and other organizations that are remodeling or have surplus or discontinued merchandise donate useable materials. For example, a lumber company that is remodeling donated most of its inventory to the Home Improvement Store, and a lighting company who went out of business gave Habitat the remainder of its merchandise to sell.

All merchandise will be sold at fifty percent or more below retail value. Profits from the Home Improvement Store will be used by HFH SB/LB to further its mission of providing homeownership opportunities to low-income families in need of safe, decent, and affordable housing. Another benefit of the Store is environmental: materials that would otherwise be thrown into landfills are reused and recycled.

“We encourage everyone to come down and see what we have available,” said Erin Rank, president and chief executive officer, HFH SB/LB. “Some of our store donations are from high-end home remodeling and building projects, so our customers will find gorgeous custom designed items. We have over 10,000 square feet of inventory, including items that have been donated from the homes of Hollywood celebrities and local sports figures.”
Because the inventory is contributed, new and used surplus items are continually changing and available for purchase. Selections may include windows and doors, tile and brick, furniture, carpet, appliances, plumbing material and hardware, mantlepieces and fireplaces, paint, roofing materials, electrical supplies and fixtures, lumber, and cabinets. A small selection of the Store’s inventory is available for viewing online at www.shophabitat.org. Information on items accepted for donation is also listed on the website. All donations are tax deductible.

In addition to opening the new Home Improvement Store, HFH SB/LB’s new headquarters will be housed in the same building; providing much needed space and central access to the twenty-three communities it serves and close to three major freeways. HFH SB/LB partners with volunteers and new homeowners to construct their homes, and the new building will provide ample space for training seminars and classes.

“As a non-profit agency, keeping costs down is a primary issue,” added Rank. “Having our headquarters, warehouse and store under one roof provides a consolidation of resources that serves that purpose.”

About Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles

Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. There are more than 2100 active Habitat for Humanity affiliates in 100 countries worldwide. Since 1990, the affiliate has successfully completed 63 houses in Long Beach and the South Bay. For more information on Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles please visit www.habitatlb.org.