Latest News

When you hear the name “Habitat for Humanity,” the first thing that often comes to mind is their work in building affordable housing. In Bristol County, the local affiliate—Old Colony Habitat for Humanity—has been serving the community for nearly 20 years. The organization’s success relies heavily on the dedication of many individuals and ongoing fundraising efforts.

One of the key fundraising initiatives for Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is its ReStore in Attleboro. This thrift shop, which specializes in gently used furniture, home goods, and building materials, has been in operation for about 10 years. What makes the ReStore so successful in supporting the mission of Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is the commitment of the people behind it.

Michael Toole

A resident of Norton, Michael first became involved with Old Colony Habitat through community engagement during the Norton build. He later joined the ReStore team as a consultant after the previous store manager’s departure. With 24 years of business experience, Michael brings a wealth of expertise to his role. He is focused on enhancing the store’s profitability through several initiatives centered around business development and e-commerce.

Driven by the belief that housing is a fundamental human right, Michael sees the ReStore as a powerful way to engage the community while advancing the mission of Old Colony Habitat for Humanity. His commitment to both the cause and the community continues to propel the organization forward.

Alonso Marte

A resident of Central Falls and an Army veteran, Alonso Marte is also a proud father of six. He has been with the ReStore for four years, currently serving as the Logistics and Inventory Manager. In this role, Alonzo ensures that the ReStore operates efficiently, directly contributing to the success of Habitat for Humanity’s mission.

His work is driven by two core values: first, helping customers find exactly what they need from the ReStore, and second, supporting the mission of building homes for families in need. Alonso’s dedication to both customer service and the greater cause makes him a vital part of the ReStore team.

A local resident and graduate of Cumberland High School, Spencer Simpson has been with the ReStore for six years. He began as a volunteer, and his dedication to the mission eventually led to a full-time role as a Logistics Specialist. Spencer takes great pride in assisting customers in finding the perfect furniture and home furnishings for their projects, while also supporting families in need of affordable solutions.

Nancy Lammon

With three years of experience as a ReStore Associate, Nancy began her journey as a volunteer before transitioning to a part-time associate. Prior to joining the ReStore, she had a fulfilling career in both retail and education. Nancy has held notable roles, including Career Advisor at J&W, Store Manager at Talbots, and English teacher.

A proud mother of three children and grandmother to six, Nancy resides in Cumberland. She is deeply passionate about the mission of providing housing for all and finds great joy in her work. She enjoys shopping at the ReStore and connecting with the wonderful people she meets each day. After retiring, she embraced the opportunity to continue making meaningful connections, an experience she finds incredibly rewarding.

Rachel Griffith & Bren – Volunteer

Rachel Griffith, a local therapist, and her service dog, Bren, are valued volunteers at the ReStore, where they have been dedicating their time for the past year. Together, they have made a positive impact, helping to strengthen the organization’s community-building efforts and supporting the ReStore’s mission.

All The Volunteers

The ReStore thrives thanks to the dedication of a diverse group of volunteers, each bringing a unique set of skills and experiences to the team. These volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds, contributing expertise in areas such as retail, customer service, logistics, and more. From receiving donations and organizing inventory to assisting customers and supporting special projects, each volunteer plays a vital role in ensuring the ReStore’s success. Their collective efforts are integral to advancing the Habitat for Humanity mission, helping to provide affordable housing solutions to families in need

The ReStore

While the people are what truly make the ReStore special, the store itself is what brings everything together. For employees, volunteers, and customers alike, the energy here is contagious. Whether someone is shopping for furniture for their first apartment or donating items after deciding to downsize from their family home, everyone is united by the shared mission of building homes.

The ReStore is a space where customers, employees, and volunteers come together, and it’s this connection that makes it all worthwhile. Until now, these experiences were limited by the store’s hours. However, that has changed with the launch of the new Old Colony Habitat ReStore shopping site at www.shopoldcolonyhabitat.org. This new online store allows customers to shop 24/7 for the products they love, expanding the ReStore experience beyond our physical doors.