At Habitat SCNJ, we’re known for building and improving housing for families in need of a safe place to call home. But another key operation of our organization is our ReStore, and it’s purpose and impact still feel a little less known even after 16 years of operation.
If you don’t know, the ReStore is a home improvement store and donation center that sell new furniture, appliances, home improvement products, building materials, and at a fraction of the retail prices. Habitat SCNJ receives over a thousand donations each year from wonderful corporate partners.
Every purchase, every donation, and every hour volunteered at the ReStore supports our mission to create, promote, and preserve affordable housing throughout south and central New Jersey.
Not only does the ReStore help people fill their homes with things they love and create spaces of warmth and comfort, but it also helps community providers ensure that those they serve feel at home too. Just the other week, we were contacted by the NJ State Police; the office for The Victim Services Unit in Hamilton was looking to furnish their victim services room and needed some help.
Out of our current inventory, we were able to find an array of complementing pieces: a couch, chair, chaise, rug, coffee table, side table, lamp, floor lamp, and art work were donated towards the room’s renovation.
It’s not every day that we are presented with an opportunity to support critical services like this. We’re thankful for the connections that brought our ReStore to mind during a time of need and proud to be able to serve our community any way we can.
About The Victim Services Unit
Victim Services Unit supports the mission of the Field Operations Section and all other law enforcement agencies statewide by coordinating with State, County, and Municipal agencies to develop and implement domestic violence and sexual violence training programs, and continue to effectively work with road troopers to enhance training on the proper handling of these types of crimes and working with victims. Victims may not have access to or be aware of the available resources and professional assistance, so the unit provides referrals for counseling, medical care, compensation for out-of-pocket expenses related to the crime and much more.
The Victim Services Unit staff is prepared to assist victims, witnesses and families with these issues by ensuring that victims’ needs are met and rights are upheld, advocating for victims’ rights by expanding troopers’ knowledge of how to assist victims through the best means possible, providing information and referrals to area social service providers, providing community awareness through presentations and trainings, as well as representing the Division on domestic violence and sexual assault policy and protocol, on committees and boards.