From Donation to Foundation: Habitat ReStores in Franklin and Wauwatosa To Expand Weekend Hours Later This Year

From Donation to Foundation: Habitat ReStores in Franklin and Wauwatosa To Expand Weekend Hours Later This Year

At Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores, every donated item and every purchase helps local families invest in the stability and equity of homeownership. Our ReStores in Franklin, Wauwatosa, and Greenfield have long played a vital role in that mission, turning community generosity into the walls, windows, and foundations of homes across Milwaukee.

Now, as part of our commitment to being the best possible stewards of those donations, we are taking a significant step to strengthen our impact. Milwaukee Habitat is selling its Greenfield ReStore to focus resources on our two thriving stores in Franklin and Wauwatosa. 

Both Franklin and Wauwatosa ReStores will begin Sunday hours later this year. This change will allow us to be better stewards of donations, invest in our two thriving stores, and fuel more affordable homeownership in Milwaukee.

Fewer overhead costs mean more of every donation and purchase supports affordable homes. It means a greater impact, and that impact is tangible. When someone donates a gently used couch, that item is later purchased and finds a new home. The proceeds from that sale help fund materials and construction for local Habitat builds. What starts as a simple donation ends up helping a family like Shay’s become first-time homebuyers.

Shay, a Milwaukee Public Schools social worker and mother of two, built her first home through Milwaukee Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership program. Her journey was made possible, in part, by the community that supports our ReStores. Shay and her sons moved into their Habitat home in June of 2025.

“It’s a good feeling,” Shay said. “It’s something I put together for me and my boys.”

From donation to foundation, every sale truly builds homes. The success of our Franklin and Wauwatosa ReStores has shown how powerful that cycle can be. With expanded hours coming later this year and more opportunities for donors and shoppers to engage, these stores will continue to grow as community hubs that build hope with every transaction.

Each store, each donation, and each shopper contributes to a bigger story, one where families like Shay’s can achieve their dream of homeownership. 

That is the power of ReStore. Every sale builds homes, and together, we are building homes, community, and hope. 

What does this mean for me?

• Donors: Easier drop-off with Sunday hours coming later this year; your gifts go further.
• Shoppers: Two thriving stores, expanded hours, even better deals.
• Volunteers: We welcome you at Franklin and Wauwatosa; your impact goes further.