Habitat for Humanity Kamloops temporarily moving to Salmon Arm

KAMLOOPS — The Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Fortune Drive is closing down on Saturday (July 30) — just months after relocating to the former Penny Pinchers location.

In a news release, Habitat for Humanity says there are many reasons for the closures, including the impact of the pandemic on the store’s donations and revenues.

“The downturn in the economy resulting from the impacts of COVID and the shifting of consumer shopping habits have impacted the store’s revenues,” it read.

The restore has also experienced multiple break-ins since moving to the North Shore. Executive director Bill Miller also notes people are sleeping and camping at the storefront. He says employees started to feel unsafe coming to work.

“Staff have been physically accosted and verbally abused and, mostly recently, staff were forced to deal with a person weilding an axe in the society office and ReStore,” he said. “The safety of our employees, volunteers and customers is of paramount importance and a priority.”

The ReStore will temporary relocate to Salmon Arm while habitat finds another location in Kamloops.

After multiple attempts by CFJC Today to contact Habitat for Humanity, no one has returned phone calls or emails.