Does Habitat for Humanity ReStore Hire Felons?
Last updated:
Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a nonprofit that actively hires people with records as part of its mission to help communities. Very felon-friendly.
Yes, Habitat for Humanity ReStore is one of the most felon-friendly employers you will find. ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores operated by local Habitat for Humanity affiliates. They sell donated building materials, furniture, appliances, and home goods to fund Habitat's housing mission. ReStores actively hire people with criminal records as part of Habitat's broader mission of building community and providing opportunities. Many ReStore locations work directly with reentry programs and parole offices to provide employment for people leaving incarceration. Positions include store associates, donation pickup drivers, warehouse workers, and cashiers. The nonprofit environment means the focus is on mission rather than corporate screening — people are evaluated as whole individuals, not just their records.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Store Associate | Yes | Varies by affiliate — often minimal | Sorting donations, stocking, customer assistance. Most accessible role. |
| Warehouse / Donation Processing | Yes | Varies by affiliate | Receiving, sorting, and processing donated items. Physical work. |
| Donation Pickup Driver | Case-by-case | Yes — criminal check + MVR | Driving to pick up donated furniture and materials. Driving record required. |
| Cashier | Yes | Varies by affiliate | Cash handling and customer service. Many affiliates are flexible with backgrounds. |
| Store Manager | Case-by-case | Yes — standard check | Full store management. Local Habitat affiliate makes hiring decisions. |
Why Habitat ReStore Is Great for People with Records
Habitat for Humanity ReStores are nonprofit retail stores that sell donated home improvement items to the public. The revenue funds Habitat for Humanity's housing construction and repair programs. There are over 900 ReStore locations across the United States, each operated by a local Habitat affiliate. Habitat for Humanity's mission is centered on building community and providing opportunities, which extends to their hiring practices. Many ReStore locations actively partner with reentry organizations, halfway houses, and parole offices to provide employment for people with criminal records. The nonprofit culture means hiring decisions are made with a focus on the whole person — your work ethic, reliability, and desire to contribute matter more than your criminal history. Many ReStore managers have personal experience with second chance hiring and understand the barriers people face.
How ReStore Hiring Works
Each ReStore is operated by a local Habitat for Humanity affiliate, so hiring practices vary by location. Some affiliates conduct background checks, while others rely on interviews and references. The screening process is generally less rigid than corporate retail environments. To apply, visit your local ReStore or check the Habitat for Humanity website for your area. Many ReStores also accept volunteers, which can be a pathway to paid employment. If you cannot find a paid position immediately, volunteering at a ReStore builds experience, demonstrates reliability, and puts you first in line when paid positions open up.
Tips for Getting Hired at ReStore
Visit your nearest Habitat ReStore and ask about both paid positions and volunteer opportunities. Express your interest in the Habitat mission — people who genuinely care about community building are valued. If no paid positions are available, volunteer regularly to build relationships and demonstrate your work ethic. Highlight any skills in construction, furniture repair, painting, or customer service. ReStores need people who can evaluate, price, and display a wide variety of donated items, so diverse experience is valuable. Many ReStore positions involve physical work (moving furniture, loading/unloading donations), so physical fitness is a plus.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Visit your nearest Habitat ReStore in person and ask about openings.
- 2.If no paid positions are available, volunteer regularly — this often leads to paid employment.
- 3.Express genuine interest in Habitat's mission of building community.
- 4.Highlight skills in construction, furniture repair, or customer service.
- 5.Be ready for physical work — ReStores involve moving furniture and donations.
- 6.Check habitat.org for ReStore locations near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Habitat ReStore hire felons?
- Yes, Habitat for Humanity ReStore is one of the most felon-friendly employers. The nonprofit actively hires people with records as part of its mission to build community and provide opportunities.
- Does Habitat ReStore do background checks?
- Background check practices vary by local Habitat affiliate. Many ReStores have minimal background screening requirements.
- What is a Habitat ReStore?
- A ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store that sells donated building materials, furniture, and home goods. Revenue funds Habitat for Humanity's housing programs.
- How many ReStore locations are there?
- There are over 900 ReStore locations across the United States, each operated by a local Habitat for Humanity affiliate.
- Can I volunteer at Habitat ReStore?
- Yes, Habitat ReStores welcome volunteers. Volunteering is a great way to demonstrate reliability and often leads to paid employment opportunities.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore — Find a Location
Find Habitat ReStore locations near you.
- National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.
Related Resources on This Site
Similar companies
Helpful guides
- Drug TestingDrug test detection times — how long do drugs stay in your system?
- Pardon & ClemencyFederal pardon — how to apply for a presidential pardon
- ExpungementHow to find an expungement lawyer
- DUI RecoveryHow to find a DUI lawyer