Nigeria McMichael is a Habitat Wake homebuyer and self-proclaimed "people person." As she nears the finish line of her sweat equity hours and prepares to close on her home, Nigeria has been spending time volunteering at the Raleigh ReStore. While working, she couldn’t help but make friends—and an unlikely connection blossomed when she met Beth, a fellow volunteer.
"We met here at the ReStore. We were working together and just talking about life and what I do for work," Nigeria recalls. She works as a manager at a grocery store nearby, which happened to have job openings. "I don’t always tell people I’m hiring, but there was just something about Beth. So I decided to mention it."
It turned out to be perfect timing for Beth, who was looking for a new start.
"I had to do some community service hours," Beth explains, "and when I came here, it was just great. Everyone greeted me and treated me so well." She didn’t expect to walk away from volunteer hours with not only a new friend but also a new job.
"It's been great so far," Beth says with a smile. "We’re always busy at the grocery store, which I love. I’m still in training, but I’m working on my cake decorating and calligraphy in the bakery department."
Nigeria and Beth laugh as they reminisce about their time at the ReStore—they both learned how to hook up washing machines and build bunk beds. Beth loved hunting for quality knives and Japanese home decor, while Nigeria's heart is always with the community.
"My favorite thing about the ReStore is the people," Nigeria says. "If you volunteer here, they treat you well. It’s a great place to make connections, network, and make friends."
Habitat for Humanity ReStores are unique hubs of community connection, where people from all walks of life come together. Volunteers, shoppers, and staff have the chance to meet, share their stories, and help one another in unexpected ways. From fostering friendships to offering second-chance employment, the ReStore is much more than a retail space—it’s a place where lives intersect and change for the better.
With just 16 hours left to complete her 200 hours of sweat equity, Nigeria is excited for the new chapter ahead.
"I just did my lot selection two weeks ago," she shares. As Nigeria steps into her future as a homeowner, it’s clear that her commitment to people and community has shaped not just her journey, but also the journeys of those around her. We can’t wait to see what she does next as a member of her new neighborhood.
Learn more about the 10 ReStores across the Triangle and ways to volunteer.