Before & After Contest Win That Helped Habitat for Humanity

I recently stumbled across One Project Closer’s Before & After Contest while browsing renovation blogs. What immediately caught my attention was that the contest supports Habitat for Humanity. If you follow my blog, you already know that Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore is one of my favorite places to shop — a thrift-style store dedicated to home decor, fixtures, and furnishings. ReStore is a go-to resource for affordable, interesting pieces that can be refreshed and repurposed for DIY projects.

For our kitchen makeover, I found many useful items at the ReStore. One notable find was a light fixture that I knew could be transformed with a little creativity.

With a bit of work and some finishing touches, that light fixture became a striking piece that complemented the new kitchen design perfectly.

I documented the light fixture makeover and included it as part of a larger kitchen before-and-after project. On a whim, I submitted the kitchen makeover to the One Project Closer contest as an entry. After posting the entry, life got busy and I promptly forgot about it.

To my surprise and delight, I later received an email notifying me that Melanie from Bear Rabbit Bear had chosen my kitchen makeover as the weekly winner. It was such a nice surprise to learn that a real person had appreciated the work and the photos enough to select it for recognition.

As a selected weekly winner, I received a $50 gift card. I chose Home Depot as my preferred store for that gift card, which will be handy for future DIY supplies. Perhaps most meaningful, the contest organizers donated $100 to Habitat for Humanity in my honor. That donation on behalf of winners is a meaningful way to give back — it supports affordable housing initiatives and the ongoing work of ReStore locations that help fund those projects.

Winning the weekly prize felt gratifying for several reasons. First, it validated the time and effort expended on the kitchen makeover. Second, it highlighted how a simple thrift-store find can be turned into something beautiful with some planning and elbow grease. And third, it connected the creative act of renovating with a charitable contribution that benefits a larger community.

If you enjoy before-and-after reveals, DIY transformations, or bargain hunting at thrift-style home stores, this contest is a great reason to participate. The One Project Closer Before & After Contest was still open with just a few days remaining when I entered. The grand prize offers a $150 gift card, which entrants could choose from Lowe’s, Home Depot, or Amazon — a nice incentive for anyone who spends time on home improvement projects.

Whether you’re an experienced DIYer or a weekend renovator, consider polishing up a project and submitting it. Thoughtful, well-documented before-and-after projects perform well because they clearly show the problem, the plan, and the finished result. High-quality photos, a concise description of the process, and a few notes about materials or costs will make an entry stand out. And beyond the chance to win a practical gift card, participation means supporting Habitat for Humanity through the contest’s charitable element.

If you haven’t already visited ReStore for furniture, fixtures, lighting, or building materials, it’s worth a trip. You never know what inspiring piece you might find that can become the focal point of your next makeover. And if you have a recent renovation you’re proud of, consider entering before-and-after contests like this one — you might win a prize, and your entry could help raise funds for a cause that builds homes and supports communities.