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Retiree Found an Awesome Bike & an Extraordinary Mission at Williamsburg ReStore

If you can’t find Tim McSwain, he’s likely riding the Capital Trail, where he often pedals double-digit miles on his Transeo bike. The bike was a bargain he found at the Williamsburg ReStore.

McSwain knows firsthand how good the buys are at the local ReStores operated by Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg.

He’s a volunteer at the Williamsburg ReStore, loves what he does and supports Habitat’s mission of building homes, communities and hope. All ReStore proceeds go toward building affordable housing.

 “When you see the number of homes being built, the people they’re going to and how grateful they all are, you understand what a neat mission it is,” he said.

Born in North Carolina, McSwain graduated from Pfeiffer University, where he met his wife, Susan, the daughter of a Navy pilot. Just like him, she favored travel and after they were married, they spent years doing it.

“We moved 21 times,” said McSwain, a contractor for the Department of Defense who worked in the intelligence community and NATO. They spent time living in London, the South of France, and Luxembourg, but their favorite chapter was in Heidelberg, Germany—a charming university town they grew to love.

When McSwain was semi-retired in South Florida, they moved to Charleston, South Carolina, for an opportunity with the Naval Weapons Station. He also volunteered with the Charleston Ports and Seafarers Mission where he went aboard ships to facilitate support for the seafarers and provide transport to the local areas.

He and Susan moved to Williamsburg nearly four years ago to be closer to family.

While McSwain wanted to continue working on ships in Hampton Roads, he was deterred by the traffic getting to the docks in Norfolk and Portsmouth. So, he turned to the ReStore, where he and Susan have been regular customers.

“We’ve shopped in ReStores in other parts of the country where we lived,” McSwain said.

Their home is covered in European art, including their den, which is full of paintings of Heidelberg.

On one of their shopping days, Susan urged him to ask about volunteering at the ReStore. A short conversation later, he was ready to begin.

“I liked what I saw, and the people  were friendly,” he said.

Initially McSwain helped out in hardware and sporting goods. He now works three days a week in electronics, testing new inventory and preparing it for sale.

McSwain is also impressed by how successful the Williamsburg ReStore is. Among Habitat ReStores, it leads Virginia and is consistently one of the top performers in the nation.

He is often touched by the keepsakes that are donated.

“So many things come from people who have passed away,” McSwain said. He recently unboxed a component stereo system with every piece meticulously labeled in beautiful handwriting.

“It was packed better than a suitcase,” he said, adding, “every day is a new set of challenges. I never get bored with what I’m doing.”

“Tim is someone who can bring laughter to conversations,” said Kimmy Montoya, Volunteer Coordinator at the Williamsburg ReStore. “Tim’s dedication in the electronics area really shows his commitment. It’s great to have someone who not only brings positivity but also puts in the hard work to keep things running smoothly.”

Celebrating 40 Years of Impact

Tim McSwain’s volunteer work with the Williamsburg ReStore is just one of many stories that showcases the power of Habitat for Humanity. Its mission draws people in, and transforms them into ambassadors for the cause of affordable housing for all.

As Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg celebrates 40 years of building homes, communities and hope, we’re sharing 40 inspiring stories of the people, families and organizations whose lives have been changed through this work.

Volunteers like this play a crucial role, but the impact wouldn’t be possible without generous donors as well. Whether you give your time at the ReStore, support home builds or donate furniture, every contribution helps create decent, affordable housing for those in need.

Stay tuned for more stories of transformation, and if you’re inspired, consider joining our mission—whether by volunteering, donating or simply spreading the word. Because together, we’re building more than homes. We’re building hope.