Repair Cafe

BACKGROUND

Over the course of time and with continued use, many objects, materials, and equipment that we use in our everyday lives wear down or break and become unusable. Most people discard these items so that they don’t have a lot of junk accumulating in their homes. However, many items can be repaired, rejuvenated, and reused, extending their lives, and avoiding disposal. Repair Cafes offer residents the opportunity to revive items that would otherwise head to the landfill. 

REPAIR CAFES

Repair Cafes are community-organized events where skilled volunteers are available to make repairs to household items like clothing, bicycles, lamps, and jewelry. Repairs extend the life of the items and keep them out of landfills. Usually coffee, tea, and other refreshments are available to give it a cafe atmosphere. Repair Cafes are great at allowing people to enjoy sentimental items for longer, reducing a community’s waste, and bringing community members together.

Repair specialties will vary at each Repair Cafe based on the availability of our generous volunteers. During our first-ever Repair Cafe, held in April 2026, we were able to offer the following kinds of repairs:

  • Sewing and mending of fabrics
  • Woodworking
  • Jewelry repair
  • Lamp and small electric repairs
  • Bicycle repairs (ex: new inner tubes)
  • Miscellaneous repairs (ex: knife sharpening, gluing, and guitar restringing)

The event was a huge success! Over 160 community members participated in one way or another, and 500 pounds of material was repaired.

YOU CAN HELP, TOO!

Citizens can help reduce waste in their community by participating in a Repair Cafe. For example, if you have a repairing skill that you are willing to share with your community, you can join a Repair Cafe event and mend items that community members bring in. If you don’t have a specific repair skill, you can help logistically by planning and promoting the event, or you can help on the day of the event setting up before, assisting during, and/or cleaning up afterwards. All are welcome!

If you’re interested in volunteering for an upcoming Repair Cafe, stay tuned to our newsletter and/or social media (Facebook and Instagram). SHP will post calls for volunteers ahead of each Repair Cafe.

And, the simplest way to participate is to bring in items on the day of the event that could possibly be repaired or mended rather than throwing them away. We hope to see you soon!