Thrift stores do more than sell secondhand items – they help fund homelessness relief programs. In Kansas City, stores like City Thrift and Hillcrest Thrift Stores turn your purchases and donations into meals, shelter, job training, and more. Here’s a quick look at seven thrift stores making an impact:
- City Thrift: Supports City Union Mission, funding 137,834 meals and 76,899 shelter nights annually.
- Hillcrest Thrift Stores: 83¢ of every dollar funds housing and job training programs.
- Hillcrest Platte County: Focuses on case management and affordable housing.
- Shalom House: Partners with local organizations to provide stability for individuals in need.
- City Union Mission Thrift Outreach: Offers emergency shelters, meals, and holistic support.
- Goodwill of Kansas City: Provides job training and housing assistance.
- Savers Thrift Stores: Collaborates with nonprofits to address homelessness.
Every donation or purchase helps these organizations provide resources and support for those facing hardships. Whether you donate clothing, volunteer your time, or shop for secondhand items, you’re contributing directly to these efforts.
1. City Thrift
City Thrift is more than just a thrift store – it’s a lifeline for Kansas City’s homeless community. Every purchase and donation made at this nonprofit thrift store network directly supports local homelessness relief efforts, ensuring that every dollar stays in the area to assist those in need.
Turning Sales Into Support for Homelessness Relief
At the heart of City Thrift’s mission is its partnership with City Union Mission. All revenue generated by its Kansas City stores is funneled into the mission’s general fund. As they explain:
“All proceeds from our thrift stores in Kansas City and the surrounding communities are kept local and benefit City Union Mission.”
This funding makes a tangible difference, supporting services like meals, shelter, medical care, counseling, job training, and recovery programs. Each year, City Thrift’s contributions help provide 137,834 meals, 76,899 shelter nights, and a range of other vital services for the community.
Programs That Change Lives
City Thrift’s impact goes far beyond numbers. The funding helps maintain shelter for an average of 210 individuals daily, supports 155 people in recovery programs, and celebrates milestones like 21 graduates from residential recovery initiatives. Additionally, the organization has helped 18 guests secure vehicles for essential transportation and sponsored 230 children for Summer Camp, giving them a chance to experience joy and stability.
Building a Stronger Community
City Thrift doesn’t just serve the homeless – it strengthens the entire community. By accepting donations of clothing, furniture, toys, and household items, the stores create a cycle where unused items are transformed into resources for local initiatives. Their recycling and repurposing efforts also ensure that unsold goods benefit both the environment and the community.
How You Can Get Involved
City Thrift thrives on community involvement. Whether it’s through donating gently used items, volunteering in-store, or contributing financially, there are countless ways to support their mission. Volunteers play a key role in store operations, assisting with donations, customer service, and inventory tasks. Programs like Camp CUMCITO, which offers children affected by homelessness a chance to experience camp, provide even more opportunities to connect and make a lasting impact. Every act of support helps sustain their holistic approach to addressing homelessness and poverty.
2. Hillcrest Thrift Stores
Hillcrest Thrift Stores showcase how shopping can directly contribute to making a difference. With locations in Lee’s Summit and Overland Park, these stores turn everyday purchases into life-changing support for homelessness relief across the Kansas City metro area. By shopping here, you’re not just buying items – you’re actively supporting programs that help people rebuild their lives.
Proceeds That Make a Difference
An impressive 83¢ of every dollar spent at Hillcrest Thrift Stores goes directly into funding homelessness relief programs. This means that nearly every item purchased helps provide critical services. In fact, these stores contribute 40% of Hillcrest’s overall funding, helping sustain programs like emergency shelter, transitional housing, job training, and case management.
Get Involved: Volunteer or Donate
Hillcrest’s impact grows stronger with community involvement. Whether you want to donate your time or items, there are plenty of ways to help. Volunteers can take on roles like cashiering, sorting donations, or managing inventory. Flexible options are available for weekly, monthly, or even one-time group commitments. To get started, reach out to volunteer staff at 270-3182, email volunteer@hillcrestkc.org, or check out their Volunteer Page.
If donating items is more your speed, Hillcrest accepts a variety of new or gently used goods, including:
- Clothing, shoes, and accessories
- Jewelry, toys, and games
- Books, furniture, and housewares
- Appliances, tools, musical equipment, and sporting goods
For bulk donations, you can call or text 816-551-7965 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM) with photos and descriptions of your items. Drop-offs are welcome at their Lee’s Summit location (936 SE 3rd St, Monday–Friday 10 AM–6 PM, Saturday 10 AM–5 PM) or Overland Park store (12202 College Blvd) during similar hours.
Every purchase, hour volunteered, or item donated helps Hillcrest continue its mission to provide essential support to those in need.
3. Hillcrest Platte County Thrift Stores
Hillcrest Platte County Thrift Stores bring homelessness relief efforts to northland communities by turning secondhand shopping into crucial funding for local support programs. Their community-focused strategy complements larger initiatives happening elsewhere.
Supporting Homelessness Relief Programs
Proceeds from these thrift stores directly support programs aimed at helping underserved areas.
Building Community Connections
These stores do more than just sell secondhand items – they act as community hubs. They accept donations like clothing, furniture, household goods, and electronics. They also collaborate with local organizations to run donation drives and host events that raise awareness about homelessness. This hands-on approach helps educate the public and rally support for these important causes.
Getting Involved: Volunteer and Donate
The stores thrive on community involvement. Volunteers play a big role by sorting donations, helping shoppers, and assisting with events. Plus, they offer flexible ways to give back, including services like large-item pickups, making it easy for everyone to contribute.
4. Shalom House Thrift Initiatives
Shalom House plays a key role in addressing homelessness in Kansas City, combining community efforts, donations, and volunteer work to fund crucial services for those in need.
Community Programs and Support
Through various initiatives, Shalom House focuses on meeting urgent needs while also working toward long-term solutions for stability and self-sufficiency.
Community Impact and Engagement
Shalom House collaborates with local churches, businesses, and civic organizations to expand its reach and effectiveness. Community awareness events serve as a platform to educate the public about homelessness and inspire action. These partnerships often lead to hands-on opportunities for individuals and groups to get involved.
Volunteer and Donation Opportunities
You can support Shalom House in several ways. Volunteer your time, contribute monetary donations, or provide much-needed items like toiletries, clothing, and gift cards for grocery stores or restaurants. Businesses can also make a difference by forming corporate partnerships and sponsoring specific programs, ensuring continued support for Shalom House’s mission.
5. City Union Mission Thrift Outreach
City Union Mission takes the concept of City Thrift’s local impact and fine-tunes it with a focus on targeted outreach and well-organized donation processes. Founded by Rev. and Mrs. David Bulkley, this mission transforms donations into vital support for individuals and families facing hardship.
Proceeds and Programs Supporting Homelessness
City Union Mission operates on a thrift-to-mission funding model, ensuring that donations directly fuel a variety of critical services. Items are processed efficiently, and unsold goods are repurposed to minimize waste. This approach not only helps people in need but also reduces environmental impact. Emergency shelters offer immediate refuge for men and families, while kitchen and food pantry services provide meals and essential groceries. Beyond meeting basic needs, the mission delivers clothing and holistic programs that address physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, paving the way for long-term stability and growth.
Community Impact and Engagement
City Union Mission’s thrift outreach serves as more than just a retail operation – it’s a community cornerstone. Residents contribute by donating household items, clothing, and furniture, or by shopping at the stores. Each location acts as both a store and a platform for raising awareness about homelessness and available support services. This dual role helps expand the mission’s reach, as community involvement grows alongside awareness.
Volunteer and Donation Opportunities
Volunteering at City Union Mission is made simple through well-organized programs. These initiatives align community efforts with the mission’s operational needs, making it easy for individuals to get involved. Volunteers can assist with donation processing, participate in special events, or take on roles that maximize the value of contributed time and items. Every effort helps extend the mission’s impact, creating meaningful change for those in crisis.
6. Goodwill Industries of Kansas City
Goodwill Industries of Kansas City channels the proceeds from its thrift stores into programs that address workforce challenges and homelessness in the community. With multiple store locations across the Kansas City metro area, this organization exemplifies how secondhand shopping can directly support essential community services. A large portion of its retail revenue is reinvested into initiatives that aim to help individuals overcome employment hurdles and housing instability.
Goodwill has developed targeted programs specifically for homelessness relief. These initiatives focus on providing job training and real-world work experience to those in need. By equipping participants with practical skills, the organization helps them tackle barriers like housing and transportation, making it easier to regain stability and independence.
Every purchase made at Goodwill Kansas City stores contributes to these mission-driven efforts. As a social enterprise, the organization not only funds community programs but also responsibly recycles or repurposes unsold items, ensuring a positive impact on both the community and the environment. This dual approach highlights Goodwill’s dedication to creating meaningful and sustainable solutions.
To further its mission, Goodwill Kansas City partners with local shelters, transitional housing programs, and social service agencies, expanding its reach and impact. The organization also encourages community involvement through accessible drop-off centers, scheduled pickups for large donations, and various volunteer opportunities, making it easy for locals to engage and support their neighbors in need.
7. Savers Thrift Stores
Savers Thrift Stores are committed to turning donated goods into meaningful support for local communities. By teaming up with nonprofit organizations, Savers helps address critical issues like homelessness. They do this by setting up donation collection points and hosting events, ensuring that every contribution goes toward providing essential services for those in need.
Impact Comparison Table
The table below highlights how different thrift stores in the Kansas City area contribute to homelessness relief through their community-focused initiatives. By examining their unique programs, donation options, and volunteer opportunities, you can make informed decisions about where to shop or donate to create a meaningful difference.
| Thrift Store | Locations | Supported Programs | Donation Options | Volunteer Opportunities | Special Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Thrift | Kansas City and the surrounding areas | Supports City Union Mission’s homelessness and poverty relief programs | Clothing, furniture, toys, household items | In-store operations, community events | All proceeds stay local to benefit City Union Mission directly |
| Hillcrest Thrift Stores | Kansas City area | 90-Day Adult/Family Program, Youth Transitional Program, Rapid Re-Housing Services | Clothing, household goods, furniture | Store support and program assistance | Serves over 1,020 children, individuals, and families annually |
| Hillcrest Platte County Thrift Stores | Platte County | Coordinated Entry Access, Intensive Case Management | Various household items, clothing | Community outreach and store operations | Advocates for affordable housing and hunger relief |
| City Union Mission Thrift Outreach | Multiple Kansas City locations | Medical services, “Donate a Car” initiative, “Mission Christmas” program | Vehicles, clothing, household items | Kitchen service and shelter operations | Provides dignity and independence through vehicle donation programs |
This comparison underscores the unique contributions of each thrift store. For example, Hillcrest Thrift Stores are recognized by the National Alliance to End Homelessness for their comprehensive services, serving over 1,020 individuals and families every year. Meanwhile, City Thrift ensures that every dollar stays local, directly supporting City Union Mission’s extensive programs.
Whether donating clothing, furniture, or even a vehicle, or volunteering your time, your involvement can make a direct and lasting impact on the homeless community. By choosing where to contribute thoughtfully, you help fuel essential services and bring hope to those in need.
Conclusion
The seven thrift stores featured in this guide show how community-focused retail can turn donated items into critical resources that help fight homelessness. Your purchases, donations, and volunteer efforts are key to keeping these programs running and making a real difference.
Take, for example, the impact of the Gift Card Program, which delivered over $37,000 in gift cards to families in need in 2021. Or the collaboration with initiatives like “Shower to the People”, ensuring that donated goods reach homeless individuals directly.
When you donate used items, you’re not only restocking shelves but also helping reduce waste by keeping goods out of landfills. Volunteering adds another layer of support, bolstering these programs and ensuring their success. Every bit of effort – whether it’s a donation, a purchase, or your time – helps build a stronger network of support, addressing both the immediate and long-term challenges of homelessness in the Kansas City area. Small actions can truly lead to meaningful change.
FAQs
How does City Thrift use donations to support homelessness relief efforts?
City Thrift plays an active role in supporting homelessness relief efforts by using store proceeds to fund essential programs. These initiatives include providing emergency shelters, hot meals, and job training opportunities – key resources designed to help individuals and families regain stability and rebuild their lives.
The store also accepts donations of gently used items, transforming them into financial support for local organizations like City Union Mission, which focuses on addressing homelessness and poverty. Whether you shop, donate, or volunteer at City Thrift, you’re contributing directly to impactful programs that strengthen your community.
What types of donations make the biggest impact at thrift stores supporting homelessness relief?
Donating everyday necessities can have a powerful impact on thrift stores that support homelessness relief efforts. Clothing tops the list of needs, with items like socks, underwear, coats, and other warm apparel being especially sought after. These essentials are crucial for individuals facing harsh weather conditions or limited access to clean clothing.
Household items such as blankets, towels, and kitchenware are also incredibly helpful. These donations can make a world of difference for families or individuals trying to create a sense of stability and comfort.
Additionally, hygiene products – like toothpaste, soap, and deodorant – are always appreciated, as they help restore a sense of dignity. Non-perishable food items are another essential category, providing nourishment to those who might otherwise go hungry. By giving these practical items, you’re not just donating goods – you’re offering support, hope, and a bit of relief to those navigating incredibly tough times.
How can I volunteer at thrift stores to help support homelessness relief programs?
Volunteering at thrift stores that support homelessness relief offers a hands-on way to make a difference in your community. Whether it’s sorting through donations, organizing shelves, helping customers, or taking part in donation drives, your efforts directly support vital programs. Some thrift stores even extend their reach beyond the shop, offering opportunities to assist with meal programs or crisis support initiatives.
By dedicating your time, you’re not just helping a store run smoothly – you’re actively contributing to resources and services that aid individuals facing homelessness. Reach out to a local thrift store to find out how you can get involved and lend a helping hand!
