Habitat For Humanity’s Thrift Store Bringing ‘Life-Changing’ Service To Communities
We sell it, somebody loves your coffee table, it’s now new for someone else. At the end of the day, more Habitat homes get built.
[August 17, 2021: Alecia Reid]
Whether shopping for deals on items new or old, Habitat For Humanity’s second-hand shop is helping those thrift and find clothes and items they need in Philadelphia.
It’s something former Marine Clifton Jones is using to his advantage. “This is like my 10th, 12th time here,” he said.
His recent shopping is giving back to the community. Habitat’s Restore is a huge revenue stream for the charity. Donations to the shop are just gifts that keep on giving.
“We sell it, somebody loves your coffee table, it’s now new for someone else. At the end of the day, more Habitat homes get built,” Corinne O’Connell, the CEO for Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, said.
The customers see the good they’re doing as well.
Florence Carire from South Philadelphia told Eyewitness News, “You’re helping people, and you’re getting great deals. You’re able to donate things other people can use. It’s just a good thing all the way around.”
Last year, the South Philadelphia Restore brought in $1.3 million, leading to the charity selling 10 homes and repairing dozens more.
This year’s goal is to sell and renovate more, helping families regain a sense of pride.
“Running water again in a home, a functioning kitchen? Life-changing,” O’Connell said.
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Tags: #Good_News, #Charity, #Donations, #Recycling, #Community_Service, #The_Brighter_Side_of_News
Joseph Shavit
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Joseph Shavit, based in Los Angeles, is a seasoned science journalist, editor and co-founder of The Brighter Side of News, where he transforms complex discoveries into clear, engaging stories for general readers. With experience at major media groups like Times Mirror and Tribune, he writes with both authority and curiosity. His work spans astronomy, physics, quantum mechanics, climate change, artificial intelligence, health, and medicine. Known for linking breakthroughs to real-world markets, he highlights how research transitions into products and industries that shape daily life.