Fundraising for a new Renewed Hope Thrift Store has reached $2.1 million toward the project’s $2.6 million goal, with plans to more than double shopping and donation space while supporting Family Crisis Centers’ services.
The organization broke ground Wednesday, October 14, on the new building. Executive Director Jessica Rohrs says the project addresses limited parking, crowded retail space, and the need to strengthen funding for the organization’s work.
“So the profit that Renewed Hope brings in every year provides Family Crisis Centers with a financial means to pay for about three to four of our advocate salaries,” Rohrs said.
Family Crisis Centers provides support for people affected by violence, with advocates available around the clock. Rohrs said approximately $2.5 million of the organization’s roughly $3.8 million annual budget comes from state and federal grants, making store proceeds and community support important additional funding sources.
More Room for Shoppers and Volunteers
Rohrs said parking concerns helped prompt the board’s discussion about a new store. At the current location, she said, potential customers sometimes slow down, see a full parking lot, and keep driving.
The new building will increase sales floor space from 3,925 to 8,146 square feet. Donation intake, sorting, and storage space will grow from 2,186 to 4,500 square feet, with additional parking and improved donation drop-off access.
Rohrs said the design also emphasizes making daily tasks easier for volunteers.
“So for example, they’re bent over a lot sorting donations throughout the day. So let’s make sure we have tables that can be adjusted to their height,” she said.
Other improvements will focus on storage and equipment that reduces the need to lift containers overhead. Rohrs said the larger space will also allow the organization to welcome more volunteers.
Helping Families Start Over
Beyond generating revenue, Renewed Hope allows Family Crisis Centers clients to shop at no cost.
“So, many times, families leave violent situations with just the clothes on their back or what they can fit in their car,” Rohrs said.
She said the store can help those families furnish a new home, obtain school supplies, and find winter coats without taking on another expense as they rebuild their lives.
Fundraising and Construction
With $2.1 million secured, including a $50,000 donation from the City of Sioux Center, approximately $500,000 remains to reach the campaign’s goal.
Rohrs said the organization wanted to reach $1.9 million before launching the public campaign with the groundbreaking. Support from early donors allowed it to surpass that threshold.
The new store will be north of the current location, behind Kwik Star. Rohrs said rainfall and the arrival of winter will influence the construction schedule.
“But we’re hoping that this time next year we’re in our new store,” she said.
Community members can support the project through financial contributions, merchandise donations to the current store, or volunteer work. Rohrs said volunteers help sort donations, assist customers, clean shoes, test electronics, and prepare items for sale.
