The Fresno Mission has opened its second thrift store, employing homeless people and former drug addicts and supporting the nonprofit’s efforts to feed, clothe, house, and support people in need.

“Mission Thrift is not just a thrift store, it’s not just a place to buy cheap, used clothing or products, it’s not just a store that employs some formerly homeless individual,” said Sherri White, chief business officer at the Fresno Mission. “Mission Thrift is an example of real-life change that occurs when people choose to put faith in God and family first. It’s an example of a renewal and regeneration.”

At the corner of First Street and Bullard Avenue, Mission Thrift sells second-hand donated goods from clothing to furniture to toys and more. Fresno Mission CEO Matthew Dildine said it is the largest thrift store in the Valley. The second store opened Friday.

The Mission uses thrift store revenues to support its operations, which includes housing, employment, and even a grocery store where people can get free food.

“Unlike some of the other thrift stores, 100% of the funds that are received by this store go right back into the Fresno community,” Dildine said.

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In 12 Years, Fresno Mission’s First Thrift Store Raised $16 Million

Since the organization’s first thrift store on Sierra Avenue near Blackstone Avenue opened in 2012, it has raised $16 million, said White. Half of that went to salaries of workers, most of whom are formerly homeless or recovering drug addicts, White said. The rest went to Mission operations.

The thrift store at Bullard and First employs 25 people, White said.

“We actually help out several other nonprofits who have people that are cycling out of addiction or homelessness that come to work for the Fresno Mission,” Dildine said. “For this, this allows us to expand that ministry, expand those job opportunities for people that are entering back into the workforce. At the same time, it’s such a great revenue generator for us that allows us to expand our work.”