Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington Reopens Thrift Shop in Alexandria; Proceeds Go to Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Helping Prevent Homelessness

Thrift Shop Reopens with Safe Social Distancing, Health and Safety Precautions in Place 

ARLINGTON, Va. - Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington last week reopened its thrift shop in Alexandria, Va. The thrift shop, located next to its Christ House homeless shelter, food pantry and evening meal site, was the single Catholic Charities program, of 21 overall, that halted service during the last four months, as the organization modified programs to serve the community safely during the response COVID-19. The thrift shop is adhering to strict social distancing for the health and safety of its customers, volunteers and staff. Proceeds from the shop support Catholic Charities' emergency rental and utility assistance efforts to help individuals and families avoid homelessness.  

“We are thrilled to reopen the Catholic Charities Thrift Shop given the service it provides to the community. We are confident we have taken the necessary precautions to put the health and safety of our customers, volunteers and staff at the forefront,” said Catherine Hassinger, Director of Community Services, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington. “The shop serves important multiple purposes for Catholic Charities, our clients and the community. Many of our clients find quality clothing at affordable prices for an interview or a job. Community members shop there too and make good clothing finds for their families. Most importantly, the thrift shop raises essential support for our emergency rental and utility assistance program which is experiencing a significant increase in demand due to the continuing economic impact of the pandemic on our community.”

The Catholic Charities Thrift Shop, located at 125 S. West St., Alexandria, Va., is now open Mondays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For customers in a high-risk population or concerned about re-entering social settings at this time, the shop is accepting customers by appointment only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. To schedule an appointment, individuals should call 703-548-4881 or email TS-CH@ccda.net. All other times, the shop is open with an eight-person capacity limit.

All customers, volunteers and staff must wear a face covering while in the store unless a health issue prevents them from doing so. Hand sanitizer and gloves are provided upon entry to the store.

Proceeds from sales or donations go to support Catholic Charities' emergency rental and utility assistance program, now experiencing an increased need due to the economic impact of the pandemic. In fiscal year 2019, the store generated $118,506 in sales, and the proceeds supported Catholic Charities' ability to assist 279 families with rent and utilities. Overall, Catholic Charities supported 2,735 individuals with rent and utilities.

To offer material or financial support to Catholic Charities, visit here https://www.ccda.net/give-help/serve-those-in-need/material-and-financial-assistance/.

For more information, contact Amber Roseboom, Director of Media Relations, Catholic Diocese of Arlington, at 571-215-8731 or Amber.Roseboom@arlingtondiocese.org.

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The Catholic Diocese of Arlington was established on August 13, 1974, and is home to 71 parishes and more than 460,000 Catholics. There are currently 276 priests serving in the Diocese and 45 seminarians discerning a priestly vocation. The Diocese has 37 parish (K-8) schools, four diocesan high schools, four independent Catholic schools and five free-standing (not connected with a parish school) pre-schools, serving more than 17,000 students. 

The Diocese includes the seven cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Winchester and the 21 counties of Arlington, Clarke, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, King George, Lancaster, Loudoun, Madison, Northumberland, Orange, Page, Prince William, Rappahannock, Richmond, Shenandoah, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Warren and Westmoreland.