Joy Thrift Story
Dream It.
One New Humanity programs start with a community leader who saw an opportunity and wanted to do something about it. That is the story of Joy Thrift. Louise asked us, “Why doesn’t Hamtramck have a thrift store? We need a place that offers affordable, gently used, practical items to people. Also, it needs to be walkable.” Little did she know we were having a similar conversation among friends, but nobody had the time to manage a retail store. We said, “OK, Louise, you have a job.” It was more of a process, but it all happened so fast.
Build It.
Hamtramck used to have a thrift store called Recycled Treasures, but it closed after a decade or so of serving the community. There are a few vintage and niche-type places, but nothing that sells household items, kids’ toys, and practical things. Hamtramck is a unique city; they say it is the world in 2 Square Miles because it is a small square city surrounded by Detroit with residents who immigrated here from all over the world. Many don’t know it is the most densely populated city in Michigan. Around 47% of the population falls below the national poverty line, and many walk because they can’t afford vehicles.
Success
After deciding to go for it as a team, we fundraised around 37k from friends to get it going and pushed forward with a plan to open in August of 2021. We had a line at the door the first day, and we didn’t even tell people we were opening. It has been an enormous success thanks to so many people coming around this vision. We have groups that regularly do collection drives for us, people bringing in-kind donations to us during store hours, and a growing team of volunteers. Our first official employee was an inspiring individual who moved to Hamtramck as a refugee from Afghanistan with her five kids. Customers come multiple times weekly to buy small things or talk. We love it, and all the sales generated have opened up new opportunities for us as an organization. Please visit us anytime. All the information to get involved is below.
