Thrift store back open after burst pipes

Union Gospel Mission’s downtown thrift store is back open after burst pipes forced it to close two months ago.

The facility at 701 E. Eighth St. had a soft opening last week and now is fully operational.

“We need volunteers, customers and donations of household goods and clothing,” CEO Eric Weber said in a statement. “We’re also seeking part-time paid staff.”

The day after Christmas 2022, water flooded three floors of the ministry, requiring the evacuation of its women’s shelter and soaking all the thrift store’s clothing inventory.

“It took days to dry and bale our thrift store inventory,” Weber said. “All of the clothing is being recycled, so nothing is wasted. Now, we need new inventory to keep the store stocked and ready for customers and community assistance.”

Reopening the thrift store supports the organization’s broader mission, which includes helping guests with driver’s licenses, legal services and affordable housing options.

“Within the first four hours of reopening the store, we served over 16 individuals, and we anticipate even more this coming week and in the months to follow,” community health worker Roechelle Williams said.

As soon as the doors opened, more than 200 guests and customers came in, store director Dolly Iron Moccasin added.

“We know the need is great,” she said. “We look forward to serving more individuals in need throughout our community and beyond.”

Both the thrift store and distribution center are now open weekdays for shopping and to receive donations. It can accept clothing in any condition, including stained, torn and soiled for recycling. Please label bags and boxes of clothing for recycling clearly with “for recycle only.”

Community assistance is available Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Visit ugmsiouxfalls.com for shopping, donation and community assistance hours. For all volunteer and career opportunities, call 605-334-6732 or email [email protected].

After devastating burst pipe, Union Gospel Mission looks for help cleaning up, covering damage