Connect with us

Eugene

New nonprofit in Eugene to help homeless find housing

Published

on

Eugene has the highest homeless population per capita in the country, according to 2018 studies from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

And with so many people in need, resources are in high demand.

The founder describes it as a cross between the dollar store and St. Vincent de Paul.

Meaning, her store will take in clothing donations and be sold for only one dollar each.

Eventually, those proceeds will go towards finding permanent housing for those most in need.

“I don’t like watching people suffer,” says United Threads founder, Brittany Jones. “If there’s a way I can help…just because I struggle doesn’t mean they have to struggle like I did.”

Jones, a former homeless veteran, is turning an empty storefront into much more.

“When I was homeless, I could not get any help from the VA as a single parent, as well as St. Vincent de Paul; the wait-list was long, Catholic Community Services was long, Section 8 was long – so the wait-list was just overrun.”

Serving in the Army Reserve but not in combat, the VA denied her request.

So, she decided if she couldn’t find the help she needed, she wasn’t alone.

After getting back on her feet she eventually had an idea – now actualized.

“It’s a resale thrift store where everything that is donated is re-sold for a dollar and all the profits go towards the homeless veterans and single-parent families in our community.”

United Threads will sell each piece of clothing for one dollar, then use the funds to get people off the street and into permanent housing.

“I want them to be in the house and stay in the house,” Jones says, “not be in the house and have to leave.”

The plan is to buy condemned homes and pay down the mortgage to as little as $25 depending on whatever income they have.

“I want to buy the first house in the first year or two for the first person,” Jones explains, “then once the house is bought, renovated, the person moves in – and then the mortgage that’s paid to the nonprofit will go towards buying the next house.”

Jones hopes United Threads will be much more than a store, but a path towards a better life.

The store is located at 255 E. 18th Ave. in Eugene.

 

You may also like…

Eugene11 hours ago

Eugene Springfield Fire responds to manufacturing facility fire in West Eugene

Eugene, OR — On July 5th, Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a commercial fire at the original Archimoto building on West...

Eugene11 hours ago

Eugene Springfield Fire water rescue crew saves five from McKenzie River incident

Eugene, OR – According to the officials, Eugene Springfield Fire’s water rescue team responded to a distress call near Bellinger...

Eugene12 hours ago

Eugene police step up speed enforcement with multiple stops in two hours

Eugene, OR — The Eugene Police Department recently intensified speed limit enforcement along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, resulting in...

Oregon1 week ago

Oregon hosts free July webinar series to promote disability rights, access, and inclusion

Oregon – In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a free weekly webinar series...

Eugene1 week ago

Young Women’s Fire Camp inspires and empowers future firefighters at Eugene Springfield Fire

Eugene, OR – Last week, Eugene Springfield Fire (ESF) hosted its highly anticipated Young Women’s Fire Camp, an event many...

Eugene1 week ago

36-year-old man taken into custody on assault, weapon charges following party stabbing in Eugene

Eugene, OR – Early on June 29, Eugene Police responded to a reported stabbing at a residence on the 4600...

Eugene1 week ago

ESF celebrates progress as young women gain hands-on experience at annual fire camp

Eugene, OR – Eugene Springfield Fire is marking the halfway point of its annual fire camp, where 16 young women...

Eugene1 week ago

Eugene Springfield Fire promotes wildfire preparedness following defensible space demonstration

Eugene, OR – Earlier this week, members of the Eugene Springfield Fire Marshal’s Office attended a live demonstration on creating...

Eugene1 week ago

City of Eugene outlines closures and adjusted schedules for Independence Day on July 4

Eugene, OR – In observance of Independence Day, the City of Eugene has announced closures and adjusted schedules for Friday,...

Eugene1 week ago

37-year-old man cited for DUII, reckless driving after crash into power pole

Eugene, OR – A 37-year-old man was cited following a single-vehicle crash early Tuesday morning that ended with a pickup...

Crime & Safety2 weeks ago

11-year-old and his sibIing came to live with his educator following trauma related to their famiIy housing, only for the woman to give birth to his baby after indcently assauIting the student for years: DA

New Jersey – A 34-year-old New Jersey woman was indicted last week on charges including aggravated se-ual assauIt, se-ual assauIt,...

Trending