ROCKPORT—Thriftworthy, a new store that opened June 24 at the corner of routes 90 and 17, is like a community Goodwill — only better. 

"The entire impetus behind this initiative was to create something that would do something for the community, bring people together, and most importantly, create a revenue stream that supports the critical work of Homeworthy," said Molly Feeney, executive director of Homeworthy. 

The nonprofit Homeworthy, also in Rockport, provides emergency shelter, case management, wrap-around youth services, and housing support to help those experiencing homelessness, including families and youth. Its vision is to be, "a supportive community within which all families and individuals have the opportunity for housing and a sustainable productive life."

Full-time volunteer and the creative director of Thiftworthy Deena Andersen said: "I've been in retail a long time, having owned a women's consignment shop in Kennebunk. When Homeworthy approached me, they didn't want just a regular thrift store; they wanted an upscale boutique."

"Another founding volunteer, Beth Gerrish, led this monterous undertaking with the support of many community members, dedicated donors and Homeworthy Board members," said Feeney. 

The store, which used to be a garage before it became a glass repair shop, received 100% of donor funding to renovate it.

There is a children's section, a separate men's and women's clothing section, and areas dedicated to antiques, books, and home goods. In the back store room, there are bins and bins of donations, and a washer-dryer.

Thriftworthy works with 30 volunteers to make this happen.

"I'm blown away by the volunteers," said Feeney. "They're cleaning, sorting, and washing. Before an item hits the floor, at least five pairs of hands have been on it."

This volunteer-run initiative has already received thousands of donations of high-quality items.

"Some select items get pulled aside, so we can continue supporting families with specific needs," said Feeney. "For example, sometimes we'll get a couch that we can't sell in here, but can donate to a family that just got housed."

In just the first week it opened, Thriftworthy earned $10,000.

"Homeworthy currently operates on a generous amount of philanthropic funding, but this store will allow us to stregthen our funding streams," said Feeney. "It's the people who donate, who volunteer to work at the store, and who shop at the store that really make the difference.

"Homeworthy funds 20 hours of paid work for one part-time staff member, but every dollar that comes in to Thriftworthy translates into more support. We serve well over 1,000 community members, and those dollars get spread out to various programs. With 16 units of housing, a 16-person outreach model for case management, a 22-bed shelter in Rockport, expansive youth services, and a small and nimble administrative team, we operate under a $5 million budget and raise funds for two-thirds of that." 

She added: "To put it directly, each sale helps to support a neighbor who is sleeping in a tent and move them into transitional or permanent housing or may supplement getting somebody a gas card so they can get to their job or interview. It all goes directly back into the community."

For those who wish to donate, Andersen said, "We take discretionary items, things that you would want to buy, like gently used clothing. We keep everything really clean and upscale." 

To learn more or to donate, visit Thriftworthy's website. 

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com