For people transitioning into a new home, having basic furniture, clothing and household items can make all the difference. That’s where the Erie United Methodist Alliance’s Rainbow Connection Thrift Store comes in.
Just a few months ago, Kimsten Lucas was looking for the items he needed to turn a house into a home. The Erie United Methodist Alliance became a lifeline.
“They helped me get the furniture for my house. They helped me get clothing. They helped me decorate my house. They did everything I needed. They got the pots, the pans for the house,” Lucas said.
In addition to providing resources and services to Erie’s homeless population, the EUMA and Rainbow Connection Thrift Store offers clothing, kitchen supplies, furniture and other household goods.
Today, Lucas works at the thrift store, helping others learn about the same resources that helped him.
“I’m working for them. I’m helping them out like with this. Helping them show other people that it works,” Lucas said. “They helped me in a fast, quick rate. I wasn’t expecting everything to come together this fast.”
People can also use vouchers from other organizations to purchase clothing, kitchen supplies and household items, just as Lucas did.
“I wasn’t expecting this much kindness. It became more fun than them just helping me. But it became more like friends and family,” Lucas said.
The EUMA’s mission is to help others as Jesus would, and the organization continues that work with support from the Erie community.
“We are just so grateful for all those who donate to EUMA’s Rainbow Connection Thrift Store,” Kurt Crays, the Executive Director said.
That community support was especially evident during Erie Gives Day, when more than $136,000 was raised for the Erie United Methodist Alliance.
The nonprofit uses that support to provide services, resources and assistance to people experiencing homelessness throughout the Erie community.
The thrift store is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Buffalo Road. It’s also where people can learn more about the organization’s voucher assistance program.
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