Social service agency raising millions for new thrift store
Northwest Assistance Ministries is halfway to its goal of raising approximately $5.3 million for a new retail and training center, which will be built behind the nonprofit’s headquarters.
Funds from the Roots & Wings campaign will go toward the construction of a 30,000-square-foot building which will house a thrift store and act as an extension to house the growing number of programs the group provides.
“We’re pretty maxed out,” said NAM president and CEO Carole Little, 58. “This new facility will allow our programs to expand.”
At the moment, all the programs are located at the main building, an 80,000-square-foot facil-
ity, located at 15555 Kuykendahl Road. But this isn’t enough space to conduct all of the nonprofit’s business.
NAM, a nonprofit, community-based social service agency that helps people with basic human needs, began in 1983 and services an area of 240 square miles in northwest Harris County. Last year it helped more than 130,000 individuals. With limited space and parking, it’s difficult to support the large number of people — volunteers and those seeking help — who travel to the main building everyday.
The nonprofit’s largest thrift store, which has moved locations a few times in the past couple of years, will finally have a permanent home. “Treasures of the Heart,” which provides low-cost to free home goods, raises about $1.2 million a year.
“The need has grown tremendously,” Little said.
With the new building and its dual purpose, NAM will be able to lower its overhead cost and leasing expenses to move more money to the programs and initiatives it provides.
The fundraiser kicked off in January, and $2.8 million has been donated by individuals and private foundations.
“We’ve been very blessed with some very generous gifts,” Little said. “What that says to us is that were doing what we need to be doing, that the community supports us in our efforts.”
However, all the money needs to be raised in order for the nonprofit to begin construction of the new facility. The group hopes to reach its goal by the end of 2014.
“We need to raise all the money before we can break ground, and it will take about a year for the building to be built,” Little said. “That’s why its important for us to complete the campaign as quickly as possible.”
Jim Fryfogle, vice president of Plains All American Pipeline, said he donated money to the cause because of the services NAM provides to the community.
“It reached out to those who are needy and helps people get back on their feet,” Fryfogle said.
For more information on howto contribute to the Roots & Wings Campaign, contact Maria Magee, vice president of fund development, at 281-885-4605 or mmagee@namonline.org. Additional details are also available under the “Give” tab at www.namonline.org.