Robin’s Home Thrift Store announces closure, transition
Robin’s Home announced the February closure of its thrift store and donation center, and the planned opening of a Veterans Resource Center on 357 N. Main St.
The center will open sometime in March, offering resources, referrals and recreation to all veterans, Robin’s Home founder Mary Chitwood said Monday.
Chitwood said the decision to close the thrift store at 221 S. Main St. was influenced by a lack of staffing and a desire to reorganize the agency in a way that more closely aligns with “our mission to provide resources to veterans in our community.”
The Veterans Resource Center will continue to be operated by Robin’s Home and former thrift store employees will continue working in the new space, Chitwood said.
She said the thrift store will vacate by the end of February, with the goal of opening the Veterans Resource Center on March 1.
The center, which will serve as a place to assist and educate veterans on resources, she said, will offer clothing, nonperishable food items and hygiene products, and it will have a computer lab, as well as games.
According to a news release, the center also will offer services spanning employment and housing assistance, financial counseling, education, health care advocacy, referrals to programs that support homeless or at-risk veterans and opportunities for community outreach.
In addition, Chitwood said, the weekly women’s support group that meets Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. at Butler SUCCEED will meet at the center. The center also will add an evening support group, she said.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to transition our efforts to a new initiative that aligns with our values and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals, especially those who have served our country,” Chitwood stated in a news release.