Society of St. Vincent de Paul set to close both thrift stores

HOUSTON — The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston (SVdP) will close both of its thrift store locations on Saturday, March 23.

While a variety of reasons, including less than ideal locations, rising costs, increased competition, reduced volunteer numbers paired with a challenging labor market, led to the decision to close the pair of stores, according to a Feb. 13 statement from SVdP. Officials also said they plan on opening new stores in the future.

The Bellaire thrift store location is on Cedar Street, and the Houston outlet location is in the Gulfgate area.

“We have decided to focus our efforts on strengthening our network of conferences that provide direct aid to the greater Houston community and the growth and expansion of our Underserved Communities Initiative and ‘Getting Ahead’ Program,” the statement continued.

“These initiatives enable us to teach people how to fish so they can feed their families for a lifetime and reach the children and working-poor families that have been historically disregarded during times of crisis,” Val Senegal, chief program officer, said.

Senegal continued, “SVdP wants to thank the entire greater Houston community for its outpouring of support and assistance. We will continue our mission to provide services to those most vulnerable during a crisis and anticipate opening brand-new stores in the future.” Senegal said that as they “momentarily” transition from the thrift store business, SVdP hopes donors and friends will continue supporting the organization.

Inspired by Gospel values since 1871, the organization’s members aim to grow spiritually by providing person-to-person service to all in need throughout Galveston-Houston. SVdP’s actions promote the person’s dignity and alleviate their neighbors’ suffering and distress while addressing the conditions that cause them through systemic change.

In 2022, SVdP provided more than $13 million in direct aid to more than 49,000 distressed individuals. This impact was achieved because of its dedicated members, referred to as Vincentians and committed volunteers spread across the 10-county Archdiocese.

To learn more, visit svdphouston.org. †