Page 20 - Harnett Life Summer 2021

Mama’s House of Thrift

A Helping Hand in Harnett, Johnston and Wake counties

By Crissy Neville
Where can you find a great deal and help a good cause at the There’s also a treasure trove of discovery inside every thrift-
same time? Mama’s House of Thrift, also known as MHOT, of ing adventure. What can I find? is the question that motivates
course, now open in its new location. The circa 2018 501(c) many. Hidden gems await in the over 500,000 stocked items on
(3) nonprofit founded in Fuquay now serves the tri-counties the shelves of Mama’s House.
of Harnett, Johnston and Wake as one of Lillington’s newest
neighbors in the old Peebles store building at 129 W. Cornelius As the public makes purchases, proceeds from every sale return
Harnett Blvd. Holding the Grand Opening May 15 with much to help those who need it most — low-income families who re-
anticipation and fanfare, MHOT founder Janette Rod and a ceive or are waiting to receive government assistance and have
staff of volunteers are happy to be in Harnett County. They trouble making ends meet, month after month. Families apply
work hard to help local families in need of food and clothing for MHOT assistance inside the store by showing a photo ID,
through proceeds from charitable donations and contributions. filling out paperwork and presenting proof of need via valid
documents such as an unemployment letter, food stamp card or
The deals are for all the thrift store enthusiasts out there. benefit notice, Medicaid card, disability letter or other. While
Whether it’s thrifting, picking, antiquing or junkin’, second- many clients have been with the program since its inception,
hand shopping has become increasingly popular across nearly new clients must register. According to Rod, new registrations
all demographics and income levels. According to the ReUSE will be available in about 60 days or around August.
blog from UC Berkeley, “While the creation of thrift stores
has originally been for lower-income individuals, the steadily For registered persons and families, the aid comes through free
rising popularity and appeal of thrifting has brought individu- clothing, shoes and food through individual accounts based on
als of various ages and social-economic backgrounds to thrift specific needs. Clients have allowances set up in intervals for
stores.” usage and shop with credits for clothes and shoes in the thrift
store and food at prearranged times next door at Food Lion, a
Not only a way to save money and find essential items, but charity partner since 2018.
thrifting is also a way to practice sustainability in your ward-
robe as items are resold and reused. Young adults in their 20s- This procedure changes from the way Mama’s House oper-
30s mainly flock to thrift stores for cheaper, fashionable finds.
Page 20 Harnett Life ~ Summer 2021