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Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington today announced plans to close its South Lake Union and University District nonprofit thrift store locations. The announcement was made as escalating theft, safety concerns, and rising rents have made it increasingly difficult to maintain a secure and sustainable environment for both employees and shoppers. The last day these stores will be open and accepting donations is September 22.

“The decision to close these stores was not made lightly,” said Derieontay Sparks, Sr. Vice President, Customer Experience, Retail, and Revenue Growth at Evergreen Goodwill. “Both locations have experienced a troubling rise in property damage, break-ins, and safety concerns for our employees. These challenges, coupled with rising rent and operational costs, have made it unsustainable to continue operating in these areas.”

The South Lake Union store, located at 411 Westlake Ave. N opened in 2012 and the University District store, located at 4552 University Way NE on “The Ave,” has served the area since 2008. Proceeds from the sale of donated items at these stores, and 23 other Evergreen Goodwill stores across the region, fund Goodwill’s free job training, education, and job placement programs. In the last ten years, Evergreen Goodwill has served over 57,000 individuals at 5 local job training centers where students have access to free classes like Computer and Mobile Basics, Customer Service Essentials, and ESOL and job placement services.

“Donations from the community fuel our stores, and all proceeds from our stores power our free Job Training and Education Programs.” said Sparks. “Without our shoppers and generous donors we simply couldn’t do what we do. Thank you for the support of the community in South Lake Union and the University District over the years, and while we are sad to leave, we hope fans of Goodwill will continue to visit us at our other nearby locations.”

All employees affected by these closures will be offered positions at other Goodwill stores. Shoppers and donors are invited to visit nearby Goodwill locations in Capitol Hill and Ballard where they can continue to support the mission, drop off donations, and find the Goodwill thrifting experience they have come to love.

Evergreen Goodwill remains committed to its mission of providing free job training and education programs, and all proceeds from its stores will continue to support these vital services.