On Saturday, September 14, 2024, the Vision House Thrift Store closed its doors for the last time. What began as a series of garage sales eventually became a hub of community in which hundreds of volunteers worked tirelessly to support the mission of Vision House.

Bargain Bash Beginnings

John and Susan Camerer founded Vision House in 1990. They rallied friends to support their mission of breaking the cycle of homelessness for families with children. And, as friends do, they started donating, collecting furniture, and asking how they could help more.

In 1998, volunteer and Board member Sylvia Holden née Matthews began hosting annual garage sale fundraisers for Vision House, which she called Bargain Bashes. The Bargain Bashes grew, and they were eventually centralized at the Vision House Renton location.

“They were an incredible sight,” said Kristi Fischbeck, Vision House Director of Philanthropy. They spanned the entire parking lot and featured sections for furniture, artwork, “Man Land,” and the Kid Space. In the first few years, the Bargain Bash raised approximately $5,000 per sale. At the height of the event, in 2011, the event raised more than $22,000.

Sylvia had a knack for garage sales, as well as bringing in more friends and volunteers. It was during this time the Peterson family got involved with Vision House. Outgoing Thrift Store Manager David Harris called the Petersons – John, Lottie, Alita, Laura, and Becky – “legends.”

Stores in Bothell and Renton

In the span of a decade, the Bargain Bashes continued to grow. Throughout the year, volunteers kept goods and furniture in their garages, and Vision House utilized both paid and donated warehouse space.

In 2011, Bellevue Christian School had two thrift stores, one in Bothell run by Renee Johannsen. Vision House and the School worked out a “donated asset” agreement and transferred the store’s ownership to Vision House. Our organization remodeled and restocked the store, opening it once again to support the work of Vision House.

In 2016, then-new Executive Director Melissa Gehrig brought the Bothell store – and long-time employee Renee – to Renton, where it has served the community until its closing earlier this autumn.

The Decision to Close the Thrift Store

In 2021, Renee Johannsen retired from the Thrift Store and David Harris became the General Manager. When Derek Sciba was hired as the new Vision House Executive Director, after Melissa Gehrig’s retirement, Harris and Sciba looked at the Thrift Store operations together.

After months of careful consideration, they, and the Vision House Board of Directors, made the difficult decision to close the Thrift Store in Renton. The store had struggled to be profitable, and the Board made the fiscally responsible decision to hone our focus as an organization.

A Legacy of Thrift Store Volunteers

At a volunteer appreciation event in September, it was clear the Thrift Store provided many meaningful purposes. Vision House residents could shop for much-needed home goods as they got back on their feet. The community had an affordable place to shop for thrifted treasures and could donate home goods no longer needed.

The Thrift Store was also a vibrant volunteer community that spanned hundreds, possibly thousands, of Vision House supporters.

At the appreciation event, volunteers, former employees, and current staff gathered to share memories and gratitude. Just mention banana boxes to a volunteer, and they may smile with memories of “Banana Box Training!” It is important to not let the boxes get wet. And it’s important for box tops and bottoms to stay together!

At this closing celebration, and afterward, many shared touching stories, and sentiments of gratitude as well.

Executive Director Derek Sciba said, “We’re in the middle of God’s redemptive work through Vision House. And although this is a significant marker that we’re gathered here today to end our operations at the Thrift Store, the mission of Vision House is going strong, and it’s growing, and it remains desperately needed in the community.”

Vision House Founder Susan Camerer spoke to volunteers directly and said, “Thank you for being the heart and soul of Vision House. I thank you for your service of so many years.”

David Harris said that in his time as Thrift Store Manager he “witnessed a level of commitment to a cause that fostered a community, one I imagine will last a lifetime. I saw people fully embracing a mission, taking their beliefs, words, and hearts, and turning them into action.”

Long-time volunteer, Dorothy, later described how volunteering for the Vision House Thrift Store felt: "For my husband Roland and I, it was one of the few things we could volunteer for that was as flexible as we needed to be. We are retired and often travel to visit family...We had worked with many of the Thrift Store volunteers for decades, and the friendships forged were deep and delightful. It is always a pleasure to ‘come home again,’ and that is what volunteering for Vision House was for us.

Another long-time volunteer, Lottie, started volunteering in 2001 when her mother needed a ride to help Sylvia with the Bargain Bash. “I’ve been volunteering since then because I love the work Vision House does. I made so many friends over the years and enjoyed being a part of the bigger mission. It gave me a way to give back to my community in a way I wouldn’t have been able to do on my own.”

Continuing the Work

Since 2014, we have documented no fewer than 23,573 volunteer hours donated to Vision House through the Thrift Store. Based on Independent Sector (a coalition of non-profit organizations) estimates, this has amounted to more than $887,000 in volunteer labor.

We would like to invite our volunteers to continue their ministry with us, even if it changes form.

Please consider continuing your volunteer work. Volunteer opportunities are posted here, or you can contact Ray at RayC@visionhouse.org.

Vision House residents still need household goods and personal hygiene products. Our Amazon Wish Lists are updated, and our Giving Tree Gift Catalog has been updated in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Alternate donation centers have been identified for gently used furniture, household goods, and clothing, which can be found on our Thrift Store webpage.

And, as always, we request your prayers and would be grateful for donations to support local families on the brink of homelessness, especially as the season changes.

A photo album from the Thrift Store’s history is also available.

Derek Sciba, Executive Director, said “Whether you’re a paid staff at Vision House, a former employee, or a volunteer in the community, you are part of this beautiful story that showcases the greatest commandment: to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. So, though this may be the end of one chapter, this story is not finished.”