Charlevoix Area Human Society has found a way to build financial support for their shelter through a new program, however, this program is in need of year-round donors and shoppers. Learn how you can support this project and additional Northern Michigan nonprofits featured in our 2021 GIVE issue.
The policy at Charlevoix Area Humane Society (CAHS) has always been one of open doors—taking in any and all stray, abandoned or unwanted animals to rehome or reunite with their owners. This includes pups like Parker, a sweet, chill Lab and pitbull mix, who greets the staff with soulful eyes, a hopeful wag and his favorite stuffy clenched in his mouth. Because of his large size, Parker has been tough to rehome and has been at the shelter for more than a year.
But a brilliant new fundraising initiative is ensuring that Parker will be safe, provided for and matched with his perfect person, no matter how long it takes. That’s thanks to an upscale resale store called HomeAgain, opened by CAHS and whose proceeds will go to providing for the more than 800 pets a year they rescue.
The historic Boyne City storefront houses an ever-evolving collection of quality home goods, furnishings and high-end treasures, and includes a kids room as well as a book and record room where you can spin vinyl or browse a few pages before you buy.
“Our objective is creating a consistent and reliable revenue generator to support our mission of saving lives and finding loving homes for animals in need,” CAHS Director Scott MacKenzie says. And so far, so good: in its first summer of operation, HomeAgain sold more than $50,000 in inventory.
The shop is the brainchild of MacKenzie, who used to own an antique and auction business in North Carolina. MacKenzie and CAHS volunteers ask for photos of potential inventory items and visit area homes to select the best fits for the shop. A recent trip had him at a lakefront cottage on Lake Charlevoix to choose pieces of furniture the homeowners were ready to part with as they prepared to downsize.
So far, HomeAgain has also proven to be a smart solution to combat volunteer and fundraising burnout by creating some financial continuity for the little shelter. But to keep it going, CAHS needs both donors and shoppers, particularly in the quieter winter season; look for an online version of the store coming soon.
Like-new or high-end donations are needed—decorative home accessories, vintage and designer clothing, artwork, collectible items, home accessories and furniture. Volunteer opportunities and online donation information can be found at charlevoixhumane.org.
Photo by MyNorth Media
This Article Was First Featured in Northern Michigan GIVE 2021
Read more Northern Michigan nonprofit stories and learn how to donate and volunteer in the free edition of MyNorth GIVE 2021. You can also preview and purchase our digital issues Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine or subscribe and get Traverse delivered to your door each month.
Searching for more from Northern Michigan Nonprofits?
Here are more GIVE 2021 featured articles:
