Social Enterprises at Project HOME Build Brighter Futures

Did you know that a stack of old books collecting dust on your shelf or an overstuffed plastic storage bin full of clothes you never wear could give someone a job? At Project HOME, your donation of gently used books or clothes can make a unique impact through our Social Enterprise programs.  

Social Enterprises at Project HOME do more than put clothes on backs — they empower people who are overcoming or at risk of experiencing homelessness to build financial stability and self-sufficiency through employment opportunities and job training.

HOMEbooks is the department’s most recent initiative. Launched in 2019, it’s an online used bookstore with an inventory of over 25,000 books that’s operated by Project HOME residents. The program gives people who are overcoming or at risk of experiencing homelessness the opportunity to earn a living wage and gain valuable work experience. Proceeds from book sales go towards fueling Project HOME’s mission.

It’s one of three businesses run by Project HOME’s Social Enterprise program. There’s also HOMEspun Boutique, a thrift store that supports Project HOME’s mission and is also run by Project HOME residents, and Project HOMEmade, which employs Project HOME residents to hand-pour candles that are carried at HOMEspun and sold online.  

One of the main pillars of Project HOME’s mission is providing the communities we serve with opportunities for employment. It’s not just about giving people financial independence — it’s about building stability, job skills, confidence and community; it’s about giving people the tools they need to thrive; it’s about helping someone build a life based not on survival, but on purpose.

When a resident is part of a Social Enterprise business, they can do their work within Project HOME surrounded by supportive services, medical care, and further educational opportunities. “Project HOME opened a door to the quality education I deserved and wasn’t able to access as a kid,” said David Brown, senior sales associate at HOMEspun Boutique. “Now I’ve got all the tools I need.”

When you donate books or clothes to Social Enterprise at Project HOME, you can feel good knowing your donation is helping our residents build brighter futures for themselves and our community. And when you shop at HOMEspun Boutique, HOMEbooks or Project HOMEmade, your purchase keeps the whole operation running.

For more information on Social Enterprises, including how you can donate or shop, visit the Social Enterprise page on the Project HOME website.