HISTORY

Basic Needs is a non-profit organization established in 1996 to aid individuals and families in need within our community. Our first step was opening a community-based thrift store, where the general public donates their gently used goods for resale, which helps support programs to help the community and offers affordable shopping. From money earned at the Thrift Shop, Basic Needs created a voucher system so that individuals experiencing poverty can receive emergency access to needed supplies.

In 2023, Basic Needs began providing barrier-free access to food in the community at the Basic Needs Food Market. A team of volunteers and staff work together to ensure those in our community have what they need; when they need it.

Our driving goal is to uplift those who have encountered hardship by providing barrier-free access to basic needs via our nutritious and fresh food market, affordable and high-quality thrift shop, and social services referral network to build a stronger community focused on equity, inclusion, and sustainability.