Vets Returning Home Thrift Store debuts

By Wendy Clem

The much-anticipated grand opening of the Vets Returning Home Thrift Store took place June 23 in Roseville as a multitude of veterans, supporters, and community leaders celebrated the business’s debut. Located in the former Men’s Wearhouse/K&G Fashion Superstore on Gratiot, the shop will serve as a public retail overflow for any goods not utilized by homeless veterans currently transitioning into their own homes.

Created through the efforts of VRH Founder/Director Sandy McNabb Bower, the business is just the latest dream realized by the lifelong Michigan resident who used her personal retirement savings in October 2013 to establish an 11,000-square-foot VRH homeless veterans’ shelter, also in Roseville. Her mission since has centered on helping vets – more than 1,400 onsite and 250 off-site – to re-enter society by providing services, counseling, and job-training.

At the grand opening, Bower credited the hard work of many, from family members and volunteers to groups such as Team GM Cares, for donating hours of preparation before the launch. She hailed the range of Chef Duke’s varied menu items for guests and recognized luminaries such as retired Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Fred Mester and Macomb County Commissioner Harold Haugh. Rev. Walt Sierengowski provided a prayer and some spiritual insights.

The store opened to the public as of June 24 with hours of operation Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Any donations for the thrift shop can be taken to the VRH facility at 17955 E. 11 Mile Road in Roseville between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week for processing; call for furniture pick-up at 586-285-5606.

The thrift store is a 501 (c)(3) charity and is located at 29523 Gratiot in Roseville.