How WINGS Resale Helps Clients

Last year, WINGS Resale Stores have provided nearly $60,000 worth of donations to survivors. Have you ever wondered how WINGS Resale helps clients?

Impact on WINGS Safe House Survivors

Nancy H, Director of WINGS Resale Stores shares:

“On many occasions, families arrive at our safe homes with just the clothes on their back.”  

A detailed request from the safehouse is sent directly to the resale store. Staff and volunteers will quickly fill the order consisting of clothing and footwear. The request is filled in within a few hours and delivered to the safehouse by WINGS personnel.”

Nancy (Left) with staff at WINGS Resale Arlington Heights.

Impact on WINGS Housing Program Survivors

Machelle, Senior Tenant Relations Manager

In addition to assisting survivors at the Safe Houses, families moving into transitional housing programs receive furniture, housewares, and accessories. Clients select these items directly at the resale stores. 

Machelle, WINGS Senior Tenant Relations Manager shares, “One of the most exciting parts of my whole job is handing over the keys to someone who hasn’t had that on their own before. They might have been moving in from their car, a friend’s sofa, one of our Safe Houses – it all varies. It’s a powerful moment.”

At the move in appointment, Machelle sets up an appointment for the survivor to shop at one of WINGS Resale Stores for home goods and furniture. “I reach out directly to WINGS Resale Store Managers to make sure the stores will be fully stocked when the clients are going to shop,” Machelle says. Each household moving into a Transitional Housing unit is provided with a one-time free delivery.

“Many people come to us with just a garbage bag full of clothing. Within 24-48 hours of their Resale appointment, their selected items are delivered. The clients then has a furnished apartment and can set it up to feel like a home,” Machelle explains. This feat is possible due to the coordination between WINGS Program staff, Resale Stores, and Transportation Team.

She continues, “The biggest response I get from move-ins – 9 out of 10 people will say, ‘Wow! This is nicer than I thought it would be.’ and that always makes me feel good…We really receive a lot of gratitude from our clients. It’s a proud moment because you are exceeding the client’s expectations.”

Your Donations Create a Fresh Start

Donations from WINGS Resale assist survivors in creating a fresh start, free from violence. Your donations to WINGS Resale make these transitions as seamless as possible.

Shop at WINGS Resale. Revenues from the stores help provide a continuum of domestic violence services to clients.