Oklahoma City, OK — A local nonprofit in Northwest Oklahoma City is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating fire that damaged its building and donations. Second Chances Thrift Store, which serves as a lifeline for people recovering from incarceration, addiction, homelessness, and other hardships, was severely impacted over the weekend when a fire broke out on the premises.
The fire started when a man experiencing homelessness sought to stay warm by lighting a fire near the store. According to Delisa Jones, the store’s owner, the individual attempted to use a refrigerator as a barrier to protect a nearby truck filled with donated goods. However, the fire quickly spread, engulfing the truck and the back of the building. The damage left much of the store’s donated inventory destroyed.
“It’s all rubbish,” said Jones, who expressed a mix of frustration and hope. “We just gotta ask if, really, if our community can pray for us and just come together as a whole.”
Second Chances Thrift Store plays a crucial role in the community, offering support to individuals dealing with a wide range of challenges. Many of the people they serve are coming out of prison, facing mental health issues, or recovering from experiences of domestic violence, human trafficking, and sex trafficking. On any given day, the thrift store provides meals for around 250 people in need.
Jessica Anne Laster, founder of the nonprofit Sandwiches with Love, which also serves the homeless population, says incidents like this are unfortunately not uncommon. As temperatures dip, those experiencing homelessness often take extreme measures to keep warm, sometimes with dangerous results.
“With our unhoused people, just because it gets so cold, people will do anything to stay warm,” Laster said. “That’s why we’ve raised money for portable propane heaters over the last five years. It’s a much safer alternative so people won’t freeze, but they also won’t risk starting fires.”
The fire that destroyed part of Second Chances Thrift Store highlights the vulnerable situation many people in the community face as the weather grows colder. With limited resources, individuals experiencing homelessness may resort to dangerous makeshift solutions to survive the harsh conditions, underscoring the need for more permanent, safe solutions.
Despite the setback, Jones remains optimistic. She’s called on the community for support, not only through donations but also through prayer and encouragement. “We’re just trying to keep going and continue our mission,” Jones said. “The community’s support will help us rebuild and keep feeding the people who need us most.”
For now, Second Chances Thrift Store is focused on recovering from the damage and continuing to serve its clients. Donations of food, clothing, and funds are urgently needed, and Jones hopes the community will rally behind them during this difficult time.
The fire also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by organizations that support vulnerable populations, particularly during the winter months. As cold weather continues to grip the region, nonprofits like Sandwiches with Love are working to provide safer alternatives for those on the streets, while organizations like Second Chances Thrift Store remain dedicated to providing both immediate aid and long-term solutions for people rebuilding their lives.
