It feels terrible to give a non-profit organization a "review," let alone a bad one. However, my…read moreone and only experience with Mary's Place was so negative that I'm hoping that this post inspires some changes. I arrived at Mary's Place five days after losing my housing, at the referral and suggestion of a social worker. I hadn't really eaten since being on the street. It was pouring rain and absolutely freezing outside. I was drenched from exposure and very much looking forward to breakfast, a hot shower, some community. When I arrived I was directed to the basement, which is where the day center and facilities are. My first impression, upon reaching the lower level, is that Mary's Place is halfway between a dungeon and a casino. It was dank, smelly, and there were no windows. I imagine that one could lose a lot of time down there, if not vigilant. Nonetheless, I was warmly received by a caseworker, who took me through a brief intake and left me a list of services and resources. Then I lined up for breakfast, which was a HORROR SHOW. To say that I'm an "adventurous" eater is an understatement. Prior to becoming homeless, I was a professional woman who traveled extensively. I've eaten more sketchy street food than Anthony Bourdain. So I've had my share of "Delhi Belly." I also ate a hamburger out of the trash once. (In my defense, I was in college and I was drunk.) Moreover, I'm generally grateful for free stuff and not a complainer. But Mary's Place is serving food below Third World standards. I was appalled when staff pulled OLD, MOLDY PANCAKES out of a cold storage bin, loosely covered in mangled foil. Then they stuck those nasty flapjacks in a toaster to "warm them up." Given that the pancakes had been sitting in the fridge in their own condensation -- you just know that Mary's Place didn't follow basic safe food handling guidelines, which requires pancakes to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container -- it's extremely hazardous to be serving them. Not to mention that it's just morally s***y to serve rotten, substandard food to vulnerable people. But stupid me, I cut away the mold and proceeded to scarf those pancakes down. I was hungry and cold and I have a stomach made of iron. I decided to take my chances. After breakfast I signed up for a shower. I was the only one in line and I soon found out why: there's absolutely no hot water. I don't mean that the water was tepid, inconsistent, or took time to warm up. I mean that I turned on the faucet and let it run for almost 30 minutes and it was still ICE COLD. I'd just spent the night getting whipped in the face by an arctic cold wind and rain, huddled in a doorway. The last thing I want to replicate is that same feeling in the shower, right after I wake up. I'd rather take my chances at one of the urban rest stops, even if it means dealing with testosterone and aggression. At least the guys have warm water! Realizing that Mary's Place had nothing to offer me, I promptly left the day center. However, the staff and social workers were trying to get me to stay and join one of their groups -- memoir writing, nail painting, crochet -- that does absolutely nothing to empower their clients economically. I was on my way to a job interview and all I needed was some decent, non-moldy food in my stomach and a shower to make myself presentable. Shortly after I left, I realized that the "breakfast" had given me food poisoning. I spent the rest of the morning puking and pooping in a Starbucks bathroom, regretting every bite of those damned pancakes. TLDR: - DO NOT DONATE OR GIVE TO AN INEFFECTIVE NPO - IT'S HORRIBLE TO SERVE ROTTEN FOOD TO THE VULNERABLE - THERE ARE BETTER ORGANIZATIONS OUT THERE Organizations I'd support instead of Mary's Place: - Uplift Northwest - Recovery Cafe - Northwest Share - Urban Rest Stop Downtown - University Heights Center - Seattle Mutual Aid Coalition Response to Mary's Place Staff: I'm glad the showers work and it was a temporary snafu. However, the pancakes DID have spots of green mold on them. I think a more appropriate response, rather than minimizing a potentially dangerous food poisoning situation, might be, "Mary's Place will look into this and ensure that our staff and volunteers have a WA Food Handler's Permit if serving clients. We will also revisit safe food handling and storage procedures as a team."

Man - how you gonna give a homeless shelter a bad review?…read more Lemme tell you how - I drove for an hour to drop food off to Mary's Place on a day we were instructed to come down on. Upon arrival they turned me away without taking the goods because of a leak in their storage room. Now lemme tell you something Mary's Place - the homeless don't care to go hungry when you have a leak. I could see inside your building plenty of space to hold goods. Your lack of ingenuity drove me with my goods away to donate elsewhere and while I hate to do something as petty as yelping a homeless shelter (what sort of world is this?) - I have to give you this feedback. Do better, please. Our homeless needs resourcefulness.

The first review was meant for the Tukwila Store. I have found all Salvation Army Thrift Stores are…read moreequally fair in pricing and well managed. I donate to them exclusively because of their excellent resources they provide for our community.

You need somewhere to donate around Renton, Benson Hills, this is it. It's super easy, the guy will…read morepull everything out for you and give you a receipt for your donation. Plus Salvation Army is an organization in the trenches, helping those who need it the most.

Love this thrift store. Not only are the prices great but the Assistance League is a neighborhood…read moretreasure. Always a pleasure to stop in on a wall through wallingford.

Super clean shop! Lots of fun treasures! Stop by if you can!! I'll definitely go again!read more

Want to support the second-hand / reuse economy but put off by time spent digging through piles of…read moredisheveled clothing cast-offs? Endless choice selection is a psychological burden. Gathering stuff is not what makes people relaxed and/or happy. At this Goodwill store, you'll be relieved that the garment racks are not lengthy, and are also curated for thresholds of wearability and quality. Within 1/2 hour of entering I found a belt and the right color summer top I was hoping to find. Prices were $5.99. Grateful that it wasn't jacked up like other thrift stores "for inflation." Some of us are here to sidestep inflation! I didn't have the energy to walk down the perilous stairway into the household goods basement but it looked equally nicely laid out. Props to the sophisticated and warm, engaging staff who worked the floor offering humor, second opinions, and help finding mirrors. Other than the lack of mirrors, (ONLY 2 on the floor) this place seems like it will keep giving lucky finds and useful bits and bobs of clothing! Located around the corner from the best little taquerias, bars, and cafes, you can use your saved pennies for treats!

Some racks dont have clear signs of what they are so it makes it tough to find what types of…read moreclothing you want. I like that they have a red tag $1.99 day which makes it fun to shop. I bought two of them and the total was $4.40 and wanted to use 20 pennies and 2 dimes but the cashier said the manager's policy is no more than 10 pennies. Too bad.. even Mcdonalds accepts more than 10.

This is a great thrift shop with an even better cause! Their proceeds go back to funding HIV care…read moreand other services in the community. When I stopped by, there were plenty of people checking out the Halloween costumes, but plenty of space for a nice browse. I ended up getting 2 fun T-shirts and a sleek phone case (looked brand new!) for just over $20. While the selection of clothing isn't huge compared to other thrift stores I've been to, it was organized well and there are always gems to be found if you're willing to look. The cashier was nice and friendly, and I walked out happy with my goods. Appreciated the Community Board as well, with a nice curation of events going on in the area!

When I worked on the hill I used to stop by Out of the Closet weekly to check out the deals and…read moresupport the non-profit. I met the manager at the time and got to know the staff. When I moved and switched jobs I called the non profit and they brought out a truck with two staff to pick up my gently used furniture. I even had some baby clothes that they donated to Mary's place. I continue to support however I can and really like the stores displays. The non profits mission and values are very clear and they are so community centered. I often refer folx in need of the rapid HIV testing that Out of the Closet provides. I'm happy that the money goes to fund this service. Also, great customer service and excellent staff. As the hill continues to evolve and change, I am so happy that Out of the Closet remains a Cap Hill staple. 10 stars!

Was visiting family out to town and wanted to donate some previously loved items. Easy drop off…read moreright across from Safeway. Can't miss the giant yellow drop off box

From the owner: Keeping reusable materials in circulation since 2017…read more We accept: Clothes Shoes Accessories Linens Toys Electronics Please have items clean & prewashed. We do not accept used pillows, garbage or anything wet. Small holes or stains are okay. ⸻ At Evergreen Textile Recycling, we’re on a mission to reduce textile waste, conserve natural resources, and create a more sustainable, circular fashion industry. We’ve placed textile bins across Washington. Serving King County, Snohomish County & surrounding areas Contact us and we’ll help you find our closest donation bin near you. 24/7 Drop-Off Locations available! Pick up available for large donations. ⸻ Contact us to schedule a pick up or for more textile bin locations in your area. EvergreenFamilyRecycling@gmail.com +1(425)359-9874 EvergreenTextileRecycling.org A few of our locations are 1046 Cedar Ave, Marysville. 17735 15th Ave NE, Shoreline. Safeway 23632 Hwy 99, Edmonds. 9803 Edmonds way, Edmonds Thanks!

As a neighborhood, Ballard has a lot to offer -- including one of the city's largest Goodwill…read morestores. Shopping here is a bit like the store itself: consistently chaotic, occasionally full of hidden gems, and always changing. As a result, every visit feels a bit different, which is exactly why I look forward to coming back every time. It's a dated location without the bells and whistles of the more modern ones with an abundant parking lot with tight spaces, and what feels like a never-ending line to donate via car. It was so significant that there is someone designated to help direct traffic. The store is massive. There are dedicated sections for electronics, art, books, home decor, furniture and what feels like endless aisles for accessories, clothes, and a limited selection of shoes. There are also bathrooms, but it was closed during my last visit (#1). Don't expect rock bottom prices as this isn't the cheapest Goodwill around. The staff isn't overly attentive, but they're efficient, especially when it comes to keeping the checkout line moving. Fortunately there are plenty of employees on hand, which is absolutely necessary given how hectic the donation area can get. __________ (#1) No, I don't want to imagine why.

The donation system is so broken. I waited in line for 25 minutes and when it was my turn they just…read morewouldn't wheel out a bin for me to fill. I waited (while dozens of cars waited behind me, engines running, exhaust spewing) for ten minutes and then gave up and left. It's bizarre.

Me and some close friends bought a variety of clothes and other items here in early October during…read morethe Ballard Wine and Shop event. We purchased artwork, jewelry, plus men's and women's clothes. All the items were in great condition at incredible prices. They keep the prices low so the donated goods sell fast! The volunteers who work the shop are always very helpful and personable. I think this thrift shop is one of the best kept secrets in Seattle.

A cute thrift shop in the heart of Ballard Seattle nestled in among hip restaurants and coffee…read moreshops. We walked by in the evening and a blue flower vase caught my eye so we stopped the next day. It was a small shop but packed with an assortment of clothes, dishes and small surprises. I love to browse in thrift shops especially when it's not just junk. I bought my vase, at 50% off. The elderly ladies who volunteered were also sweet. Worth a stop if you are in the neighborhood and like thrift shops.