Volunteers of America is a national nonprofit that runs thrift stores, housing programs, and community services

Volunteers of America (VOA) is a faith-based nonprofit organization that operates in all 50 states. The organization runs thrift stores as a fundraising model, but the stores themselves are just one part of a much larger operation. The money from thrift sales funds programs in housing, job training, youth services, and support for people with disabilities and older adults.

If you found VOA through a thrift store listing, you may be curious what else the organization does or whether they offer services in your area beyond retail. Unlike national chains, VOA's programs vary significantly by location — some cities have robust housing or employment services, while others may have only a thrift store. The best way to find out what's available near you is to contact your local VOA chapter directly or visit their website.

Key Takeaways

  • Volunteers of America runs thrift stores in many cities, with proceeds funding nonprofit programs rather than going to shareholders.
  • Beyond retail, VOA operates housing programs, job training, youth mentoring, and services for seniors and people with disabilities in select locations.
  • Services and programs vary by city and state, so you need to check with your local chapter to see what is actually available in your area.
  • You can find your nearest VOA location and learn about local programs through the national website or by calling the local chapter directly.
  • VOA thrift stores accept donations and use the revenue to fund community services, making them different from for-profit thrift chains.

How VOA thrift stores differ from for-profit chains

Volunteers of America thrift stores operate as nonprofit fundraisers. When you buy from a VOA store, the revenue goes back into the organization's programs rather than to investors or corporate headquarters. This model means VOA can reinvest earnings into housing, job training, and other community services in the same area where the store operates.

VOA stores accept donations just like other thrift retailers. The organization uses the donated goods to stock shelves and also sells items to fund operations. Some VOA locations also run donation centers separate from the retail store, making it easier to drop off items if you don't want to shop.

Types of programs VOA runs beyond thrift stores

Volunteers of America's largest programs focus on housing. Many chapters run transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness, permanent supportive housing for people with disabilities, and affordable rental programs. These are not thrift-store related — they are separate operations funded partly by thrift revenue and partly by government contracts and donations.

VOA also operates job training and employment services in many locations. These programs help people prepare for work through skills training, resume help, and job placement. Youth programs include mentoring, after-school services, and foster care support in some states. Senior services range from meal programs to in-home support, and disability services include day programs and residential care in select areas.

The specific programs available depend entirely on where you live. A VOA chapter in a large city might run five or six different program lines, while a smaller chapter might focus mainly on thrift retail and one other service. There is no national directory that lists every program in every location, so contacting your local chapter is the only reliable way to learn what they offer.

How to find your local Volunteers of America chapter

The national Volunteers of America website has a location finder tool. You enter your city or zip code, and it shows you the nearest VOA chapters and thrift stores. The tool also lists which programs each location runs — housing, employment, youth services, and so on.

If the website tool does not return results for your area, you can call the national office and ask for the contact information of your state or regional chapter. Local chapters often have their own websites with more detailed information about programs, hours, and how to reach them. Some chapters are easier to reach by phone than others, so if you do not get a response online, a phone call usually works.

Donating to Volunteers of America thrift stores

Most VOA thrift stores accept donations of clothing, furniture, household goods, and books. Some locations have specific rules about what they can take — for example, they may not accept certain electronics or items that are broken or heavily stained. Call your local store before dropping off a large donation to confirm they have space and can accept what you are bringing.

Many VOA chapters also run separate donation centers where you can drop items off without shopping. These centers are often easier to access than the retail store itself, especially if you have a large load. Some locations offer pickup service for large furniture donations, though this varies by chapter and may depend on your location and the size of the donation.

Understanding VOA's funding model

Volunteers of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which means it does not pay taxes and does not have shareholders. The organization is funded through a combination of thrift store revenue, government contracts (particularly for housing and employment programs), private donations, and grants from foundations.

The thrift stores are a significant revenue source, but they do not fund all programs. Housing programs, for example, often receive government funding through HUD (the Department of Housing and Urban Development) or state housing agencies. Employment programs may be funded through workforce development grants. This mixed funding model means that thrift revenue supports some programs while others are funded separately.

What to expect when you visit a VOA thrift store

Volunteers of America thrift stores operate like other thrift retailers. You browse merchandise, select items, and pay at a register. Prices are typically lower than retail but vary by location and item type. Some stores have weekly sales or discounts for seniors and people with disabilities.

The selection and organization of merchandise varies by store. Larger VOA locations in cities may have multiple departments and a wide selection, while smaller stores in rural areas may have more limited inventory. Hours also vary — some stores are open six or seven days a week, while others have more limited schedules. Check the location finder or call ahead to confirm hours before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I donate items to Volunteers of America if there is no thrift store near me?

It depends on your area. Some VOA chapters run donation centers even if they do not have a retail thrift store. Contact your state or regional chapter to ask whether they accept donations and where you can drop items off. If VOA is not present in your area, local Goodwill or Salvation Army locations are alternatives.

Does Volunteers of America offer housing or job training in my city?

The only way to know is to check the location finder on the VOA website or call your local chapter. Programs vary widely by location, and a chapter in your state may not operate in your specific city. The website tool will show you which programs each location runs.

Are donations to Volunteers of America tax deductible?

Yes, Volunteers of America is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations to thrift stores and direct donations to the organization are tax deductible. Keep your receipt from the thrift store or ask for a donation receipt if you are donating items directly. Consult a tax professional about how to report donations on your return.

What happens to items that do not sell in VOA thrift stores?

Practices vary by location. Some VOA stores donate unsold items to other nonprofits, send them to textile recyclers, or hold periodic clearance sales. Ask your local store what they do with merchandise that does not sell. Some stores also have a separate outlet or discount section where older inventory is marked down.

Is Volunteers of America the same as the Salvation Army?

No, they are separate organizations. Both are faith-based nonprofits that run thrift stores and community programs, but they have different histories, leadership, and program focuses. VOA operates in all 50 states, while Salvation Army has a different geographic footprint. Both use thrift revenue to fund services, but the specific programs they offer vary by location.