Chamber Spotlight: Someplace Safe Morris Thrift Store
By: Sara Lundquist Director at the Morris Area Chamber of Commerce
Nestled in the heart of Morris, the Someplace Safe Thrift Store is more than just a place to shop-it’s a lifeline for many in the community. As part of the nonprofit agency Someplace Safe, this thrift store plays a vital role in supporting crime victims and survivors while also serving as a sustainable funding source for the agency’s crucial programs.
Someplace Safe was founded in 1979 as a domestic violence shelter, growing over the decades into a comprehensive organization offering support for victims of crime, including domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse. The thrift store initiative began in Alexandria in 2010 to provide survivors with essential clothing and household goods at no cost while generating revenue for the agency. By 2013, a second store opened in Morris to meet growing community needs, followed by a third location in Fergus Falls in 2022. The name “Someplace Safe” perfectly reflects the organization’s mission—a place where survivors, families, and community members can find safety, support, and resources for rebuilding their lives.
What sets the Someplace Safe Morris Thrift Store apart is its impact. Through a voucher system, survivors can receive furniture, clothing, and household items at no cost. For shoppers, the store offers affordable goods and a way to support a meaningful cause. Every purchase and donation contribute directly to funding advocacy services, crisis support, and programs that empower individuals in their healing journeys. Shopping and donating at the thrift store is an easy way for community members to support survivors of crime.
Beyond its role in supporting survivors, the thrift store strengthens the Morris community by providing employment opportunities, job training programs, and volunteer experiences. It also fosters partnerships with local agencies to extend its reach, distributing vouchers for clothing and furniture to additional community members in need.
Like many businesses, the Someplace Safe Morris Thrift Store has faced its share of challenges, including rising costs and staffing shortages. However, the team finds strength in the positive impact they make every day. One of their proudest moments came when a young client, who had fled an unsafe home, used a voucher to find the perfect prom dress and shoes. That small act allowed her to attend prom with her peers, boosting her confidence and playing a meaningful role in her healing process.
With new inventory arriving daily, there’s always something new to discover at the Someplace Safe Morris Thrift Store. Shoppers can stay updated by following the store’s Facebook page or stopping in to browse the latest selections. Supporting local businesses like Someplace Safe helps keep communities thriving, ensuring that resources, support, and hope remain available for those who need them most. Whether you’re shopping, donating, or volunteering, every contribution makes a difference in creating a safer, stronger Morris.