SEATTLE, WA (June 1, 2020) – Seattle Goodwill industries will reopen most of its operations in Kitsap County June 4 – 11. Stores will open first on June 4 for shopping and will start collecting donations one week later on June 11. Plans to reopen our Kitsap County Job Training & Education Center located in our Bremerton store are also underway.

As our State begins to reopen I want to share our progress toward preparing our stores and our teams for operating in this new environment. In the very near future we hope to open several of our nonprofit thrift stores, in service of providing growth opportunities for our students and employees. And as we do, you will see some things that look very different than they used to.  We want to assure you that we’re making the safety of our community our highest priority in everything we do. 

Reopening our stores will allow us to sustain our ability to serve our mission to provide free job training, education and basic services to our neighbors in need. And they need us now, more than ever.

We have adopted many new practices and taken measures to ensure maximum safety of employees and customers. You can take a video tour of some of the changes with our very own DIY Guy Gary Foy and find much greater detail below about the new safety features and procedures to be aware of to make your next visit to Goodwill safe and enjoyable.

Whether you’re unemployed or simply looking to improve your skill set, there are plenty of free, online classes for people looking to be independent, secure, and confident.

Nearly every job these days requires some level of computer knowledge - start with free, online computer classes including how to use the keyboard, access the internet, and use email. Whether you have no computer experience or just need to brush up on some skills you can find free, easy-to-follow lessons through the Goodwill Community Foundation.

We realize immigrants and undocumented individuals are particularly at risk now without access to federally funded resources. Find help with immigration law or how to pay your bills, from utilities and rent, to groceries and medical care.

We understand that money is tight right now and many need financial help more than ever. These resources can help you plan, decide what to pay and what to wait on, and give you tips and tricks on how to talk to creditors. Financial institutions have been encouraged to work with customers who have been affected by coronavirus - this may mean waiving certain late fees, delaying payments or more. The best thing is to contact your landlord, lender, or creditor as soon as possible to make arrangements.

Our stores may be closed, but our work continues.

Make no mistake - this is a difficult time for everyone. At Goodwill, we’re working hard to continue our steadfast mission of helping people and families in our community by preparing those in need for sustainable, lasting employment.

And right now, when so many in our community are feeling the impact of this health crisis, there is still so much that we can do. At Goodwill, our bottom line is simple – our mission is to provide free job training, education and basic services to those in need. And even though our stores and donation centers are temporarily closed, we are still delivering on that promise. We are helping the most vulnerable in our community to meet critical needs like rent, utility bills, medical care, and food, to help them get through this tough time. Needs that we couldn’t provide without the support of our neighbors and partners throughout the entire north Puget Sound. Our work readiness training and education also continue online, preparing people for available jobs now, and when this crisis is over.

Spring Cleaning: Six Easy Steps

Social distancing keeps our community safer and it also leaves more time for spring cleaning. Here are some smart cleaning strategies to help you clean quickly and well! Try these tips to tackle living rooms, bedrooms and more.

In the midst of these unprecedented times, Goodwill is working tirelessly to fulfill the growing needs in our community. Here are some ways that you can still support Goodwill during this time.