Photo Courtesy of Investments Limited
Andy Thomson, James Batmasian and Marc Wigder with community leaders and volunteers at the Changing Lives Thrift Store ribbon-cutting ceremony
Florida has the third-largest homeless population in the country. In Palm Beach County alone, at least 1,400 individuals experience homelessness, with another 1,000 living in shelters.
Working to address this urgent need is Changing Lives, a nonprofit organization founded in 2019 by real estate mogul James Batmasian. Based in Boca Raton, the organization supports those experiencing or at risk of homelessness through a comprehensive range of services — including food, medicine, scholarships for sober living and detox programs, housing stipends, mental health care, employment opportunities and seed funding for business startups.
Now, the nonprofit is expanding its impact with the launch of the Changing Lives Thrift Store, which opened on April 25 in Boca Raton. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Batmasian and his wife, Marta, along with city councilmen Mark Wigder and Andy Thomson, volunteers, supporters and community members.
Local residents generously donated lightly used clothing, shoes, accessories, artwork and furniture. Volunteers carefully sort through each item to ensure everything is in excellent condition, allowing shoppers to score great finds while supporting a meaningful cause.
“The Changing Lives Thrift Store is just a wonderful thing for the community,” said Wigder. “It brings a great opportunity for people who are having a tough time. For Jim [James] and Marta Batmasian to do something like this really gives those people an opportunity, and we are grateful for that.”
The nonprofit encourages the community to donate gently used items to the thrift store. Free pickup is available, and all proceeds directly support Changing Lives’ mission. Anyone interested in donating can also request a tax receipt for the value of their contributions.
For more information, visit changinglivesthriftstore.com.