Out of the Closet Thrift Store in San Francisco offers a unique shopping experience while supporting a vital cause. This nonprofit chain, operated by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, provides a treasure trove of gently used goods, all while generating revenue for life-saving medical care for individuals with HIV/AIDS. Located in the heart of the Bay Area, Out of the Closet’s San Francisco store is a must-visit for conscious consumers seeking affordable fashion, furniture, and household items.
What is Out of the Closet?
Out of the Closet is a nationally recognized nonprofit chain dedicated to raising funds for HIV/AIDS medical care. Founded in 1990 by Michael Weinstein, the organization has grown to over 20 locations across the United States, each operating with the same mission: to provide essential medical support to those affected by HIV/AIDS.
What types of items can I find at the San Francisco store?
The San Francisco location boasts a diverse selection of merchandise, including men’s and women’s clothing, furniture, dishes, decor, books, vinyl albums, and a wide array of general household items. You're likely to discover vintage finds, designer pieces, and everyday essentials, all at significantly reduced prices.
What services does Out of the Closet offer in San Francisco?
Beyond retail sales, the San Francisco store provides valuable healthcare services through its affiliation with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. These include:
• Free Rapid HIV Testing
• Free Medication Pick-Up Services
• Free Rapid HIV and STD Testing (Walk-In)
• Counseling Services
Is Out of the Closet a good deal?
Absolutely! The store's focus on thrifted goods means you can find exceptional value on clothing, furniture, and home goods. The prices are generally much lower than retail, offering significant savings for shoppers.
How can I donate to Out of the Closet?
Donations are a cornerstone of the organization's operation. You can donate gently used clothing, furniture, and household items. Check the Out of the Closet website for detailed donation guidelines and drop-off locations.
What about the awards?
Out of the Closet has received numerous accolades recognizing its contributions. The San Francisco store has been named “Best Thrift Store in Broward County” (South Florida) for the past two years and “Best Local Resale or Thrift Store” in Houston, TX. The store was also recognized with “Best Secondhand Savings” in Dallas, TX.
Where can I find more information?
Visit the official Out of the Closet website at https://www.outofthecloset.org/ for the latest updates, donation information, and store hours (though specific hours are not always published).
About
Out of the Closet Thrift Store: A San Francisco Gem Supporting a Vital Cause
Looking for unique finds and supporting a worthwhile mission? Out of the Closet Thrift Store in San Francisco, California, offers a compelling combination of affordable treasures and crucial healthcare services.
Operated by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), this nonprofit chain has been a San Francisco staple since 1990, generating vital revenue for HIV/AIDS medical care.
With over 20 locations nationwide, the San Francisco store is part of a larger network dedicated to providing support to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.
Founded by Michael Weinstein, the organization’s mission is deeply rooted in delivering essential medical care.
**A Rich History and Expanding Reach**
Established in 1990 initially in Atwater Village, San Francisco, Out of the Closet quickly grew, now boasting over 20 locations across the United States.
The San Francisco store is strategically located within the Bay Area and continues to expand, with recent openings in Houston (2019) and Austin (2024).
**Discover Unique Finds**
The San Francisco store offers a diverse selection of merchandise, including men's and women's clothing, furniture, dishes, décor, books, and albums.
You’ll find a treasure trove of gently used items, perfect for adding a distinctive touch to your home or wardrobe.
**More Than Just a Thrift Store: Healthcare Services**
Out of the Closet distinguishes itself by offering free healthcare services through its affiliated AHF pharmacies.
These include free rapid HIV testing and medication pick-up services, providing critical support to the community.
Walk-in rapid HIV and STD testing are also available.
Counseling services are provided.
**Awards and Recognition**
The store’s commitment to quality and community impact has been recognized with several awards, including “Best Thrift Store in Broward County” (South Florida) for 2023 and 2024, and “Best Local Resale or Thrift Store” in Houston, TX (2024), as well as “Best Secondhand Savings” in Dallas, TX (2024).
**Supporting a Worthwhile Cause**
Shopping at Out of the Closet Thrift Store is more than just finding a bargain; it’s an investment in the health and well-being of the community.
By supporting this San Francisco institution, you’re directly contributing to vital medical care for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
**Location:** San Francisco, California (Bay Area)
**Website:** https://www.outofthecloset.org/
History
Out of the Closet Thrift Store offers a unique shopping experience and a vital service within the San Francisco community.
Founded in 1990 by Michael Weinstein, the organization began as a direct response to the lack of affordable healthcare for people with HIV/AIDS.
Recognizing a critical need, Weinstein established Out of the Closet as a nonprofit chain dedicated to generating revenue to support medical care for this vulnerable population.
The initial location opened in Atwater Village, San Francisco, marking the start of a nationwide expansion driven by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF).
Today, Out of the Closet operates over 20 locations across the United States, including prominent ones in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Texas, New York City, and Seattle.
The San Francisco store is a cornerstone of the AHF network, continuing the original mission of providing crucial medical support to individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Beyond offering a diverse selection of gently used clothing, furniture, and household goods – a treasure trove for bargain hunters – the store provides free rapid HIV testing and medication pickup services, directly impacting the health and well-being of the community.
Recognized for its commitment to both retail and healthcare, Out of the Closet has garnered numerous accolades, including "Best Thrift Store in Broward County" (2023 & 2024) and “Best Local Resale or Thrift Store” in Houston, TX (2024).
The store's enduring success highlights its importance as a resource for affordable goods and essential healthcare within the San Francisco area.
Delivery Services:
Stocked Brands:
Inventory Categories:
Categories
ResaleVintageNonprofit
Last updated:
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This nonprofit chain, operated by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, provides a treasure trove of gently used goods, all while generating revenue for life-saving medical care for individuals with HIV/AIDS. Located in the heart of the Bay Area, Out of the Closet’s San Francisco store is a must-visit for conscious consumers seeking affordable fashion, furniture, and household items.</div>\n<div class="faq-q" style="font-weight:bold;margin-top:1rem;">What is Out of the Closet?</div>\n<div style="margin-bottom:1rem;">Out of the Closet is a nationally recognized nonprofit chain dedicated to raising funds for HIV/AIDS medical care. Founded in 1990 by Michael Weinstein, the organization has grown to over 20 locations across the United States, each operating with the same mission: to provide essential medical support to those affected by HIV/AIDS.</div>\n<div class="faq-q" style="font-weight:bold;margin-top:1rem;">What types of items can I find at the San Francisco store?</div>\n<div style="margin-bottom:1rem;">The San Francisco location boasts a diverse selection of merchandise, including men’s and women’s clothing, furniture, dishes, decor, books, vinyl albums, and a wide array of general household items. You're likely to discover vintage finds, designer pieces, and everyday essentials, all at significantly reduced prices.</div>\n<div class="faq-q" style="font-weight:bold;margin-top:1rem;">What services does Out of the Closet offer in San Francisco?</div>\n<div style="margin-bottom:1rem;">Beyond retail sales, the San Francisco store provides valuable healthcare services through its affiliation with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. These include:</div>\n<div style="margin-left:1.25rem; margin-bottom:0.25rem;">• Free Rapid HIV Testing</div>\n<div style="margin-left:1.25rem; margin-bottom:0.25rem;">• Free Medication Pick-Up Services</div>\n<div style="margin-left:1.25rem; margin-bottom:0.25rem;">• Free Rapid HIV and STD Testing (Walk-In)</div>\n<div style="margin-left:1.25rem; margin-bottom:0.25rem;">• Counseling Services</div>\n<div class="faq-q" style="font-weight:bold;margin-top:1rem;">Is Out of the Closet a good deal?</div>\n<div style="margin-bottom:1rem;">Absolutely! The store's focus on thrifted goods means you can find exceptional value on clothing, furniture, and home goods. The prices are generally much lower than retail, offering significant savings for shoppers.</div>\n<div class="faq-q" style="font-weight:bold;margin-top:1rem;">How can I donate to Out of the Closet?</div>\n<div style="margin-bottom:1rem;">Donations are a cornerstone of the organization's operation. You can donate gently used clothing, furniture, and household items. Check the Out of the Closet website for detailed donation guidelines and drop-off locations.</div>\n<div class="faq-q" style="font-weight:bold;margin-top:1rem;">What about the awards?</div>\n<div style="margin-bottom:1rem;">Out of the Closet has received numerous accolades recognizing its contributions. The San Francisco store has been named “Best Thrift Store in Broward County” (South Florida) for the past two years and “Best Local Resale or Thrift Store” in Houston, TX. The store was also recognized with “Best Secondhand Savings” in Dallas, TX.</div>\n<div class="faq-q" style="font-weight:bold;margin-top:1rem;">Where can I find more information?</div>\n<div style="margin-bottom:1rem;">Visit the official Out of the Closet website at https://www.outofthecloset.org/ for the latest updates, donation information, and store hours (though specific hours are not always published).</div>', 'history': '<p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;"><strong>Out of the Closet Thrift Store</strong> offers a unique shopping experience and a vital service within the San Francisco community.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Founded <strong>in 1990</strong> by Michael Weinstein, the organization began as a direct response to the lack of affordable healthcare for people with HIV/AIDS.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Recognizing a critical need, Weinstein established Out of the Closet as a nonprofit chain dedicated to generating revenue to support medical care for this vulnerable population.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">The initial location opened in Atwater Village, San Francisco, marking the start of a nationwide expansion driven by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF).</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Today, Out of the Closet operates over 20 locations across the United States, including prominent ones in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Texas, New York City, and Seattle.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">The San Francisco store is a cornerstone of the AHF network, continuing the original mission of providing crucial medical support to individuals living with HIV/AIDS.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Beyond offering a diverse selection of gently used clothing, furniture, and household goods – a treasure trove for bargain hunters – the store provides free rapid HIV testing and medication pickup services, directly impacting the health and well-being of the community.</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">Recognized for its commitment to both retail and healthcare, Out of the Closet has garnered numerous accolades, including "Best Thrift Store in Broward County" (<strong>2023</strong> & <strong>2024</strong>) and “Best Local Resale or Thrift Store” in Houston, TX (<strong>2024</strong>).</p><p style="margin-bottom:1rem;text-align:justify;">The store\'s enduring success highlights its importance as a resource for affordable goods and essential healthcare within the San Francisco area.</p>', 'disclaimer': None, 'categories': ['Donations', 'Resale', 'Vintage', 'Nonprofit'], 'admission': None, 'date_available': None, 'attendance_amount': None, 'exhibitor_amount': None, 'delivery_services': [], 'social_media': {}, 'stocked_brands': [], 'inventory_categories': {}, 'customer_reviews': '', 'metadescription': None, 'slug': 'out-of-the-closet-thrift-store-8', 'distance': 1342.8, 'main_image': {'data': 'https://www.nearestdoor.com/get-image/12019/', 'is_main': True, 'alt': 'Out of the Closet Thrift Store in San Francisco, California', 'uploaded_at': '2025-04-29T23:49:39.707667+00:00'}, 'additional_images': [], 'shop_type_unslug': 'thrift store', 'open_now': 'false'}
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