Hospice of North Idaho Thrift Store looks for new location
Hospice of North Idaho is searching for a new home before its lease runs out in November. Executive Director Eric Ladwig said the store provides key funding for hospice services in the area.
CAROLYN BOSTICK/Press
Some medical equipment such as wheelchairs or shower chairs is sold through the Hospice Thrift Store because of its connection to Hospice of North Idaho. Executive Director Eric Ladwig points out some of the different pieces for sale Monday at the store on Seltice Way.
The Hospice of North Idaho Thrift Store is in need of a new location before its lease runs out for its Seltice Way location in November.
POST FALLS — Hospice of North Idaho needs a new home for its thrift store.
Eric Ladwig, executive director, said he has yet to find a good fit for the store, which funds hospice services and programs such as Idaho’s only inpatient hospice facility, The Schneidmiller House.
“It’s a thrift store that’s here to be able to support the mission of hospice care,” Ladwig said.
The thrift store brought in $183,000 last year to help support the mission of palliative and end-of-life services.
The store will lose its lease for the Seltice Way site in November. Ladwig said other options in retail-friendly spots have quoted costs at more than double what they’ve been paying.
The ideal fit would be a large building with room for sales areas and sorting the incoming items.
“Our goal is not to be the night shining star as the newest and most glamorous thing, we want a place where people feel comfortable and it’s accessible,” Ladwig said.
Before becoming executive director for HONI a few years ago, Ladwig was a palliative nurse working with people receiving end of life care.
For many of the store’s volunteers and customers, there are also connections to hospice. Some have had a family member or loved one pass away more comfortably because of the care and find coming to the hospice thrift store a cathartic experience.
About 35 volunteers and three paid employees keep the store running.
The store has been in business for 39 years and along with Medicare, helps fund services for about 1,000 people to use hospice each year.
"It’s amazing to me how few people know we have it," Ladwig said.
Some medical equipment such as wheelchairs or shower chairs is sold through the Hospice Thrift Store because of its connection to Hospice of North Idaho. Executive Director Eric Ladwig points out some of the different pieces for sale Monday at the store on Seltice Way.
The Hospice of North Idaho Thrift Store is in need of a new location before its lease runs out for its Seltice Way location in November.