Social enterprises are innovative organizations that blend business principles with social impact. These entities address critical social, cultural, or environmental challenges while reinvesting their profits into the community. Social enterprises play a pivotal role in funding nonprofit organizations through sustainable revenue streams and fostering community engagement.
Owensboro, Kentucky, is home to several remarkable social enterprises, each contributing to unique missions that uplift the community. Collaboration and mutual support among these enterprises amplify their collective impact, reinforcing a unified approach to creating positive change.
Among these impactful ventures, 5th and Walnut Thrift Store — known as “Thrift with a Purpose” — stands out for its transformative efforts in supporting homelessness and redefining the role of business in driving meaningful change.
Empowering through opportunities
At its heart, 5th and Walnut embodies a mission to uplift the residents of St. Benedict’s Emergency Homeless Shelter and the Daniel Pitino Shelter. More than offering financial aid, the store creates programs that prioritize dignity, opportunities, and self-reliance for those it serves.
One signature initiative is its voucher program, allowing individuals from shelters to shop for essentials, fostering autonomy and respect. Shelter residents are granted priority access to donated items, ensuring those most in need can receive essential clothing, furniture, or household goods without barriers.
Incentivizing growth and contribution
A unique incentive program further empowers shelter guests. Participants earn $5 thrift store credits for volunteering at the store or attending life skills classes. These credits can be saved and used to furnish their homes when moving out, promoting a sense of accomplishment and dignity.
This forward-thinking approach combines immediate support with incentives for personal growth and responsibility.
A community united
Owensboro’s social enterprises, including 5th and Walnut, thrive through community engagement. By encouraging collaboration and avoiding division, these enterprises collectively strengthen the fabric of the community. Supporting local efforts through donations, shopping, and volunteering creates a ripple effect of compassion and collective action.
For those interested in shopping, 5th and Walnut welcomes customers on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations can be dropped off daily before 8 p.m. If donors prefer their items not to be sold, their wishes are honored. All thrift store proceeds contribute to shelter operational costs and impactful programs.
Located at 501 Walnut Street, inquiries and support can be directed to 270-688-9000.
A call for support: Help us expand
As the store grows, so does the need for space to better serve the community. 5th and Walnut seek an offsite building for expansion. A donated or affordably leased property would enable increased inventory, extended client services, and greater fundraising capacity for shelters.
If you’re interested in supporting this endeavor, please contact the store directly. Your contribution will help scale its mission and deepen its community impact.
Redefining social impact
Owensboro’s collaborative spirit shines through its social enterprises. Efforts like those at 5th and Walnut demonstrate how reinvesting profits into communities and launching innovative programs transform lives. Every purchase made, item donated, or hour volunteered reverberates as hope and change.
Together, Owensboro’s social enterprises show that compassion and shared missions create brighter futures for all.
Written by
Harry E. Pedigo, MSSW, MHFAI, CENM
Executive Director
St. Benedict and Daniel Pitino Shelters
