NY approves $358,124 grant for work on Main Street Thrift Store in Albion
Photos by Tom Rivers: A state grant will pay for a new roof, front doors and other improvements for the Main Street Thrift Store in Albion.
ALBION – Community Action of Orleans & Genesee received a big early Christmas present from the state – a $358,124 grant for the Main Street Thrift Store that will pay for a new roof, new HVAC units, also for plumbing repairs, new front doors and some interior renovations.
Community Action opened the thrift store at the former American Legion just over two years ago. Ed Fancher, Community Action executive director, said the agency knew the building needed work, and expected it would chip away at upgrades over many years.
This file photo shows the inside of the Main Street Thrift Store, which used to be the American Legion in Albion. The store has clothing, collectibles, furniture and other items for sale.
The state this year made $100 million available in a new “Nonprofit Infrastructure Capital Investment Program.”
Community Action sought estimates from contractors for the work and applied for the funds.
The state approved 237 projects around the state. The Community Action grant is 100 percent funded by the state and doesn’t require a local match.
“It allows us to get the building up to shape quickly,” Fancher said today.
Community Action was running the thrift store in downtown Albion before moving to the former Legion, which boosting the available retail space by 1 ½ times. There is much more parking and improved accessibility for customers.
Community Action also is nearing completion of renovations in the former back bar area. That will become a classroom and also the dispatch area for the CATS buses.
Albion 50 people complete job training programs annually through the Main Street Thrift Store and find employment.
