Housing Works Shutters Thrift Store In Forest Hills

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS — Housing Works has closed its thrift shop in Forest Hills, citing the financial strain wrought by the coronavirus pandemic, according to an email sent to customers on Tuesday.

"Thank you for welcoming us in — we have loved being part of your neighborhood," the email said. "But unfortunately due to the financial strain of COVID-19, we are unable to maintain this shop for the time being."

The store at 71-54 Austin St. became the nonprofit's first location in Queens when it opened in 2018, the Forest Hills Post reported.

The proceeds from Housing Works' thrift shops raise money for the organization's work combating HIV/AIDs and homelessness.

The closure of the Forest Hills thrift store leaves 12 locations across Manhattan and Brooklyn, according to the Housing Works website.