Welcome to Cheap Skates!

We're more than a thrift store—we're a launchpad for change. Every item you purchase, every garment we alter, every piece of furniture we transform, and every skateboard we sell supports real pathways out of homelessness through meaningful employment and skills training.

Our Mission: Breaking the Cycle

Traditional approaches to homelessness often miss the mark. Instead of watching affordable housing funding disappear into developer profits with minimal community benefit, we're investing directly in people. Our community hub operates multiple departments—thrift store, alterations, furniture customization/upcycling, affordable American-made skateboards, and handmade rag rugs—that serve as transitional employment programs addressing the root causes of homelessness: lack of job skills, work history gaps, and economic opportunity.

Community-Owned, Community-Powered

We operate differently. There's no CEO pocketing inflated salaries while workers struggle. Every employee earns a living wage—from day one. Cheap Skates is community-owned, and every major decision is made democratically through member votes. This is what accountability looks like: power and resources distributed to the people doing the work and serving the community, not concentrated at the top.

Work That Works for YOU

This isn't just for people experiencing homelessness. Cheap Skates welcomes anyone tired of the all-work-no-play grind—the Americans working endless hours, missing time with family, and still barely making ends meet. We offer flexible schedules, same-day payment options, and understanding workplaces where you can work when it fits your life. Whether you need supplemental income, a career change, or just want to be part of something meaningful without sacrificing your wellbeing, there's a place for you here.

What We Do

Thrift Store: Curated secondhand treasures that give quality items new life
Alterations: Expert tailoring and repairs that extend your wardrobe's lifespan
Furniture Upcycling: Vintage pieces transformed into custom statement furniture
Skateboards: Affordable, made-in-America boards that don't break the bank
Handmade Rag Rugs: Beautiful, durable rugs created from unsellable textiles—zero waste in action
Free Interview & Work Clothing: Professional attire for those re-entering the workforce

Zero Waste, Maximum Impact

While other thrift stores send unsellable clothing to landfills, we transform it. Garments that can't be sold become handmade rag rugs—providing both entry-level employment opportunities and unique home goods for purchase. This program creates accessible jobs for those just learning to work: tearing fabric strips, gradually progressing to sewing machine skills. It's meaningful work that builds confidence, teaches new skills, and keeps textiles out of landfills.

The Difference You Make

Every purchase trains someone in retail, customer service, sewing, woodworking, refinishing, or textile crafts. Our team members gain real work experience, references, and marketable skills—the tools that create lasting stability. This is employment that empowers, not programs that perpetuate dependency.

Why Shop With Us?

You get unique, quality items with character and craftsmanship—plus affordable boards built right here at home. Our community gets workers equipped for self-sufficiency and neighbors get the clothing they need to succeed. It's a full-circle approach where everyone wins—especially those who've been left behind by systems that prioritize profit over people.
Thank you for supporting employment that actually changes lives.

We provide free pickups of your donations. SAVE A TRIP TO THE DUMP!! CALL US ANY TIME AND WE WILL COME PICK UP YOUR UNWANTED CLOTHING, FURNITURE, HOUSEHOLD ITEMS ETC.! THANK YOU!

Tax deductible receipts provided at pickup for your convenience. And feel free to call us at (831) 537-4128  or email: segundoCommunity@gmail.com with any questions, concerns, or comments!