# What is the opportunity house in Bloomington, Indiana?

Olivia Watson · August 4, 2026

> The Opportunity House has been serving the Monroe County community since 1968, making it one of the longest-running thrift stores in the area. All the...

The Opportunity House has been serving the Monroe County community since 1968, making it one of the longest-running thrift stores in the area.

All the merchandise sold at the Opportunity House has been donated by members of the Bloomington community, with the proceeds supporting the programs of Monroe County United Ministries (MCUM).

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The Opportunity House, affectionately known as "Op House," is entirely run by volunteers, with only two paid employees.

It relies on over 60 volunteers to sort donations, stock shelves, and operate the cash registers.

During the holiday shopping season, the Opportunity House experiences its busiest time of the year, with a high volume of shoppers and inventory.

However, the store is currently facing a shortage of volunteers due to the pandemic.

The Opportunity House provides training for its volunteers, and the shifts are flexible, allowing people to volunteer between 10 am and 5 pm.

Volunteer support is crucial to the store's continued operation and ability to support MCUM's programs.

In addition to selling donated merchandise, the Opportunity House also accepts vouchers distributed by MCUM to people who cannot afford essential items such as bedding, children's back-to-school clothes, and professional attire.

The Opportunity House is located on the city bus route and has both on-street and off-street parking, making it easily accessible to the Bloomington community.

As a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, donations to the Opportunity House are eligible for tax deductions, further incentivizing community members to support the store.

The Opportunity House partners with other local nonprofits to ensure that people in the greatest need have access to affordable goods and services in the Bloomington area.

The store's commitment to sustainability and reducing waste is evident in its model of selling donated items, which would otherwise end up in landfills or recycling centers.

During periods when local schools and universities are on break, the Opportunity House experiences a dip in volunteer numbers, as many of its regular volunteers are students or faculty.

The store actively seeks short-term volunteers to fill this gap.

The Opportunity House's impact on the Bloomington community goes beyond just providing affordable goods; it also serves as a gathering place and hub for local residents to engage with one another and support their neighbors in need.

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