There's something really fun about spending a sunny day in Long Beach going thrift shopping. You never know what you’re going to find, and that's honestly part of the excitement. One minute you're looking through random shelves, and the next you find something vintage, unique, or surprisingly useful for super cheap. Thrifting has become one of my favorite ways to shop because it feels more personal, affordable, and sustainable compared to buying everything brand new.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Long Beach
One of the places we checked out was the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Los Angeles thrift store in Long Beach. Beyond being a thrift store, the organization has a really meaningful mission. St. Vincent de Paul of Los Angeles is a Catholic volunteer organization that helps people experiencing poverty and homelessness, no matter their faith or background, completely free of charge.
The organization actually dates all the way back to 1833, when it was founded in Paris by college student Frédéric Ozanam. His goal was simple: put faith into action by helping people directly. That same mission still exists today throughout Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties.
Since 1904, Vincentian volunteers have been helping people get back on their feet by providing food, clothing, shelter, emotional support, furniture, and other resources. Their goal has always been to help people rebuild stability while treating everyone with dignity and compassion.
Hidden Gems and Affordable Finds
In 2004, they opened the Long Beach thrift store, which has become another important way to support the community. Donations and purchases from the store help fund assistance programs for local families and individuals who need support.
Walking through the store was honestly pretty fun because there were so many random hidden gems everywhere. They had tons of home items like plates, picture frames, artwork, decorations, and little tchotchkes that make an apartment or house feel more personal. It's the kind of place where you can spend way longer than you planned because you keep spotting interesting things.
I've always loved thrifting because you can find really good pieces without spending a ton of money. Sometimes you just need patience. One of my favorite thrift finds ever was a vintage cropped North Face jacket that I still wear all the time. It's honestly crazy what people donate sometimes.
Beacon House Thrift Shop
After that, we checked out the Beacon House Association of San Pedro thrift shop in Long Beach, and this place was seriously impressive.
Beacon House was created to support men recovering from drug and alcohol addiction through long-term treatment programs offered free of charge. Before opening official thrift stores, residents would help raise money through garage sales and community resale events. Eventually, they realized they needed a more sustainable way to support their mission, which led to opening their first thrift store in San Pedro in 2018.
In 2020, they expanded to Long Beach, even during the uncertainty of the pandemic. What's really cool is that the thrift stores don't just support the program financially—they also create opportunities for residents to gain work experience, confidence, and job skills that help them transition into independent living.
The Best Furniture Selection
This location had one of the biggest furniture sections I've ever seen in a thrift store. Seriously, there were couches, desks, chairs, bookcases, tables, bedroom furniture, and so many vintage and mid-century pieces. If I had known about this place when I first moved into my apartment, I probably would’ve furnished half my place there.
They also had clothing, shoes, books, records, electronics, tools, artwork, and tons of unique home décor. There was such a huge variety of stuff that it honestly felt like there was something for everyone.
Shopping Local Makes a Difference
What stood out most to me about both of these thrift stores is that shopping there actually supports something bigger. You're finding affordable clothes, furniture, or cool vintage pieces, but at the same time your money is helping programs that directly support people in the community. That makes the whole experience feel more meaningful.
Lakewood Self Storage
At Lakewood Self Storage, we really appreciate organizations like St. Vincent de Paul and Beacon House that work hard to make a difference in Long Beach. Our community is full of people and businesses supporting one another, and it's always inspiring to see local organizations creating real impact. We're proud to be part of a community that values helping others and giving back whenever possible.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Long Beach Thrift Store
2750 Pacific Coast Hwy
Long Beach, CA 90804
(562) 494-9955
Monday - Saturday 9:30AM - 6PM
Sunday: 9AM - 5PM
