Housing Works Thrift Shops

Housing Works Thrift Shops in Forest Hills is a treasure trove of pre-loved items that combines shopping with social impact. As part of the larger Housing Works organization, this Austin Street location carries on the nonprofit's mission of tackling the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS through sustainable revenue from donated goods. The Forest Hills shop offers a curated selection of quality second-hand clothing, furniture, books, and home décor in a welcoming, organized environment. What sets Housing Works apart from other thrift stores in Queens is their commitment to giving back—every purchase directly supports their essential community services, healthcare, and advocacy work. Local shoppers appreciate not just the unique finds and reasonable prices, but also the knowledge that their spending makes a meaningful difference right here in New York.

Store Information

71-54 Austin St, Forest Hills, NY 11375

Phone: +1 347-644-2280

Website: http://www.housingworks.org/

Store Hours

Typical thrift store hours — please call ahead to confirm:

  • Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

What They Sell

Housing Works Thrift Shops in Forest Hills offers an eclectic mix of gently-used merchandise that changes daily as new donations arrive. Shoppers can discover quality clothing for all genders spanning designer labels to everyday basics, vintage and contemporary furniture pieces, art and home décor that adds character to any space, and a diverse selection of books and media. The shop is particularly known for its carefully screened donations, ensuring that items meet quality standards before hitting the sales floor. Fashion-conscious bargain hunters particularly appreciate their selection of accessories and seasonal clothing collections that are thoughtfully displayed throughout the store.

The Neighborhood

Nestled on Austin Street, Housing Works Thrift Shop sits in the heart of Forest Hills' charming shopping district. This vibrant Queens neighborhood blends tree-lined residential streets with bustling commercial areas, making it an ideal location for treasure hunters. Just steps from the Forest Hills-71st Avenue subway station and a short walk from Forest Hills Gardens, the store is perfectly positioned for both locals and visitors exploring this historic New York community known for its Tudor-style architecture and community-oriented atmosphere.

Parking

Parking near Housing Works Thrift Shop on Austin Street can be competitive in this bustling Forest Hills shopping district. Street parking is available along Austin Street and adjacent residential blocks, though meters have time limits typically ranging from 1-2 hours. Several municipal parking lots are located within walking distance, including one behind the Austin Street shops. For stress-free shopping, many locals opt to take the nearby E, F, M, or R trains to the Forest Hills-71st Avenue station instead.

Shopping Tips

  • Sign up for Housing Works' email list at the register to receive notifications about special sales events and discount days unique to the Forest Hills location.
  • Visit on weekday mornings when the store is less crowded and staff have had time to put out new merchandise.
  • Don't hesitate to ask staff about upcoming color tag sales, where items with specific colored price tags receive additional discounts.
  • Bring your own shopping bag to save on paper/plastic and to make carrying your treasures home easier.
  • Check their donation guidelines before bringing items, as Housing Works has quality standards that ensure only the best merchandise reaches their sales floor.

Before You Go

While Housing Works Thrift Shop in Forest Hills doesn't have specified hours listed, most Housing Works locations typically operate seven days a week with standard retail hours (approximately 10am-7pm on weekdays, with slightly reduced weekend hours). For the freshest selection, experienced shoppers recommend visiting early in the week when new donations are often processed and displayed. Seasonal changeovers, which usually occur in early spring and fall, are excellent times to find unique items as the store refreshes its inventory with weather-appropriate merchandise.

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