Housing Works Thrift Shops - Chelsea

Housing Works Thrift Shop in Chelsea is a charming little spot that’s worth a visit, especially if you’re on the hunt for unique furniture pieces. Despite being a relatively small store, the selection of vintage and secondhand furniture is impressive—well-made chairs, tables, and other statement pieces that often come with character and history. Beyond furniture, you’ll find clothing, books, and home goods, though the inventory can feel a bit limited compared to larger thrift stores. That said, everything is thoughtfully curated, and the prices are fair for the quality. What makes Housing Works special is its mission. Proceeds support programs to fight homelessness and HIV/AIDS, so every purchase feels like it’s going toward a meaningful cause. It’s a great place to shop sustainably, find hidden gems, and contribute to the community.

Always find amazing things here! Come early in the morning for the best selection! Best to come without any expectations and you’ll never know what you end up finding. Best part is, by purchasing here you’re supporting an amazing cause! 🌈

I have been coming to this particular location on and off for some time now as I am closer by to the 23rd and 3rd street location. So today (May 13th) I decided to stop by as I was heading in that direction to see if I could find anything for my dad’s birthday tomorrow (May 14th) as I know that this particular location has a better men’s section then the 23rd street location does. So as I stopped by in to that one later on in the day. So anyways when I entered the store as per usual I was greeted with a “Hello Welcome” in a kind of way that sounds very forced to say when new customers enter the shop and I went straight in looking around. I soon noticed that the security guard was following me and eyeing me around the shop in a discrete way. Whatever I thought that wasn’t the worst of it. So when I finally made my selections I made my way to check out and noticed that there was a long line and one older man checking people out I decided to look around and come back when the line gets shorter. Finally after about 20 minutes I noticed that the check out station was empty and made my way over. So I began to put the stuff up on the table and the man said “Ok so you’re finally ready now” in a kind of sassy attitude I replied “yes sorry I decided to swing back by when you weren’t as busy” he gave me an understanding look and proceeded to check me out probably wondering why I’m getting all this Manly stuff lol. Took him a good minute too I could see why the line wasn’t moving along there should’ve been someone else working the next booth over as it was made for two check out clerks. Finally he gave me the price of $44.38 with the 20% student discount for Tuesday’s only. I proceeded to get checked out with my phone tab he said “looks like it didn’t go through” in a kind of I knew it look. I said “I just have to get the right card scanned” then he said ”Oh looks like I need to input it in all over again” another 2 minutes go by finally got my goods. I then asked for a bag he looked confused then said “I’ll be back to find a bag.” I guess they ran out of the paper ones they always seem to have. While I was waiting for him to come back with a bag some worker was looking over at his work station. As he was heading back over with a grocery bag that they probably got with the shops donations. The other co-worker a loud mouthed younger female began to demeaning him saying “Why is this table a mess. You are supposed to keep a clear check out table at all times” moving my stuff over that I just purchased over not realizing clearly. She then picked up my stuff off the table and said “what are these doing here” not acknowledging that I was standing right in front of her I replied “those are mine that I just bought” putting them back on the table she had no expression of acknowledgment on her face what so ever. I could then tell the older man then looked kind of embarrassed and started putting the things I got in to the grocery bag he brought over more quickly as the woman was cleaning up his check out table muttering to herself. I thanked him even though he was kind of rude to me in the beginning probably because he had a long day with dealing with other customers and other co-workers like that one. Really not knowing what else to say I left but I wished I stood up for him as this job was clearly too much for him but he still couldn’t retire yet it seems that way. The whole check out experience took roughly about 10 minutes alone so just be prepared if you get an older gentleman! All in all, it makes an interesting story to tell and my dad was happy with what I got him. I’ll still go back to that location again but I’ll stick more with the closer to me Housing Works location. As they seem to be more professional and actually care about the people that come in to look around/shop. They will even give you some small talk if you want them to and they don’t have security watching whatever you touch.

Very overpriced for a thrift store. They priced a j crew blouse at $45. Really? BUT it does seem that local stores/businesses donate their overstock here, so you can find good deals that way. They also seem to have a good selection of books. They also have fitting rooms, which a lot of thrift stores don’t have these days. Wheelchair accessible but the aisles can get tight and it would be difficult to navigate on a crowded day.

I don’t usually write reviews but I felt compelled to leave one because I had such a good experience. This place has extremely reasonable prices, the staff is very kind and helpful, AND they have a super sale for students and seniors on Tuesdays (which happens to be today) and I got 20% off my purchase! Toot toot

Housing works Chelsea on West 17th street is one of my favorite housing works to visit. Typically always have wonderful deals on items you may need for furnishing home from couches, tables, chairs, rugs, lamps. You name it they probably have it. They have three movers they recommend making it easy to get your purchase delivered for extremely fair price with an accredited and insured moving company. Staff and workers are all very friendly and there to help. Can’t recommend enough!

You have to dig a bit but for every overpriced 3-7 items there’s a gem. Gotta be patient - very organized and friendly staff. Found a good condition bag for a great deal.

I make it a point to visit this location every single time I travel to NYC. Such a warm & welcoming staff, and of course great vintage finds! Love from Toronto!