The Blue Water Free Store and Ministry Center (BWFS&MC) is a wonderful outreach into the greater Port Huron area. The mission of the Blue Water Free Store and Ministry Center is “Serving people, offering hope, all for Christ”. Over 8,000 families are registered clients of the Free Store. Every week, at least two days, Monday, and Wednesday from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, people from around the area can enter the Free Store and browse the racks that are filled with gentle used clothing for women, men, and children along with household items. Everything in the store is free, donations are accepted but not required. Teams work 3-4 days a week to sort through all the donations, making sure everything is examined for excessive wear or odor, then tagged, and prepared for display at the appropriate season. Between 12-14 people are needed for each shift to run the Free Store. Also onsite is the Blue Water Ministry Center which is an approximately 1000 square foot room with kitchenette which weekly houses 6-7 AA and other Recovery groups. While the Free Store was closed during the worst of the COVID 19 crisis, the Ministry Center remained open for the AA & Recovery groups to meet. The leadership of the BWFS&MC knew how important face to face interaction was to 12 step programs, especially during stressful and difficult times.
The Free Store and Ministry Center is found in Port Huron Township on Lapeer Ave. It is conveniently located across from the bus station. Many of its clients use public transportation, so this has made it very user-friendly. When a new person enters the Free Store, they are asked to fill out an intake card, this allows the Free Store to note how many families they serve. There are now significant barriers to receiving services, you are not required to provide proof of need to shop at the free store.
The BWFS & MC works closely with the other social services in Port Huron such as the Domestic Violence shelter. Because of this arrangement, if someone needs to come after hours and remain anonymous, that can happen; safety is most important. They also work closely with other agencies and area churches if there is a need for furniture or housewares that are beyond their current supply due to fire, domestic violence, or other reason.
Currently the care of the building is overseen by a Board of Trustees. It is an older building, which has a storefront to help extend the idea of a shopping experience, the Board of Trustees has recently worked on updating the heating and air conditioning and continues work to upkeep the building. Volunteers who come, sort donations, and help in the store are always needed along with increased financial contributions are vital to keeping this ministry running.
As you start to think about your EngageMI Ministry projects for 2024 why don’t you consider the Blue Water Free Store and Ministry Center. The work it does to impact the community with the love is Christ makes a difference every day.
As you think about where you could take a day mission trip with your youth, young adults, women, men, or mix generations… the Blue Water Free Store and Ministry Center is a great place to consider, it is less then 2 hours from every point in our district. Any combination of volunteer options for your group could be worked out! You can contact the Free Store through The Blue Water Free Store and Ministry Center Facebook.
