More than 500 homeless people expected to visit San Francisco ‘Street Store'

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - In the basement of an office building in San Francisco's South of Market Street, volunteers were sorting donated clothes on Wednesday. It's the merchandise for San Francisco's first ever "street store" for homeless people.

Episcopal Community Services is organizing the store which will be open for one day only this Friday.
The clothes will be displayed on hangers and homeless people will be able to pick what they want as opposed to what someone gives them.

"It's supposed to be a dignified experience for them to choose clothes rather than something forced upon them," said volunteer Mallory Burke.

Pop-up street stores started overseas, but have never been tried in San Francisco.

When word went out through social media it was in the works. Clothing donations came pouring in, well before the official day for donations, which was Wednesday.

"We have a lot more than we anticipated getting. We thought we would have to buy more clothes just to have enough, but we are really glad we don't," said Burke.

Among those volunteering was Michael Baumwohl. Two years ago he was homeless himself. Now he says he is off the street and doing well.

"I remember this organization being here for me in my time of need. I feel this is great way to pay it forward," said Baumwohl.

Volunteers are spreading the word to homeless people by putting up flyers at various shelters, and even visiting encampments. 

"It's helpful to pick what they need so they can move forward to their next direction whether it is a job interview or whatever their needs are. At least this gives them the basics to move forward," said Baumwohl.

More than 500 homeless people are expected to visit the street store Friday.