Before Brown Elephant became the local chain of thrift stores we know today, it took shape as a series of garage sales created in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis.
Howard Brown Health founded the organization because so many people were dying and leaving behind entire homes full of belongings. Many families refused to take their things due to the stigma surrounding the disease, so the LGBTQ+ clinic stepped in.
Brown Elephant moved into its first storefront in 1982, and is now located in Northalsted at 812 W. Belmont Ave. and Andersonville at 5404 N. Clark St.
“Our name comes from the Brown in Howard Brown Health, and at the time, AIDS was known as the elephant in the room, so that’s why we’re Brown Elephant,” said Northalsted store manager Matt Talaga-Roman.
Ever since then, Brown Elephant has sold donated furniture, clothing, and household decor to raise money for Howard Brown Health, which serves more than 40,000 people each year.
“There have been times throughout Howard Brown Health’s history when funding from the Brown Elephant was the reason the organization survived,” Talaga-Roman said.
In the past fiscal year, Brown Elephant has provided more than $100,000 in vouchers for clinic patients and young people experiencing homelessness who visit Broadway Youth Center. The vouchers are exchanged for items at the store.
“It’s our way of giving back directly to our local community,” Talaga-Roman said.
Plus, as a shopper, there’s a lot to love. Brown Elephant accepts and sorts more than one million pounds of donations, making it the perfect place to find an emergency dress or a housewarming gift.
New items are added to the stores every day. Both locations run a “Monday Mayhem” sale every week, when all clothing is 50% off.
All this to say, you can feel good when you pick up that new-to-you crystal dish you don’t really need.
