Nonprofit Thrift Store Warns of Health Risks from AC Problems at MacArthur Center

A Nonprofit Thrift Store Struggles with HVAC Issues

A nonprofit craft thrift store in Norfolk, Virginia, is facing significant challenges due to ongoing air conditioning problems during the summer heat. The 757 Creative ReUse Center, which relocated to the MacArthur Center in 2023, has been dealing with persistent issues with its HVAC system, raising concerns about the health and safety of both employees and visitors.

Executive Director Beth Dryer highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that the conditions inside the store are often too warm and humid. “It poses health and safety risks for our employees as well as for our visitors who are in these conditions,” she said. The center, which serves as a community hub offering art and craft supplies and hosting various activities, has found itself in a difficult position as the AC issues remain unresolved despite repeated complaints.

Dryer explained that the process of addressing the problem has been frustrating. “We’ll make a complaint, and they’ll say it’s getting checked, and then they’ll say it’s functioning properly,” she said. “And I have to say, I assure you, it is not functioning properly.” This lack of resolution has forced the center to close its doors during extreme heat waves, most recently from Thursday to Sunday due to the unbearable conditions.

Even on days when the store is open, the discomfort is evident. “Even on days where we are open, it’s uncomfortable to shop in here,” Dryer noted. Visitors have expressed that they would have spent more time shopping if the environment were more comfortable. However, the current situation is taking a toll on the organization's finances.

“In the past six weeks, we’ve gone through two-thirds of our cash reserves trying to maintain people’s salaries and dealing with the loss of sales,” Dryer said. The financial strain is adding to the stress of an already challenging situation.

The MacArthur Center, which is owned by the city of Norfolk, has responded to the issue. A spokesperson for the city shared a statement regarding the HVAC problems: “The SL Nusbaum Property Management team has been actively working to remedy the HVAC issues in the area directly impacting 757 Creative ReUse Center. From the time the issues began in mid-June, property management has been very responsive and made consistent efforts to remedy the warmer than normal temperatures as contractors await the shipment of HVAC equipment, parts and availability of manpower. Final work was scheduled with the contractor for today, however, their team faced a scheduling conflict and were short-staffed, moving the estimated completion of repairs to tomorrow and Saturday.”

Despite these efforts, Dryer remains skeptical about the timeline for repairs. “When somebody tells you something’s going to be fixed so many times and it’s still not fixed, it leaves you feeling like they don’t have a plan for fixing it,” she said. Given this lack of confidence, the nonprofit is considering moving out of its current location before the next summer season.

To support the 757 Creative ReUse Center, the organization is currently fundraising to secure enough money to relocate as soon as possible. “We’re just trying to survive long enough that we can get out of here and get into something else that’s more suitable for us,” Dryer said. The community’s support is crucial for the center to continue its mission and provide valuable services to the local population.