Mission Statement: Inspired by Matthew 6: 25-34, Tiger Lily Thrift is helping to build a path for our community to live affordably, responsibly, and without any worry. We aim to help lower the cost of living and reduce environmental waste by providing sustainable, pre-loved clothes—growing a community where everyone belongs, one piece at a time.
Affordable: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Fresno County is $74,201, leaving the median family with roughly $6,183 a month. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the average family spends 2.6% of their income on "Apparel & Services," which is a seemingly reasonable $160 a month for clothing and upkeep.
However, this math falls apart when you look at their "Housing" category. The BLS states families spend 33.4% of their budget, or $2,064 a month, on rent and utilities. But anyone in Fresno County knows that severe summer weather and high electricity rates can drive utility bills alone to $500 or $1,500 a month, leaving little for the mortgage or rent. This disconnect proves that national averages don't work for local realities. If government housing metrics are this wildly under-reported, what other everyday necessities are also unrealistic?
Compounding this, a 4.4% annual inflation rate since 2020 has heavily burdened family budgets. When families are forced to pour extra cash into keeping a roof overhead, the AC on, and food on the table, that theoretical $160 clothing budget is almost wiped out. All too often, apparel is dropped from the budget entirely, which leaves families without the clothing they need.
This is exactly why Tiger Lily Thrift exists. We believe no family should have to choose between quality clothes and essential living expenses like food, healthcare, or utilities. By keeping clothing costs as low as possible, we hope to relieve this financial burden in our community, ensuring local families have the apparel they deserve.
Ecological: The world generates 92 million tons of textile waste annually, which is the equivalent of a truck full of clothes being dumped or burned every single second, according to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). This crisis stems from a dangerous combination of over-production and underutilization of clothes. The United States is a leading driver of this trend, as the EPA reported that the U.S. produced 18 million tons of textiles in 2018 alone! Furthermore, Americans wear their clothes for just a quarter of the global average, with some fast-fashion garments being discarded after a mere 7 to 10 wears.
This wasteful cycle also carries a massive carbon footprint. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation found that textile manufacturing generated 1.2 billion tons of CO2 equivalent emissions in 2015 alone. Ultimately, the environmental threat spans from creation to disposal, which is exactly how thrift stores like ours play a vital role in the solution.
By choosing to shop and donate with us, you help curb overconsumption and drastically reduce the depletion of raw resources. Instead of treating clothing as disposable, we give items with plenty of life left a second chance to be rehomed to new owners. Our store acts as a local hub for a sustainable, reusable economy, keeping wearable fashion out of landfills and turning waste into a resource.
Communal: Clothes that are donated to our store are sold at a that are not sold will be donated after a certain amount of days. These clothes will be donated to hospitals, shelters, churches, and other local resources. We partner with non profits who help achieve our goals of offering affordable clothing in a responsible way, laundry lady. Volunteer events where we pick up trash. Pop up events where we sell clothes at discounted rate at various farmers markets, festivals, and other community events. Partner with sewing class? (Radical Mending at Fresno State). Partner with sewing places that we offer free advertising if they let us put a clothing bin donation? Donate clothes to red cross?