You’re walking down Montague Street. The wind off the East River is biting, and you’re surrounded by that specific brand of Brooklyn Heights brownstone luxury—gorgeous, pricey, and a little bit intimidating. Then you see it. The Housing Works Thrift Shops Brooklyn Heights location at 122 Montague. It’s a literal sanctuary for anyone who wants to look like they own a $4 million parlor floor without actually having to pay the property taxes.
Thrifting in New York has changed. Honestly, it’s gotten exhausting. You go to some "vintage" spots in Bushwick and they’re charging $80 for a stained T-shirt just because it has a cartoon character from 1994 on it. It’s a racket. But this specific Housing Works? It’s different. It feels like a neighborhood secret, even though everyone knows about it. It’s where the wealthy locals drop off their "old" Theory blazers and Jonathan Adler pottery because they simply don't have the closet space for last season’s whims.
The Reality of Shopping at Housing Works Thrift Shops Brooklyn Heights
Let’s be real for a second. If you walk into this shop expecting a $2 rack of clothes, you’re going to be disappointed. This isn’t a rummage sale in a church basement. Because of the zip code, the inventory is curated, which is code for "it's actually nice." You’ll find Diane von Furstenberg wraps hanging next to J.Crew cashmere. The prices reflect that. You might spend $45 on a coat, but that coat originally retailed for $400.
The layout is tight. It’s a narrow space, typical of Montague Street real estate. On a Saturday afternoon, it gets cramped. You’ll be dodging strollers and people clutching lattes, but the hunt is worth it.
What most people don't realize is that the inventory turnover here is aggressive. I’ve seen a mid-century modern side table sit in the window for exactly forty-five minutes before someone snapped it up. The staff here—many of whom have been around for years—know their stuff. They aren't just ringing you up; they’re often the ones pricing items based on a deep knowledge of what’s currently trending in the city.
Why the Mission Actually Matters
It’s easy to forget when you’re eyeing a pair of leather boots, but Housing Works isn't just a store. It’s a powerhouse of advocacy. Founded in 1990 by members of ACT UP, the organization was a response to the dual crises of HIV/AIDS and homelessness.
Every dollar you spend at Housing Works Thrift Shops Brooklyn Heights goes toward their "healing community." We’re talking about healthcare, legal assistance, and housing for New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS. That’s why the prices are a bit higher than your average Goodwill. You aren't just buying a sweater; you’re funding a clinic.
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It makes the "guilt" of a splurge disappear. Buying a designer bag for $150 feels a lot better when you know that money is providing lifesaving meds to someone who would otherwise be on the street.
What to Look for (and What to Skip)
Don't go there for basic t-shirts. Seriously. Go to Uniqlo for that.
The real gold at the Brooklyn Heights location is in the homewares and accessories.
- Glassware: People in the Heights have incredible taste in barware. I once found a set of heavy crystal lowball glasses that looked like they belonged in a 1960s ad agency.
- Hardcover Books: The book section is small but lethal. It’s mostly high-end art books, cookbooks from famous Brooklyn chefs, and contemporary fiction that looks like it’s never been cracked open.
- Designer Shoes: Look under the racks. The shoe section is small, but because of the affluent donor base, you’ll often find high-end Italian leather or barely-worn loafers.
- Outerwear: This is the store's strongest suit. Brooklyn Heights residents love a good wool coat.
One thing to keep in mind: sizing can be a bit of a gamble. The demographic in this neighborhood leans toward "sample size" or very tailored fits. If you're looking for oversized streetwear, you might have better luck at their Chelsea or Gramercy locations. This spot is for the polished, the professional, and the "quiet luxury" crowd.
The Strategy for Successful Thrifting
Timing is everything. Most people hit the shops on the weekend. That’s a mistake.
Monday and Tuesday mornings are the "sweet spot." This is when the weekend donations have been processed and put out on the floor. If you go on a Sunday at 4:00 PM, you’re basically looking at the leftovers of what everyone else didn't want.
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Also, talk to the volunteers. They’re usually locals who love the mission. If you’re looking for something specific—like a mahogany desk or a specific brand of denim—sometimes they’ll give you a heads-up on when a big furniture drop is coming in.
The Refurbishment Factor
Housing Works is known for their "Refurnish" program, but the Brooklyn Heights store is a bit small for the massive sofas. However, they do get smaller accent pieces. If you see a chair with "good bones" but ugly fabric, buy it. The price you pay at Housing Works Thrift Shops Brooklyn Heights plus the cost of a local upholsterer still comes out cheaper than buying something new from West Elm that’s going to fall apart in three years.
Understanding the Sales Cycles
They do specific sales. They have their famous "Best of Brooklyn" events and seasonal clear-outs. If you see a tag with a specific color, check the signs at the front. Often, a certain color tag will be 50% off. It’s the only way to get those "true" thrift store prices in a high-rent neighborhood.
It’s About the Community, Not Just the Clothes
There’s a specific vibe in this shop. You’ll see a college student from St. Francis College browsing next to a woman who has lived in a rent-controlled apartment since 1974. It’s one of the few places on Montague Street that feels accessible to everyone.
In a city that is rapidly becoming a collection of sterile bank branches and chain pharmacies, these shops are the soul of the street. They represent a time when New York was defined by its activism and its grit.
The Brooklyn Heights community is fiercely protective of this location. When other stores on the block closed during the pandemic, the support for Housing Works stayed strong. It’s a testament to the fact that New Yorkers actually care where their money goes.
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Navigating the Competition
You have other options nearby, sure. There’s a Beacon’s Closet in Park Slope and plenty of high-end consignment in Boerum Hill. But those places are for-profit. When you shop at Housing Works Thrift Shops Brooklyn Heights, you’re participating in a cycle of mutual aid.
People often complain that "thrifting is dead" because of resellers using apps like Depop to flip items for a profit. And yeah, you’ll see some of those people in here with their phones out, scanning barcodes. It’s annoying. But because the staff at Housing Works prices things realistically, the "flipping" margin is smaller here. It keeps the inventory available for people who actually want to wear the clothes.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning a trip to the Heights, make a day of it, but be smart about the shop.
- Check the Instagram: Many Housing Works locations post their "big ticket" items or window displays on social media before they open. Follow the main account or look for neighborhood-specific tags.
- Bring a Donation: Don’t just take. If you have high-quality items you no longer wear, bring them with you. They make it incredibly easy to donate, and you get a tax receipt. It keeps the ecosystem moving.
- Inspect Everything: It’s a thrift store. Check the armpits for staining, check the crotch of trousers for wear, and test every zipper. They don't do returns.
- Look Up: Some of the best art and mirrors are hung high on the walls above the clothing racks.
- Walk the Promenade After: You’re two blocks away from the best view of Manhattan. Take your new finds, grab a coffee at Joe Coffee down the street, and go sit by the water.
The Housing Works Thrift Shops Brooklyn Heights experience isn't about finding a $1 t-shirt. It's about finding that one weird, beautiful, high-quality item that makes your apartment or your wardrobe feel like "you," all while contributing to a mission that has been saving lives in this city for over three decades.
Stop looking for the "perfect" deal and start looking for the "right" one. The shop is open seven days a week, usually from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (though Sundays often close early at 5:00 PM). Go on a Tuesday. Bring a bag. Be patient. You’ll find it.
Next Steps:
- Verify current hours: Store hours can shift seasonally; call (718) 237-0521 before making a dedicated trip.
- Join the mailing list: Sign up on the Housing Works website to get notified about their "Buy the Bag" sales and annual "Design on a Dime" events.
- Coordinate a donation: If you have furniture, use their online portal to schedule a pickup rather than trying to haul a dresser down Montague Street yourself.