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Community Closet reports ARPA-funded expansion saved nonprofit operations and staff
Summary
Community Closet founder Karen Cooper told commissioners that a $145,000 ARPA award helped a $315,000 expansion project, increased capacity and preserved staff and grantmaking, and she thanked the city for support.
Karen Cooper, founder of Community Closet (a Park County 501(c)(3) thrift store), reported to the Livingston City Commission that a 2022 ARPA grant from the city was the single-largest funding source for a $315,000 expansion project to add processing and storage space.
Cooper said the organization increased its floorplate by about 1,500 square feet, hired an architect and a contractor, and completed the project in November 2024. She told the commission the ARPA funds "saved my staff" and allowed Community Closet to continue giving cash grants to other local nonprofits; she also introduced the organization's incoming executive director, Ashley Smith, and said she plans to retire.
Commissioners thanked Community Closet for the report and praised the nonprofit's community service and staff retention; staff noted the grant required several administrative steps and praised the organization's results.
