North Idaho nonprofit launches $10M capital campaign for larger space

Newby-ginnings of North Idaho isn't in need of a new beginning — it needs a new building.

The nonprofit that serves the region's veterans, active service members and Gold Star families has launched a $10 million capital campaign to find a larger location to accommodate the growing need to support its expanding client population. More space would allow more room for clients and storage and the establishment of a veteran community center to meet the diverse needs of local veterans.

It has been at its current site since 2016.

Newby-ginnings founder Theresa Hart said the organization, which enrolls up to 15 new families or individuals a week, had already enrolled 17 new veterans by Wednesday.

"We're already above our weekly average," she said Thursday morning. 

Newby-ginnings was established in October 2013 in honor of Hart's son, Army SPC Nicholas Newby, who was killed in action July 7, 2011, while serving in Iraq. The nonprofit provides basic necessities and household essentials to veterans and active military and their families at no cost. This includes clothing, furniture, kitchenware, toiletries and food pantry items.

The veteran-centered nonprofit has served over 6,600 individuals and families since it opened. It sees up to 200 clients daily. About 150 active volunteers keep things running smoothly. An on-site veteran service officer helps guests with resources and paperwork.

It does not advertise; it receives referrals from Veterans Affairs, long-term care facilities and other veterans' organizations as well as word of mouth. It receives no government money and is 100% donation funded.

And it does all of this out of a 9,200-square-foot facility at 570 S. Clearwater Loop on the west side of Post Falls.

"They definitely need a bigger warehouse," nonprofit strategist and fundraising consultant Jocelyn Whitfield-Babcock said. "During the summer when the warehouse is super full and lots of people are trying to drop off donations, that's a half-million-dollar loss for turning people away because they can't fit. There's another $104,000 loss of having to recycle clothing and shoes because they won't fit."

"We can only keep the top 25% of what comes in because we don't have the space," Hart said. "We take the best of the best." 

Only one person can fit in an aisle at a time. On busy days, guests are asked to limit shopping to 30 minutes. People end up shoulder to shoulder in the waiting area for an hour or more.

"They need a new building, and in the new building, a veteran's community center where veterans can get services," Whitfield-Babcock said.

Newby-ginnings' current lease expires in May 2026. Hart said the goal is to have somewhere to move by that time.

A 40,000-square-foot facility would be ideal. Hart and her fundraising team have scoped out a large industrial building in Post Falls that is for sale for about $8 million. The owner is a Navy veteran who may be willing to sell to Newby-ginnings, Hart said.

"If someone were to come in with an $8 million cash offer we'd get bumped," she said, but this building would be most optimal if the opportunity allows.

Constructing a new facility is Plan B.

“Our goal is to get the turnkey building. It’s ready to go,” Whitfield-Babcock said. “Building from the ground up is so expensive.”

Craig St. Clair of Coeur d'Alene, who served seven years in the Navy, visited Newby-ginnings for his first time Thursday morning. He told Hart he heard about it on the news and loves what the organization is doing for the veteran community.

"I came from San Diego, it's where I got out of the service, and being a Navy and Marine Corps town, you don't hear people say, 'Thank you for your service,' you don't see veteran parking spaces. You don't see any of that there," he said. "It makes me feel good that I see that here. People appreciate vets here more than any place I've ever been."

Charles Lounsbury of Athol, who served eight years in the Marines, has been a Newby-ginnings patron for two years. He said everyone in his community knows he goes to Newby-ginnings, so they often send their donations to town with him.

"It's a blessing, these guys really are a blessing," he said. "It was really easy to sign up and the people have always been really nice."

Lounsbury said if he lived closer, he would love to volunteer.

"If you need a towel, there's towels. If you need dental floss, they got dental floss. It's something that makes our lives just a little easier, and sometimes a lot easier," Lounsbury said. "It's not just little, it's huge. I love these guys."

Visit newbyginnings.org or call Hart at 208-610-6996 to get involved or learn more about the capital campaign.

    Volunteer Lynnelle Wagner sorts donated items Thursday morning in the Newby-ginnings of North Idaho warehouse.
  

    Navy veteran Craig St. Clair peruses the clothing racks Thursday morning during his first visit to Newby-ginnings of North Idaho. The veteran-centered nonprofit is working to raise $10 million to expand to a larger building.
  

    A patriotic mural welcomes visitors to Newby-ginnings of North Idaho in Post Falls.