34 Years of Out of the Closet

In 1990, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation opened the first Out of the Closet Thrift Store in Atwater Village.

The iconic thrift store chain continues to operate today, serving the clientele of AHF.

October 1, 1990 marks the day that the newly renamed AIDS Healthcare Foundation (formerly AIDS Hospice Foundation) opened its first Out of the Closet location in Atwater Village, at 3160 Glendale Blvd. It still stands and operates today.

This first Out of the Closet location set out to funnel all profits to the Chris Brownlie Hospice—the first AIDS hospice in Los Angeles.

From its humble beginnings, Out of the Closet grew into a key source of support for AHF’s mission, with its unique blend of philanthropy and retail.

The thrift stores not only provided a sustainable revenue stream for HIV/AIDS care but also became a focal point for community engagement. Shoppers and donors rallied behind the cause, uniting to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and contribute to the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic. As the chain expanded, so did its impact, raising crucial funds for HIV prevention, treatment, and care, while becoming a beloved destination for vintage finds.

Now, Out of the Closet thrift stores operate across the United States in states like New York, Washington, Florida, Illinois, Texas, Ohio, Georgia, and Louisiana.Today, Out of the Closet’s mission is to support HIV care, prevention, and advocacy, with 96 cents of every dollar going toward these vital treatments. Out of the Closet has also evolved over the years to offer free HIV testing at all locations.

AHF’s first steps into business ventures to generate funds for life-saving medical services show AHF’s determination and drive to care for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Additionally, Out of the Closet helps reduce fast fashion waste while making home goods and unique styles accessible to communities across the States.

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