Sister Mary Virginia Clark began DWC with Abba House in 1989. Her heart was for the homeless men, women, and children she saw on the streets of Amarillo. It wasn’t long before her work evolved into caring for homeless women with addictions and their children.
In 2001, Sister Mary Virginia resigned and Diann Gilmore became Executive Director. As a license social worker, Mrs. Gilmore was well acquainted with the work of DWC. Under her excellent leadership, DWC has blossomed.
DWC was given full ownership of Haven House in 2007, allowing us to more than double the number of homeless women in recovery that we can serve at one time.
The first retail store, Thrift City, was opened in 2003. The second store, Thrift City 2, opened in 2006. The Uptown Shoppe, an upscale resale store, opened in 2008. Thrift City 3 opened in May, 2010.
In 2011, DWC assumed ownership of Meridian Apartments, providing quality affordable housing for low-income individuals.
Thrift City
814 SW 10th (Corner of 10th & Adams)
Amarillo, TX 79101
806-372-8564
806-331-9229 (fax)
Contact info: Brandy Hallmark – Store Manager
Thrift City 2
600 SW 10th (Northwest Corner of 10th & Monroe)
Amarillo, TX 79101
806-331-4972
806-331-4971 (fax)
Contact Info: Denise Gutierrez – Store Manager
Thrift City 3
525 SW 10th (Southeast Corner of 10th & Monroe)
Amarillo, TX 79101
806-331-6879
806-331-6902 (fax)
Contact Info: Pamela Lemons – Store Manager
Uptown Shoppe
2477 I-40 West (off Georgia in Wolflin Square)
Across From Eat-Rite Health Food Store
806-331-6417
806-331-6417 (fax)
Contact Info: Mary Ross – Store Manager
Meridian Apartments
2201 SW 6th Ave
Amarillo, TX 79106
806-331-6608
806-331-6676 (fax)
Contact Info: Irene Johnson – Office Coordinator
Haven House
1308 S. Buchanan
Amarillo, TX 79101
806-374-5654
806-342-9924 (fax)
Contact Info: Ann Sanders, LCDC, Program Manager
