Vernetta Eichinger believes that taking care of the homeless is not just a job.
“It’s my calling,” she said, “and it’s my sole purpose for being. I genuinely care about the unhoused.”
Because of her beliefs, seven years ago Eichinger founded the Poverty Exed Project, a 501(c) (3) non-profit based in Lacey. The organization provides families and the homeless with meals, clothing/shoes at no cost. She added that the work she’s done to help the homeless has only deepened her faith in God and strengthened her resolve to help them.
“God has given me a purpose in doing this work,” explained the native of Portland, Oregon.
“When I would stop and speak to the individuals we’ve helped, listen to the stories and look into their eyes, I could see them as nothing more than a fellow human being who has lost their way. I could see their souls just looking for someone to see them for who they are.”
This understanding of the homeless and her willingness to do more to help led her and her husband, Jason, to recently open Pep-Tacular Discount Store at 304 Olympia Ave. NE, half a block down the street from the Olympia Food Bank.
The store sells new, everyday items from shampoo and batteries to detergents and hair care products at prices near 50 percent off.
She said that she got the idea to open the store because she thinks the homeless are not receiving adequate support from both the City of Olympia and the state legislature.
“Let’s stop complaining about the unhoused and be a part of the solution,” Eichinger clearly stated. “Shuffling the unhoused around like cattle is not the answer … nor is it right.”
“I feel that I am part of that solution,” Eichinger concluded. “All that I do is not about me; it’s that clear. I will not give up on my mission of becoming the change in our community for the unhoused.”
To learn more about Pep-Tacular Discount Store, visit it or contact Eichinger at (360) 884-7500.
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cappers
I've talked to Vernetta and Jason several times and they are lovely people!
5 days ago Report this
hptrillium
Good for you! The world needs more people coming up with solutions. Each person doing their little bit will make this world a better place.
5 days ago Report this
Snevets
Bravo! I'll have to come over and check out.
5 days ago Report this