Giving Clothes—and People—a Second Chance In Prague

A newly opened Žižkov boutique has all the makings of a funky thrift shop, with one huge difference

Elizabeth Zahradnicek-Haas

Written by Elizabeth Zahradnicek-Haas Published on 03.08.2017 11:34:00 (updated on 25.11.2020) Reading time: 1 minute

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Shopping in Prague for vintagte clothes
Shopping in Prague for vintagte clothes

Open from April, Prague’s newest thrift store Transfer Station (Přestupní stanice) stocks a well-curated selection of vintage dresses and funky tees, stylishly displayed in a way that’s more boutique than bargain-basement sale.

But you’ll find no blasé sales clerks here. Transfer Station, located in the Czech capital’s Žižkov district (Chelčického 17) temporarily employs Prague’s homeless population, helping them return to the labor market and society. 

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Photo: Přestupní stanice / Facebook
Photo: Přestupní stanice / Facebook

According to the Labor Ministry, 70,000 homeless people live in the Czech Republic, 10,000 of them in Prague.

The most common reasons for losing their homes are debts, alcoholism, and unemployment. A recently conducted survey found that about a third of people who live in the streets work, but usually on a short-term basis and for very little money.

Photo: Přestupní stanice / Facebook
Photo: Přestupní stanice / Facebook

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Transfer Station founder Eva Dudová, a social worker with years of experience advocating for the city’s homeless population, realized that a job and return to a “normal” life is what homeless people frequently desire most.

The project is supported by the Bez Domova foundation which opened a restaurant, Kuchařek bez domova, staffed by homeless and in-transition employees, earlier this year.

A Transfer Station employee / Photo: Facebook
A Transfer Station employee / Photo: Facebook

In addition to selling clothes, books, and accessories, Transfer Station will function as a community center for regular public discussions, film screenings, and readings.

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Read more about Transfer Station employee Václav (pictured above), here.

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