Spring 2024

is operated by Interfaith Outreach of Carmel (IOC), a nonprofit “dedicated to creating solutions, stimulating public awareness, and raising funds to reduce homelessness in Monterey County.” Executive Director MaryAnn Spadoni man- ages the shop. “I call Carmel Rancho Lane ‘The Mini Haight Street of Carmel,’” she says with a laugh. “Our founder, Nancy Jones, had a passion for helping the homeless of our community. She sold her car—to me—to raise the funds to get the shop off the ground.” That passion has paid off. Since its founding in 2010, IOC/Joining Hands has awarded $825,555 in housing grants to organi- zations, including the Carmel Foundation, Community Homeless Solutions, Monterey Sober Living for Women and Sun Street Centers. “We raised $135,000 in 2023,” Spadoni says, “with $46,000 in November alone. That was a record.” “The spirit of giving is strong here,” she says.The shop is maintained by a total of 80 volunteers, 42 of whom are regularly active. Women’s clothing and household goods are the number one and two sellers here. “We only retain the cream of the crop of the donations we receive,” Spadoni explains. “We have a high turnover because we price things reasonably, so they don’t stay long.” For more information, visit www.joininghandsbenefitshops.org . MaryAnn Spadoni, Executive Director Joining Hands