Thrift store, Non-profit organization in Monroe, NC
The Pass Through Store is a free brick-and-mortar store run by The Connect Center in Monroe, NC. It gives clothing, shoes, hygiene products, blankets and seasonal coats to families, individuals and people experiencing homelessness at no cost. The store reports serving over 1,100 families and 4,900 individuals, including 326 homeless families monthly. The Connect Center also runs Connect Scholars, a college-readiness and mentorship program, and a home repair loan and grant program.
Dr. Miller and his wife Joan founded The Connect Center in 2015 as a nonprofit meeting community needs. Connect Scholars launched in 2024 after Dr. Miller noticed older children returning to the Pass Through Store as adult clients, and found that over 90% of these students would be first-generation college attendees.





