Goodwill Gulf Coast will soon expand its presence in Baldwin County with the construction of a 50,000-square-foot facility in Foley.

The groundbreaking ceremony is set for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 200 E. Azalea Ave., marking the start of a yearlong project that will bring a new retail store, outlet store, donation center and opportunity center to the area.

“Having a facility of this size and scope in Foley will help us provide more of our programs and services to benefit individuals and families living in this part of Baldwin County,” President and CEO of Goodwill Gulf Coast, Frank Harkins said. “This will be the only facility in our 10-county service area that combines all four types of our stores and centers in one convenient location.”

Once complete, the new location is expected to open in Fall 2025. Goodwill Gulf Coast is working alongside Randall & Paulson Architects, development partner Piedmont Companies and construction firm Rogers & Willard to bring the project to life.

Goodwill Gulf Coast currently operates 10 retail stores, two outlet stores, 10 stand-alone donation centers and five opportunity centers throughout its 10-county service area in southwest Alabama and northwest Florida. These facilities support the nonprofit's mission of offering job training, placement services and family support programs. In fiscal year 2023 alone, Goodwill Gulf Coast provided more than 20,000 services to 13,219 individuals of all ages and abilities.

Eighty-nine cents of every dollar spent by Goodwill Gulf Coast goes toward supporting these community programs, making the new Foley facility a vital addition for Baldwin County residents seeking assistance.