The Village Door, a volunteer-operated consignment shop in downtown Homewood that raises funds for the Cancer Support Center, will close at the end of 2026.
“After thoughful consideration, we just had to make the difficult decision to close The Village Door, just as part of ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Cancer Support Center, and just maintaining our focus, our time, our energy and our resources on our mission,” said Kristen Kolwelter, the Cancer Support Center’s executive director.
The center, which operates in Homewood and Mokena, offers free cancer support services in the south and southwest suburbs.
“The overall cost of doing business and the high demands, the operational high demands, really, that was just a key factor,” Kolwelter said.
The Village Door has operated for about 33 years, Kolwelter said. It was founded shortly after the Cancer Support Center by a group of friends who wanted to fundraise in the community, according to its website.
“We are just as sad,” Kolwelter said. “While this chapter is closing, and this is a huge chapter for us to close, we are still here for people facing cancer. The Cancer Support Center unfortunately had to make this decision just to make sure that we are still around for the next 30 plus years to continue supporting everyone in the community.”
More Top Picks Is Walking Good For Your Heart
The Village Door has been much more than just a fundraiser, Kolwelter said.
“This has been a resource for people in the community to stop in,” Kolwelter said. “The women running The Village Door are so kind, and supportive of each other and our customers coming in. They all have their own journeys and their own stories with cancer, and really, it was just almost a support group for them.”
The Village Door is on Ridge Road in downtown Homewood, close to the Metra stop and the Village Hall.
The Cancer Support Center’s lease on the building will last until the start of next year, Kolwelter said.
“This is definitely going to be a very slow closing, just to honor the legacy of The Village Door,” Kolwelter said. “We are not sure what the plan is after we leave and our end our lease.”