New Shockoe Bottom coffee shop supports local recovery nonprofit

A new coffee shop called The Collective Cup opened Monday in Richmond's Shockoe Bottom neighborhood, drawing a large crowd on its first day, NBC12 reported.

Founder Gregory Marcelle established the shop to generate ongoing revenue for Our Community Home, a nonprofit he founded that provides transitional recovery housing and support for people facing substance use and mental health challenges.

Proceeds from the coffee shop will help cover basic needs such as food, clothing, and household supplies for clients in the nonprofit's programs, according to Marcelle.

Marcelle, a licensed counselor, envisions The Collective Cup as a welcoming community space where people can connect and discuss mental health issues. He also plans to organize group discussions and activities like yoga and meditation in the future.

The Metropolitan Business League helped celebrate the grand opening, noting the potential lasting impact of combining nonprofit support with mental health awareness in Richmond.