Clothing Supply

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Clothing donation centers provide an important resource for those experiencing homelessness – clean, fresh clothing, and extra layers for cold months. Some shelters include clothing services, and thrift stores that sell used clothing at a discounted price also help serve this niche. Other organizations exist solely to collect and distribute clothing to those in need through various distribution channels. While these efforts can be as organized and complex as delivering health services, they don’t have to be. Here are a few ideas to help provide clothing for the homeless:
  • Host a clothing drive through your school or company, and then deliver these donations to your local shelter or clothing distribution organization
  • If you have qualms about giving people money directly, purchase clean socks or gloves, carry a pair with you each day, and give these instead.
  • Every six months, sort through your own closet to find items you haven’t worn and donate them to a shelter or clothing distribution organization
  • Volunteer time to help sort and process these donations at your local clothing distributor or shelter

EXAMPLES

DESIGN PROGRAM POLICY
2
Chance the Rapper is Helping to Bring 1,000 Coats to Chicago’s Homeless Population Chicago, IL
2
Pop-Up Sidewalk Clothing Store Capetown, South Africa
2
Second Chances Boston, MA
2
Joy of Sox Gives Homeless Socks Pennsylvania
Clothing donation centers provide an important resource for the homeless – clean, fresh clothing, and extra layers for cold months. Some shelters include clothing services, and thrift stores that sell used clothing at a discounted price also help serve this niche. Other organizations exist solely to collect and distribute clothing to those in need through various distribution channels. While these efforts can be as organized and complex as delivering health services, they don’t have to be. Here are a few ideas to help provide clothing for the homeless:

  • Host a clothing drive through your school or company, and then deliver these donations to your local shelter or clothing distribution organization
  • If you have qualms about giving the homeless money directly, purchase clean socks or gloves, carry a pair with you each day, and give these to the homeless instead.
  • Every six months, sort through your own closet to find items you haven’t worn and donate them to a shelter or clothing distribution organization
  • Volunteer time to help sort and process these donations at your local clothing distributor or shelter