Youth shelter opens new clothing “store” for clients

Hope Street Senior Program Manager LaTasha Mays stands in the shelter's new clothing closet during the final phase of installation.

Catholic Charities’ Minneapolis youth shelter Hope Street wants its clients to feel good about the clothing they wear, even if they got it for free. 

That’s why it’s opening a new clothing closet that offers a 'shopping-like' experience for residents. Building on the shelter’s recent remodel in 2022, the new 'walk-in closet' opens on Monday, Aug 26 and will provide residents with access to clothing on a rolling basis as funds and donations permit. 

Catholic Charities’ Chief Program Officer Keith Kozerski says leadership realized it was time to invest in something everyone could take pride in.

“We noticed that the staff just didn't feel good about going up there because it felt like you were kind of going through a pile of ‘stuff,’ rather than taking youth up to a space where they could feel good about what they were getting and [that was] intentionally there for them,” said Kozerski. 

Hope Street’s Senior Program Manager LaTasha Mays says the closet will help to offset the stigma that can come with not being able to afford new clothes. She says the first days of school and job interviews can be especially stressful times for youth navigating homelessness. 

“First impressions are everything, so we'll have a designated space just for dress clothes and job-appropriate clothing,” said Mays.

The space emulates a clothing store with an open wardrobe layout, which will be organized by style and size. Residents will be able to choose three to five outfits, as well as essentials such as socks, underwear, and pajamas as needed. Mays says she is excited to decorate the space with plants, a rug, and other ornaments to make the closet really feel like one you’d find at home.

“I am hoping that it will change their lives. A lot of our young people come in with little to nothing, and so I'm hoping that this is just a fresh start for them. Give a little dignity. You dress good, you feel good,” said Mays.

At Hope Street youth are able to stay at the shelter between 30 and 90 days while getting social services that support them in transitioning into their own housing. Residents receive medical attention, counseling, school and career support, and basic necessities like lodging, food, and bus passes. And now new clothing. At the end of their time, residents have been supported into a housing situation suitable to their needs. 

“It's almost like a parent sending their kid off to school or to college. It is amazing to see the progression that our young people make from not believing in themselves to now being extremely confident. Struggling with filling out paperwork to now being able to do that. The transformation is unbelievable,” said Mays.

Mays says even after their transition, young people are welcome to reach out for continued support.

Former Hope Street client Nyaluak Majiok

20-year-old Nyaluak Majiok transitioned into her own place last week and came back to visit amidst the grand closet installation. She says Hope Street really turned around a difficult situation for her. 

“I actually tried to move out on my own. It was basically impossible, and then I was able to find Hope Street and they made that transition as smooth as possible, supporting me in every way,” she said.

Majiok says she thinks the clothing closet will help boost residents' self-esteem and inspire them to get out of bed. She says clothes do a lot for your sense of confidence, expression, and well-being – and that doesn’t stop when you are homeless. 

Catholic Charities is accepting donations for the clothing closet. More information is available at its website.