Dear Supporters,
This year has tested our communities in profound ways—from devastating wildfires and immigration raids to ongoing federal cuts that continue to erode access to essential services.
At Project Ropa, we’ve felt this impact firsthand.
Our waitlist of organizations requesting clean clothing, shoes, blankets, menstrual products, and hygiene essentials has more than doubled in the past year. To date, we’ve received requests from 143 organizations across 200+ service sites in Los Angeles—and the list keeps growing.
Requests come from every corner of the community:
• public defenders preparing clients for court
• hospital staff trying to discharge patients with dignity
• social workers supporting families
• school counselors helping students in need
• individuals reaching out as they start jobs, transition into housing, or face the winter months unsheltered
Just this week, a neighbor wrote:
“I just started a job and need help getting black cargo pants and black T-shirts for work.”
These stories remind us of a simple truth:
Clean clothing and hygiene products are not luxuries—they are basic human needs.
They shape health, dignity, mental well-being, and access to opportunity.
The Need Has Surged Dramatically
Since the SNAP shutdown and delays in benefits, requests have jumped from 10 per week to 20+ per day. These come from hospitals, shelters, social workers, public defenders, and directly from neighbors in crisis.
They are all asking for the same things: dignity, hope, and a clean start.
What Your Support Has Made Possible This Year
With your help, we have:
• Supported 5,000+ people so far this year
• Given 140,000+ garments a second life
• Delivered care, dignity, and warmth to those who need it most
Your generosity fuels this life-changing work—and it’s needed now more than ever.
Our Goal: Raise $10,000 by December 31st
We are raising $10,000 by year-end to meet rising demand and ensure no organization or neighbor goes without the essentials they’ve requested.
Your donation directly supports:
• Clean, high-quality clothing
• Menstrual care
• Hygiene essentials
• Grab-and-Go Clothing Packs
• Personalized support through our mobile clothing closet
Why Clothing Matters
Clean clothing is essential to a person’s dignity, physical comfort, and mental well-being. It helps people stay healthy, feel confident, and fully participate in daily life. Yet despite its importance, clothing is not classified as an “essential need,” even though it’s required to be in public. Because of this gap, Project Ropa often falls outside traditional funding streams—making community support vital to ensuring people in need have access to the basic items that help them show up with dignity and confidence.
Your support fills this critical gap.
Your support restores dignity.
Your support changes lives.
How You Can Help Today
1. Make a Donation
Every amount—$10, $25, $50, $100+—helps a neighbor in need.
2. Share Our Campaign
Spread the word and amplify our mission.
3. Give In-Kind Essentials
We urgently need:
• New or gently used men’s coats, hoodies, pants, shoes
• New blankets
• Individually wrapped toilet paper
• Travel-size hygiene items
Our Vision for Change
Project Ropa tackles both social and environmental challenges by reducing textile waste, restoring dignity, and creating pathways to opportunity. Your generosity powers this movement and builds a more compassionate and sustainable Los Angeles.
Learn more at www.projectropa.org
Thank You for Standing With Us
Together, we can meet this growing need—and ensure every neighbor has the dignity they deserve.
With gratitude,
The Project Ropa Team