Free Clothes for the Community! What You Wear Should Not be an Obstacle
by Olivia Green | WeINSPIRE Reporter
HERCULES, Ca. — Founded by Barbra Lee and located in downtown San Rafael, California, Bloom, a second-hand clothing store, has spent over 20 years making a monumental difference in their community. While many shop at thrift stores out of concern for the environment, Bloom has an additional humanitarian incentive. It happens to be the only non-profit organization in the United States that provides clients with two weeks worth of mix-and-match clothing and accessories for free with the option to return six months later for a change of season wardrobe. Volunteers work as personal shoppers for clients as they find flattering, versatile pieces that meet their professional and daily life needs. While the retail store is open to all, clients are referred by social service agencies. This includes individuals who are houseless, jobless, victims of domestic violence, those suffering from economic hardship, those in substance abuse recovery programs, as well as others.
Image courtesy of Bloom
Executive Director Lenice Smith was drawn to Bloom just over two years ago. “You think that clothing isn’t a big deal, but it makes an impact on how someone represents themselves because we can both be wearing the same thing and there’s no real deviation, but when you see someone that doesn’t have the right clothing, it kind of frames them in a bad light,” said Smith. “So to take that obstacle away and give them a fresh start to apply for a job, go out in the world and not be seen as lacking, is huge.”
While Smith has seen the impact that a fresh wardrobe can have in someone’s life in such a short time, Bloom’s retail manager, Dahmitra Jackson, has been working with the organization since high school. “People can say all they want that they don’t judge people for what they wear, but they totally do,” said Jackson. “Once we set our clients up with what they need, they automatically feel so much more self-confidence, and they feel like they can actually go and get that job and do that thing. They’re ready.”
“There’s a shift in their energy from the time they walk through our doors to when they leave because our clients aren’t just focused on themselves all the time,” Smith added. “They may have children, loved ones, or a situation that’s consuming their headspace, but when they come here, everything is focused on them. That transformation happens, and it’s amazing.”
Other than observing the day-to-day at Bloom, Jackson has seen the power of the organization firsthand as her mother, Tamra Phillips, the current Director of Operations, first became involved as a client. Philips' ability to receive people from a place of empathy points to her dedication to instilling dignity in all who walk through their doors. “The success of the organization is directly linked to a person who once received services here,” said Smith. “I find that to be profound, and I tell people all the time that I can come and go, but you could build a whole organization around Tamra.” As Philips is sure only to accept valuable donations of quality for clients, “her famous line is to relay to people that this is the equivalent of our clients going to Nordstroms,” said Jackson.
Bloom’s 2020 client of the year, Nicole, lost her daughter in a drive-by shooting. After this earth-shattering event, the immeasurable grief of her daughter consumed her mind. Through Bloom’s help, Nicole has been able to start working and gain the confidence to speak out against gun violence while advocating for other families who have lost loved ones because of it.
Nicole’s story is one example of how life is unpredictable. It can force us to work through obstacle after obstacle, but clothing should not hinder one from reinventing themselves and going after their goals. Bloom recognizes this, giving people clothes weaved with hope, dignity, and unlimited possibilities for their future through their work.
To support Bloom, shop their retail store, volunteer, donate, or check out their events!
