Community Corner
'Workplace & Professional Clothing' Drive Launched For Homeless LGBTQ Youth
Donations of gently used suits, shoes, handbags and other wardrobe items are welcomed at several Los Angeles drop-off sites.
LOS ANGELES – City Controller Ron Galperin and two councilmen announced a clothing drive Tuesday at Los Angeles City Hall for homeless LGBTQ youth.
The drive focuses on attire that the recipients can wear to job interviews and professional workplaces.
"Homeless people already face numerous obstacles to employment, and openly LGBTQ and gender nonconforming people are doubly disadvantaged," Galperin said. "With this clothing drive, we're seeking to give people opportunities to get the jobs they want and to realize their dreams. One suit, blazer or pair of shoes can make all of the difference for someone at a critical juncture in his or her life."
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The drive is being organized along with the offices of Councilmen Mike Bonin and Mitch O'Farrell, Mayor Eric Garcetti's office, L.A. Sanitation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center, which will make the clothes available to youth who need them.
"I am committed to helping people find jobs, and that includes assisting those who face barriers to employment," O'Farrell said. "With this clothing drive, we're hoping to reduce at least one of those barriers by helping job seekers of all ages look and feel their best during interviews for employment or to launch their professional careers."
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Professional clothing in good condition, purses, shoes and unopened travel-size toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner and body wash are needed.
Clothing and other items will be accepted at drop-off locations in front of the City Controller's Office on the third floor of City Hall East at 200 N. Main St., the Mayor's Help Desk on the third floor of City Hall at 200 N. Spring St., Bonin's City Hall office in Suite 475, and O'Farrell's district office at 1722 Sunset Blvd.
"Many people have gently used outfits and shoes in perfectly good condition that they may no longer need or even think of," Bonin said. "Yet for a young homeless person, this kind of clothing may seem like an unattainable luxury. When you're interviewing for a job, though, it's a necessity. Let's all do our part to help."
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