Free Attire for the LGBTQ+ Community at Open Wardrobe
Free Attire for the LGBTQ+ Community at Open Wardrobe
FIVE Locations: Philadelphia, Upper Darby, Exton, Norristown, and Kennett Square
(Greater Philadelphia Area) – With a mission of eliminating clothing insecurity, The Wardrobe opens its doors this month for the LGBTQ+ community to access free attire.
This month’s Open Wardrobe – the nonprofit organization’s monthly open event to meet the needs of specific communities – will offer attire for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community. On Wednesday, February 25, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., participants will receive free clothing along with additional community resources.
Program Director Mars Sharrock says these Open Wardrobes for the LGBTQ+ community have been well-attended by people seeking a supportive environment to find clothing that feels comfortable for work and life.
“Supportive basic need spaces for LGBTQ+ people are harder and harder to come by,” he says. “We want to support our communities by giving them the things they need to survive and to express themselves.”
Open Wardrobe is a day set aside each month to provide free clothing to a specific population. This allows people to “shop” with their peers and receive additional support as needed. Open Wardrobe events also include complimentary services such as educational workshops, resource tables, and additional apparel not normally available.
Open Wardrobe will be available at five Wardrobe locations: 413 N 4th St., Philadelphia; 62 W. Marshall Rd. Upper Darby; 345 Scarlett Road, Kennett Square; the Exton Square Mall (2nd floor near Boscov's), and our brand new location in the Montgomery County Senior Adult Activities Center (Montco SAAC), 536 George Street, Norristown, PA.
All participants must RSVP at wardrobepa.org/open-wardrobe
ABOUT THE WARDROBE
For more than 30 years, The Wardrobe has focused on eliminating clothing insecurity, empowering people for success, and curbing fashion waste.
Whether someone needs an outfit for work or everyday life or coaching to help them build their career, they receive free support and STAR Treatment - Styling, Time, Advice, and Respect at The Wardrobe. With six locations throughout the Philadelphia region, The Wardrobe supports 10,000 people annually with the clothing, advice, and tools needed to move forward toward independence and stability.
The Wardrobe believes clothing shouldn't be a barrier to success. The organization works to eliminate clothing insecurity, which can mean not having anything to wear or not having the right thing to wear. In addition to clothing, The Wardrobe’s guests have access to the Wings for Success education program, offering one-on-one coaching and workshops to help them achieve their professional or personal goals.
The Wardrobes in Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery, and Chester counties provide a high-end resale shopping experience for all. Clothing sales inspire change for The Wardrobe participants by directly funding the programs. With new arrivals daily, any shopper can find great deals on designer and contemporary clothing at over 70% off retail prices. For those outside the area, the organization offers the Wardrobe Box both as a seasonal subscription box (similar to Stitch Fix) for shoppers or personally styled for free for participants.
Information on how to get clothing or sign up as a Community Partner is available at www.wardrobepa.org/services.
