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About Us

Project Ropa is a Los Angeles based nonprofit and certified social enterprise on a mission to reduce waste and restore dignity to those in need by providing clothing and hygiene essentials.

Our Story

Founded in 2016 by Caitlin Adler, Project Ropa was born out of a realization that there was a significant gap in services for people experiencing homelessness. It became evident to Caitlin that access to clean clothes that fit well and appealed to the individual was severely limited for this vulnerable population. Determined to make a difference, she set out to provide a solution that would empower lives and restore a sense of dignity.

Recognizing the importance of personal hygiene alongside clean clothing, Project Ropa forged partnerships with mobile shower providers. This allowed individuals to not only receive a fresh set of clothes but also a hot shower, experiencing a complete refresh. And because both services were mobile, they could reach those in need in locations that were more convenient for them.

In its early days, Project Ropa was a one-person show, with Caitlin loading her personal vehicle with a clothing rack and a stockpile of new and gently used men’s and women’s clothing and shoes. She would then set up for service next to a mobile shower provider.

In 2019, Project Ropa customized a Ford transit van into a mobile walk-in clothing closet and switched from being a volunteer-run initiative to a growing nonprofit with a four-person staff. But the mission has remained the same: to restore dignity to homeless and low-income individuals and families one article of clothing at a time.

What We Do

Our mobile walk-in clothing closet carries hope as well as a full selection of clean clothes, shoes, accessories and personal hygiene kits to those in need in the Los Angeles area. Our goal is to provide each client with just the right fit and style of clothing, uplifting morale and ultimately helping to open doors to employment and housing opportunities.

We work with manufacturers, retailers, corporations, nonprofit organizations and individuals to stock our closet with surplus supplies that might otherwise end up in landfills or be shipped to developing countries.

To extend our reach to other parts of Los Angeles, we also operate a Community Clothing and Hygiene Bank, which provides local mutual aid groups and small nonprofit organizations with bulk supplies for further distribution.

We understand that not having access to clean clothing or to a shower is only part of the challenge facing those in need. The greater issue is not being able to adequately provide for themselves which is why we provide employment to people with barriers.

Our Mission

The mission of Project Ropa is to reduce waste and restore dignity to those in need by providing clothing and hygiene essentials.

Project Ropa is the only nonprofit organization of its kind in Los Angeles. Our mobile clothing closet, carries hope as well as a full selection of clothes, shoes, accessories and hygiene products to those in need.

Help make a positive impact in the lives of people in need by volunteering with Project Ropa. We have in-person and remote volunteer opportunities available. 

Get Involved.

Social Enterprise​

To further our mission and help break the cycle of poverty, Project Ropa has become a Los Angeles Certified Social Enterprise. We recognize the transformative power of providing living-wage jobs to those with barriers to employment. With a staff that includes individuals with lived experience, we bring a unique level of knowledge and empathy to our work. This firsthand understanding enables us to better serve our clients and honor their humanity, helping them on their journey to stability and self-sufficiency.

Financial Transparency

At Project Ropa, we are committed to being open and transparent with our financials.