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About Us
Project Ropa is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates the only mobile clothing closet of its kind for people in need in Los Angeles. Project Ropa’s mission is to reduce textile waste and restore dignity by providing clothing and hygiene essentials to those in need, while advocating for clothing to be recognized as an essential human right.
What We Do
At Project Ropa, we recognize that clothing is more than just fabric—it’s a fundamental human need. Our mobile walk-in clothing closet brings more than clean clothes, shoes, accessories, and hygiene kits to underserved communities across Los Angeles—it brings dignity, confidence, and a renewed sense of self. By helping people find clothing that fits their size, style, and identity, we aim to uplift morale and open doors to employment and housing opportunities. Our work is deeply rooted in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which identifies clothing as part of the foundation for security, self-esteem, and ultimately, self-actualization.
To support this mission, we partner with manufacturers, retailers, corporations, nonprofits, and individuals to rescue surplus items that would otherwise be discarded or exported. These contributions not only reduce textile waste but also help us stock our mobile closet and our Community Clothing and Hygiene Bank. Through this bank, we provide bulk distributions of clothing and hygiene essentials to local nonprofit partners serving individuals and families in need. We understand that a lack of access to clean clothing and hygiene isn’t just a matter of comfort—it’s a barrier to dignity, opportunity, and hope. At Project Ropa, we’re working to change that, one outfit at a time.
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 people in need one article of clothing at a time.
Our Team
Caitlin Adler
Executive Director
Alex Camacho
Mobile Services Manager
Andrew Marquez
Operations Manager
Lauran Natarajan
Warehouse Manager
Tyler Reynolds
Mobile Services Coordinator
Our Impact
Explore our past three years of impact reports to see how Project Ropa has helped reduce textile waste and provide essential clothing and hygiene support to those in need.
Our Board
Caitlin Adler
Board Chairwoman
Caitlin is the Founder and Executive Director at Project Ropa. She has a diverse professional background spanning nonprofit leadership, user experience design and operations management at companies including Rock Solid Technologies and in the hospitality industry at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Caitlin brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic vision to her work. She holds an Associate’s degree from The Culinary Institute of America and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree.
Jason Kiesel
Treasurer
Jason is the Chief Executive Officer of Packed House Pictures, a film production company, and a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the tech industry. He founded the govtech company CitySourced which was later acquired by Rock Solid Technologies. Jason then lead strategic growth at Rock Solid Technologies as Chief Strategy Officer until its acquisition by Granicus. From selling oranges as a kid in Escondido to working with clients like Microsoft and Disney, Jason has built a career rooted in innovation and problem-solving across industries. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychobiology from UCLA.
Kat Kiyoko Amano
Secretary and Board Member
Mathieu Rasamoela
Board Member
Blair Sun Chee Fore
Board Member
Sarah Rauh
Board Member
Sarah is currently a medical student at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and a longtime volunteer at Project Ropa. She has a unique background, with over a decade of experience in project management, product development, and communications across the healthcare, apparel, and non-profit sectors, as well as in both the private and public sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Tufts University and an Associate in Applied Science in Fashion Design from Parsons School of Design, The New School.
Elijah Abbey
Board Member
Elijah Abbey is a dedicated educator with The Education Team and a longtime volunteer at Project Ropa. He brings a deep passion for community service and strives to inspire others to get involved and make a positive impact. Elijah holds a degree in Screenwriting from the New York Film Academy.
OUR Financials
View Project Ropa’s past three years of tax returns below to learn more about our financial transparency and commitment to accountability.
