Dear Community Members,
The cost of essentials keeps climbing. Since 2019, the price of menstrual pads is up ~41% and tampons ~36%, while many public assistance programs are facing disruptions—forcing people to choose between groceries and basic hygiene. When that happens, items like new underwear, socks, detergent, and period products fall off the list, and dignity is often the first casualty.
At Project Ropa, we meet this moment by providing clean clothing, shoes, menstrual products, laundry detergent, and hygiene essentials—delivered with care through our mobile closet and community partners.
Yesterday we heard from Daniel, who recently entered transitional housing and learned his food benefits would be interrupted:
“I am in need of some help. I am staying in a transitional housing unit. They helped me with my EBT, but with the government shut down, I won’t be able to receive anything. I know it’s a lot to ask, but is there any way you guys could help me with some clothes and some hygiene products. I really need your help.”
Stories like Daniel’s aren’t rare right now.
To respond, we are offering free menstrual products, laundry detergent, underwear, socks, shoes, hygiene kits, and clothing to anyone in need at our service sites. This month alone, we’ve already provided 500+ people with clothing and hygiene essentials, and we expect demand to double in November as more neighbors feel the ripple effects of benefit interruptions and rising costs.
Here’s the truth: we’re a small nonprofit that does not qualify for significant government funding because clothing isn’t currently classified as “essential” in California. That means our ability to keep our vans fueled, shelves stocked, and staff and volunteers equipped depends on community support from you.
If you’re able, please make a donation today to help us keep this lifeline going. Your gift puts clean clothing and hygiene essentials directly into the hands of people who need them most—and helps them show up to work, job interviews, housing intakes, court dates, and medical appointments feeling clean, confident, and seen.
Warm Regards,
Caitlin Adler
Executive Director and Founder at Project Ropa