The Dignity of Clean Clothes

Every single day at Trinity Center, we welcome more than 100 neighbors through our doors. Many of our visitors are experiencing homelessness, living with very limited or no income, and some are just days away from losing their housing. They come for many reasons—breakfast, help with getting an ID, checking their mail, hygiene supplies, a warm cup of coffee—and many come for a shower and a fresh change of clothes.

There are a few other places in town to shower, but what makes Trinity Center different is how we do it—with radical hospitality, and the support of incredible volunteers who create a space that feels safe, a space where one leaves feeling dignified and cared for.

Currently, we are able to offer clothes on designated shower days, and we also have dedicated clothing distribution days during the week. And if someone walks in with an urgent need for clean clothes, we do everything we can to help them on the spot.

Here's the tough part: we’re running out, and we run out quickly

"Being unhoused means facing an uphill battle—not just with hate and lack of resources, but for men, also with a lack of pants. Sometimes, we have to wear only shorts, even in the winter, or pajama pants, which puts us at a serious disadvantage."- Mark - Trinity visitor

Most of our visitors are men, and that’s where the need is greatest. Our donations of men's clothing simply don’t match the demand. The numbers show it—we provide clothing to more than 50 men each week—and the reality is harsh. Sometimes we just don’t have pants, shoes, or even a belt to offer. And neighbors end up leaving with unfilled clothing needs.

This summer, the need is even more urgent. In July, August, and September, we’re serving as a cooling center, offering daily showers in the afternoons for both men and women, almost doubling the # of men we help with fresh clothing in a week. It’s been a life-changing resource for so many, but with the increased demand, our clothing bins and racks are stretching thin.

What we need most right now:

• Men’s pants (especially sizes 32–36)

• Men’s underwear (new only)

• Men’s shoes (all sizes)

• Belts

If you want to help, here’s how to do it:

👖 Donate clothes! Ask your friends, family, coworkers, or community groups to donate!

👟 Host a men's clothing drive! Got a group of students, colleagues, neighbors, or church members? Start a small collection drive—it’s easy to set up and the impact is huge. You’ll be surprised at how many people want to help when given the chance.

🩲 Give online or send items our way! Short on time? You can still help! Donate funds online or shop directly from our wishlists. Even $10 helps us get basic items into the hands of someone who truly needs them.

Drop off donations: At Trinity Center or at the front desk of St. David's Church in the donation bin, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. On Sundays, donations can be dropped off at St. David's only, from 9 AM to 12 PM. For more information about how to execute a men's clothing drive, contact Volunteer Coordinator Manuela at manuela.a@trinitycenteraustin.org

Purchase through our Amazon Wishlist

Amazon Wishlist

Financial gifts. Please write 'Men's clothing' in the memo to ensure the funds are allocated specifically for this purpose.

Donate here!

Taking a shower and putting on clean clothes shouldn’t be a luxury—it’s a basic human right. It’s about dignity, comfort, and being seen.

THANK YOU for helping us ensure no one walks out our doors without the essentials they deserve.