At Southside Community Church, free clothing is just part of its long-running Community Closet. Connecting with those in need is just as important as helping outfit them.
“It’s a place where they can go in for a chat. Many times, they go and have a coffee with us. It really becomes more of a relationship building,” said co-organizer Ana Paula Sallai Godinho.
The church’s community closet -- offering women’s, men’s and children's attire -- has served more than 5,000 families since 2008 — with the last five years at the downtown Main Street location, according to Godinho.
About two years ago, she stepped up to take over the program with friend Naomi Herbold, with a small but dedicated group of volunteers.
“We revamped it a little bit,” Godinho said, highlighting some of the operation improvements, including bolstering their social media presence.
The demand continues to grow.
By the time the doors open at 10 a.m. Saturday, there’s usually quite a few people awaiting outside. The weekly program -- which runs until 2 p.m. -- supports 50 to 60 families every week, with each person (including children) welcomed to take up to six items at no charge.
Herbold said they see people from all walks of life.
“I don't think it's necessarily just people who are in poverty anymore,” she said. “I think everyone's feeling the crunch of inflation, rents going up and all these things.”
Some are new to Canada, families who arrive with very little and may not be familiar with the country’s distinct seasons.
“It’s just a great way to get their closets full for all seasons,” Herbold said.
Despite the community's generosity with donations, providing options for teenage boys and men remains a challenge. Additionally, getting enough winter coats and boots in the colder months can be difficult.
Beyond the regular wardrobe needs, there are times when people require special items, seek a listening ear or need assistance finding a job. Herbold said that while they can’t always fulfill every request directly, “we'll try to connect them with people that can help them with those things.”
Godinho recalls helping a young man, living alone in Canada, who needed black shirts for work. Two weeks later, the man returned and had his parents abroad call and thank her. They remain in touch to this day.
Such connection is a big part of what keeps her going.
“So those little things sometimes go a long way,” Godinho said.
Herbold shares that sentiment.
“One of the best things is when someone who's been coming for a while walks in and they see you — and their face lights up and we smile and hug. It feels like seeing a friend and that's to me, that's the best part of it,” Herbold said.
Godinho’s hope is for people to serve the community and share “the struggles and joy together.”
To learn more about the community closet, to volunteer or make a donation, visit southsidemilton.org/clothes.