Long Island Coalition for the Homeless provides a special Distribution Center, a “Boutique”, that gives people in need a chance to come and pick out clothes and other essential items. These clothing options can range from casual to business attire. All items are free! Clothing is available in all sizes: infant through adult and everything in between. We collect items for people experiencing homelessness year round with the help of generous volunteers in the community who host drives for us at their schools, places of business, places of worship, and among friends and family.

Items which are given away at the Boutique are all donated by people and organizations in the community. The items include clothing, non-perishable food, new bedding and pillows, personal care and feminine care items, toiletries and much more! 

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The Boutique directly impacts those experiencing homelessness by:

Access to Resources: Support and connections to other resources that help people exit homelessness or remain housed and improve their overall well-being.

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Person-Centered: A safe place where the focus is on the needs and wants of each individual. 

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Street Outreach/Meeting People Where They Are At: The LICH Street Outreach Team targets engagement efforts to those living outside that are the most vulnerable, lack support systems and are the least likely to be connected to resources. Many items from the Boutique such as hygiene products, blankets, and warm winter clothing and provided to people directly on the street.

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Housing Retention: For many experiencing homelessness, a large factor in the likelihood that they remain housed is based on whether their environment feels like a home. Boutique volunteers work with housing case managers to provide move-in baskets and personal items for their new places, as part of transition case management and community orientation and integration to a new area.

Budgeting/Homeless Prevention: Many Long Islanders unfortunately have to make choices about what bills they are able to pay each month as living expenses continues to rise. Accessing vital resources such as clothing and school supplies can allow households to save money and ensure that they have enough to pay rent and remain housed. 

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Community Activism, Dialogue and Awareness: The program engages the community in volunteerism, giving and spreads awareness about the issue of homelessness. Conducting a drive allows for community unity around homelessness and the opportunity to learn how those items impact people in need. 

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To learn more about the work being done to address homelessness on Long Island visit lihomleess.org 

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