It all started in October of 1999 when the Austin Interreligious Ministries made a request to Ralph Eckwall of the Austin District United Methodist Men to provide clothing for men experiencing homelessness in Austin. Within two weeks, the Men’s Clothes Closet served its first client.

Since then, over 28,000 men have received clothing and other life needs.

After Covid, the Men’s Clothes Closet now serves men experiencing homelessness at First United Methodist Church, located at 13th and Lavaca, Thursday mornings. 

The Men’s Clothes Closet’s mission is to provide clothing and personal interaction with our homeless clients. Spiritual reading materials and a listening ear are available. Our goal is to bless people experiencing homelessness with a new sense of dignity, improved self-image, and HOPE for the future.  Calling a client by name, shaking his hand, making eye contact and telling him that “God loves him” helps a man feel blessed by God.  When we do a little bit for someone, it could be a BIG SOMETHING for them.

To better understand what experiencing homelessness in Austin is like, we invite you to join us at the Men’s Clothes Closet to work one-on-one with our clients.  Serving and talking with people experiencing homelessness really impacts your perspective and heart.