Project Ropa

Clean clothes and hygiene products significantly impact a person's economic well-being, physical health, and emotional resilience. Without these basic necessities, it is virtually impossible for someone to get off the street and get a job.

Founded in 2015 by Caitlin Adler, Project Ropa began by redistributing unwanted donations from local charities with the goal of using the remaining clothes to one day stock a pop-up shop for people in need. Since then, Project Ropa has taken the concept to the streets and now work with Lava Mae, a mobile shower organization to help restore dignity, rekindle optimism and remove these barriers by providing clean clothes and other basic necessities to individuals experiencing homelessness at weekly events in Los Angeles.

Project Ropa also provides job interview outfits to Homeless Health Care Los Angeles and Safe Place for Youth; prom dresses and suits to A Place Called Home; everyday clothes to Lava Mae and The Refresh Spot in Skid Row, and damaged and dated clothes to Sew Swag to be upcyclyed. 

To date, Project Ropa has directly provided clothing to 1,500 homeless individuals, prom outfits to more than 100 teenagers, and job interview outfits to over 800 people.

In May of 2018, Project Ropa launched a social impact fashion brand that changes lives by employing individuals transitioning out of homelessness. All of the clothing is hand-painted in Los Angeles. Learn more about the social enterprise here.