Many refugee families are comfortable owning just a few pieces of clothing. However, it is very important that families have proper winter apparel, children have at least a week’s worth of clothing for school, and men and women seeking employment have one business-attire outfit. There are low-cost clothing providers throughout the Twin Cities. WRM recommends:
Vine & Branches Clothing. The Vine & Branches Ministry is located in Hope Church at 7132 Portland Avenue South, Richfield. At Vine & Branches we have several tools in place that are intended to be supportive of those who need help stretching limited budgets. We especially wish to be supportive of single parents preparing to enter the work force, or struggling to make it on an entry-level salary.
For these people, and others in crisis situations, we offer:
• A clothing center that includes household items.
• A limited-use, free laundry.
• Physical and spiritual support and assistance.
In all that we do — whether we provide a warm coat for a child, help someone wash their clothes, or give a single mom gas to make It to work — we have a singular purpose: To extend the love of Christ to our neighborhood.
For Vine & Branches, please call Heidi Johnson or Nancy Staloch at 612-866-4055, ext. #129.
How can I help a family with their Vines and Branches appointment?
Families always need rides to and from their Vines and Branches appointment. World Relief will make the appointment referral and schedule the appointment with the family and/or volunteer. Appointments are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays and generally take between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the family. Vines and Branches prefer that families bring an interpreter; however, this is not a requirement. Information Needed for Appointment:
- Family Name:
- Primary Contact Person/English speaking friend or relative:
- Case Manager’s name and number:
- Appointment time and date:
- Bridging location:
- Family’s address:
Clothing Center. Hope’s clothing ministry has good quality, used clothing and household items for sale at minimal prices. We are not a free store, we believe that an affordable cost leaves dignity intact. When circumstances warrant we make exceptions to our pricing.
If there are specific clothing needs, e.g., uniforms, we make special requests from our congregation, or buy what is needed. We especially hope to help those searching for a job, or in need of a work wardrobe.
Clothing Center Hours:
Wednesday 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am- 1:00 pm
Kidz Kloset. At a time when family budgets are stretched thin, life’s essential goods and services are tough to come by. In January, 2009 Kidz Klozet opened its doors to serve the neediest neighbors in Northeast Minneapolis and the surrounding communities. Kidz Klozet is a place where gently used donated children’s clothing is made available to families in need who shop for free. We welcome your time, financial support and donated goods. 100% of your support will be used to make clothing available to those who need it the most. Contact:
Elim Church
685 13th Avenue NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612-789-3591
Kelly: 612.202.1761 / jkclod@aol.com
Cyndi:612.730.1968 / cyndiklum@yahoo.com
Other clothing Options. For clothing providers closer to your refugee partner’s home, call United Way 2-1-1 and provide the representative with your refugee partner’s zip code. Otherwise, encourage your refugee partner to shop at local consignment shops and thrift stores or make an announcement at church for donations (remember to announce what size the family members wear).
