More Than Something to Wear  

St. Anthony’s Free Clothing Program Restores Dignity and Choice 

September 30, 2026

Clothes are essential. For protection from the elements, safety and survival—humans rely on the layers that shield us from harm.  

But the sweaters, pants and shoes available through St. Anthony’s Free Clothing Program provide more than basic coverage. For many guests, clean, gently used clothes offer a fresh start for getting through a day that might not have promised much hope.  

As Jennifer Byrne explains, “If you’ve been grinding away just trying to find food or a place to sleep day after day, what you’re wearing takes a beating. And so does your spirit.”  

Jennifer manages one of the oldest free clothing programs in San Francisco, offered in a boutique, store-like setting shaped by her goal that guests who browse the store’s racks and shelves feel welcomed and respected. Located on the second floor of St. Anthony’s main building in the Tenderloin, the space is bright, well-lit and well-organized for visitors shopping for themselves or their families.  

“We have clothes for everybody including casual wear, business attire and children’s clothing—all free–and my staff is always on hand to help with selections and fit,” she says. “We love to see clients with a new find that highlights their personal style and preferences.” 

Guests hear about the program through word-of-mouth or a friendly tip from someone in another service at St. Anthony’s like the Dining Room or the Hygiene Hub. Service navigators set up a personal appointment so that guests have a dedicated time to shop, with staff support to help them find what  they need. 

The program serves individual guests in the morning, with families scheduled for the afternoon. The dignity of choice is central to the experience and means a great deal to guests whose circumstances—lack of stable living space, limited means—often preclude properly fitted, seasonally appropriate clothes. Clothing insecurity can affect both physical and mental health, especially among children who may miss school without a warm jacket to wear or shoes that fit.   

Like the program’s sister service at the Hygiene Hub, the goal is to help restore the dignity, comfort, and confidence of every individual who comes through the doors. And that’s a lot of people.  

“We average about 1,000 individuals and close to 400 families a month, and the need keeps growing,” Jennifer says. “The conversations start slow sometimes, so we try to help people talk about their needs and let them know that we’re not here to judge; we’re here to help.”  

Healing the outside and the inside 

Jennifer has seen St. Anthony’s evolve over the years. More services, more guests, more needs—but also more choices. She sees the Free Clothing Program as yet another avenue of hope and renewal. It is fundamentally an expression of St. Anthony’s Franciscan tradition: meeting people where they are and restoring dignity through simple acts of care, compassion and community. “We’re helping someone heal the outside—and the inside,” she says, “and maybe restoring the dignity and sense of self-worth that has been lost during their journey to sobriety and stability.”   

She continues her thought, “Many guests are trying to work their way back into society or re-enter the workforce and re-build their lives. Dirty and old clothes can break you down psychologically–how you feel about yourself. You don’t want to go anywhere…or see anyone. So having that boost to walk back out in the world—dressed the way you want to be dressed–it really supports the path to full participation in daily life.” 

Donations play a vital role in the success of the program and the store experience. Schools and businesses across San Francisco display branded donation barrels for later pickup, and individual donors are consistently thoughtful and generous. St. Anthony’s can also arrange curbside pickups or meet donors dropping off items at its Golden Gate Avenue location. Interestingly, the need for masculine clothing is more acute because these items tend to be donated less frequently. Donors are encouraged to take a second look through their closets for gently used items that fit this need.  

Behind the bright hum of friendly conversation and suggestions offered in the store is the awareness that many of her guests are in crisis, and Jennifer doesn’t take that lightly. A person’s recent experience or trauma may make an interaction challenging, but if they made it to the store, that’s a win. And many will return as needs change. 

One client Jennifer sees regularly has been coming to the store for years. Now disabled and moving a bit slower, she still shops for her family, most recently for her grandchildren. Another guest arrived as an immigrant with little more than a change of clothes, but open to the world of resources at St. Anthony’s that are both life-saving and life-changing. Still more guests moving from the streets to stability face difficult days as they take their first steps toward sobriety. A little personal care in-store can make a profound difference in how a guest is able to face what’s next.  

“Clothing is so personal,” says Jennifer. “Beyond protection and comfort, it’s one of the most visible ways we express who we are.” Poverty, homelessness, and addiction can strip away that sense of self, but at St. Anthony’s Free Clothing Program, choices are abundant, self-expression is encouraged and hands are extended to find just the right fit to lift both the personal look, and the look ahead to a brighter future. 

Interested in donating? Visit https://www.stanthonysf.org/services/clothing/how-to-donate/ to arrange a pickup, or make a financial donation that helps keep our store stocked and staffed for the best guest experience possible. Thank you for your generosity!