By Robert Rios, News Editor
The Associated Student In, the student government for CSUDH, backs academic issues, host events, and provides resources to make sure students have what they need in order to be successful here at DH. They make sure students are prepared for school no matter what the issue, including their attire.
Next semester, they will be opening up a Clothes Closet, which will be a free service that will offer students regular and professional dress clothes. This Basic Needs initiative will help support students who may struggle to get buy clothes. Transgender and non-binary students will have access to free gender-affirming clothing.
“As the Director of Student Services…I wanted to implement a Basic Needs initiative to help and support the students on our campus,” said Itzel Marin, Director of Student Services and creator of the services. “A large percentage of our students struggle to meet their basic needs, I wanted to implement a service that will help these students financially.”
The Clothes Closet will solely depend on donations and are heavily relying on
the generosity of the campus to continue donating. It will be fully funded by ASI, but will be receiving support from the College of Arts and Humanities, the Basic Needs department, and the Sustainability office.
The College of Arts and Humanities will be the temporary room to house the closet for the spring and summer, but the goal is to find a permanent space so the Clothes Closet could become a permanent service.
“The Clothes Closet is for students to have one less thing to worry about,” said Marin. “There are students who do not have the financial resources to buy new clothing for school or an interview, so we want to help.”
Some students think having a place on campus to get free clothes will help those in need.
“It is important because many students on campus do not have money to get new clothes they need,” said Jazmine Lopez, a junior studying business. “For example, some students do not have warm clothes for winter or for the cold conditions so the Clothes Closet will be really beneficial.”
Another student expressed the same idea about the service being available and how it can be effective like the food pantry.
“I want to go scope out the place and tell others because I have done the same with the food pantry,” said Lesly Guzman, a fourth year who is studying in child development. “This could allow students who struggle financially to get some clothes without the shame of not having enough.”
Marin hopes this service works because she believes the school should help students in different aspects.
“By offering students free clothing, they will have one less thing to worry about and do not have to worry about not being able to afford new clothes for school or professional reasons. “Doing so, we are not only helping these students professionally, but also academically.”
All departments and student organizations are welcome to donate for the Clothes Closet. Anyone can donate their clothes at the ASI office in LSU 231. They are accepting accepting casual (jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, jackets, etc.) professional clothing (dresses, blazers, suits, dress shirts, etc.) for adults. Some kids clothing will also be accepted for those with children. All clothes must be clean and lightly used.If people have any questions about the Clothes Closet, they can email [email protected] or stop by the ASI office in the LSU.
