How One Nonprofit Puts Clothes at the Forefront

Words by Sommer Brugal Photos by Eric Morales

There’s something exciting about finding a new outfit or trying on a pair of shoes that fit just right. It’s a small thrill for many, but not Cathy Hamilton. For the CEO and founder of Austin Threads, a tri-city non-profit, the often-normalized act of shopping means much more: an opportunity for at-risk youth ages 12-21 to make their own choices.

“So many of our kids just get hand-me-downs,” Cathy says. Many don’t know their size. But in the Austin, Houston, and San Antonio stores, youth can “find their style or color, while staff and volunteers serve as their personal shoppers.”
The entire experience – from when they walk in and see outfitted mannequins and featured styles to when they walk out with their new items – is meant to feel like an actual clothing store. It’s also a safe space for youth to ask questions about things they may not know. The only difference, Cathy says, “is that it’s free.”

“We’re supporting our youth in a way no one else is so they can stay in school, apply for jobs, and, once they get a job, they can keep it and wear the appropriate apparel and shoes,” Cathy emphasizes.

The concept behind Austin Threads – providing new, unworn clothes to underserved youth – came about when Cathy was a court-appointed special advocate volunteer, where she supported youth in foster care. Throughout her years volunteering, she noticed kids rarely had the appropriate attire, whether it be a missing jacket in the wintertime or shoes that didn’t fit.

She wondered why the only options were clothing from boxes and barrels, so she set out to find a better alternative. In 2016, Cathy launched her concept in San Antonio and, after a substantial donation, expanded to Austin in 2019. The Houston store opened in September 2020.

Since then, through referrals from homeless shelters, foster homes, Title 1 schools, and other youth-focused organizations, Threads has grown from serving between 25 and 50 youth monthly to more than 800. Last year, they served nearly 10,000 youth; in 2021, they expect to serve 12,000.

For Cathy, two of the greatest challenges are keeping up with the rapid growth and ensuring inventory is full. The organization partners with retailers like Ross and community churches to fill the racks and shelves. Moreover, through funding and grants, Threads purchases brand name items from wholesalers to stay on trend.

Despite its fast growth, Threads has no plans to expand in the coming years. Instead, the organization is focusing on recruiting more funders and improving little things, like technology and streamlining inventory. After all, it’s not necessarily about how fast the organization grows but about the individual lives they impact.

Notes to Remember
Before kids leave the store, they’re asked to respond to a prompt: Where will your new clothes take you? What do your new clothes mean to you?

Through the years, some responses have been funny: “Can you get us the new Justin Bieber shirt?” Other times, they’re thanking staff for a fresh start. One, however, recently stood out to Cathy. “Thank you for giving our city hope.” She says notes like those make all the controlled chaos worth it.

“I want the kids to know that people do care; the community does care,” Cathy smiles. “This is how we get people to rally behind us to say, ‘Let’s support these kids. They are not forgotten, and they do matter.’”

Contact:
(737) 802-3295
1908 Chicon St., Suite A
austinthreads.org
@austin_threads