Okay men. Listen up.

The Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre (DI) serves approximately 8500 individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness every year. On any given day and night, including harm reduction (those just looking for a safe place to sleep off the night’s excesses or somewhere to rest during the day away from city streets and parks), day sleep numbers (people who need extra sleep due to a medical reason or working nights) and those housed in permanent housing, up to 1100 people will be housed daily by the DI.

90% of the people the DI serves are men. This percentage is not indicative of the general homeless population where approximately 25% (or higher depending upon who is included in the no.) are women. The lower percentage of women is due to several factors including the fact the DI only serves adults. Women with children and families in need of emergency shelter cannot use the DI. In addition, many of the issues women face in homelessness are exacerbated by their relationships with men (no offence guys but our relationships with you are often our problem!) and an environment where there are so many men is not always the most emotionally safe or supportive environment for women, particularly as fleeing violence is often a cause of episodic homelessness for women.

And here’s where men need to listen up — 10% of the clothing donations the DI receives are for…. women.

Which is why I am loading my car full of clothing C.C., my partner, cleared out of his closet and dresser drawers. From shirts to pants, underwear to socks, outerwear for all seasons, clean and in good repair men’s clothing is always in demand at the DI.

Cleaning out your wardrobe is a good thing!

Dropping it off at the DI, or any shelter in your area, is a good thing too!

It repurposes your old clothes.

It makes a difference.

When I got out of a relationship that was really, really bad (remember what I said about relationships with men being a problem?… I lived it — big time!), I had a suitcase full of men’s clothing. The man in question had been arrested and for my emotional and physical well-being, I was in ‘No Contact’ mode. I wanted his clothes and belongings out of my life and so, I cleaned and pressed everything and took it all down to an organization in North Vancouver where I was living at the time, and donated it to an agency that works with men who have been incarcerated or homeless in rebuilding their lives. It felt good to divert my anger into a positive direction — knowing his clothes would be helping someone get back on their feet was a bonus.

Yes, I understand you only wore that shirt and pants to your son’s baptism. I know they’re still in mint condition. But seriously? Your son is now twenty and well, let’s just say your waist is not as trim as it used to be…. And one thing about men’s fashion — it doesn’t go out of style as quickly as women’s. Those pants will still find a good body to wear them!

Cleaning out your wardrobe helps your psyche, clears out clutter and helps places like the DI serve those who are struggling to end homelessness in their lives.

And, it’s a simple and easy way to make a difference in the world.

Go ahead. Try it. I promise, you’ll feel better when your closets are clean and you know you’ve done something good for a stranger.