What is Clothing Insecurity?
Clothing insecurity is a big but often overlooked issue in New Brunswick, NJ. It refers to not having enough clothing that fits properly, is suitable for the weather, or is in good condition. Issues like food insecurity normally overshadow it, yet its impact is massive. Nationally, about 2 in 5 children struggle to dress adequately each day. Additionally, “lack of clothing” is among the top reasons kids miss school. This challenge is tied locally to poverty, where nearly one in three New Brunswick residents lives below the poverty line, meaning many families and students can’t afford basic essentials like warm coats or professional attire. The effects of clothing insecurity can range from health risks in cold weather to social stigma and missed opportunities at school or work.
Sir Henry's Closet
This is a campus resource that provides students with access to professional attire for interviews, internships, and career events—along with casual clothing options for everyday needs. If buying clothes isn’t possible, we’re here to help.
Schedule an appointment, meet with staff member to discuss your needs and then browse a wide selection of professional and casual pieces—free of charge—so you can feel confident and prepared for any occasion.
Please Note: We do not accept walk-ins.
Donate to the Basic Needs Center
Email basicneeds@echo.rutgers.edu with a list of the clothing items you’d like to contribute (e.g., shoes, blazers, dresses) along with their sizes. We welcome gender-neutral/inclusive apparel and casual clothing options.
Please ensure all items are freshly washed or dry-cleaned AND bagged before donating. A staff member will contact you within 24–48 hours to arrange a drop-off time.
Environmental Sustainability Project (ESP)
The Environmental Sustainability Project (ESP), which is a student-led initiative at Rutgers, is actively working to fix this issue. ESP’s mission is to promote sustainability while increasing access to affordable goods for students by partnering with local thrift stores in New Brunswick. By encouraging thrifting and reusing clothing, we hope to build a campus culture that is both eco-friendly and budget-friendly. We also fundraise and set up clothing donation bins in student centers, making it easy for students to drop off gently used clothes. These donations are diverted from landfills and can go toward those in need. ESP also conducts research and surveys among Rutgers students and New Brunswick residents to understand clothing needs and measure the impact of our efforts. By combining thrift store partnerships, donation drives, and data-driven outreach, ESP is directly responding to clothing insecurity in the local Rutgers New Brunswick community. We hope to provide the community with more affordable, accessible clothing options, but also reduce waste and raise awareness.
More Details Coming Soon!!
