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Project Ropa

Cause Area

  • Community
  • Employment
  • Homeless & Housing
  • People with Disabilities
  • Women

Location

13970 Van Ness AvenueGardena, CA 90249 United States

Organization Information

Mission Statement

The mission of Project Ropa is to reduce waste and restore dignity to those in need by providing clothing and hygiene essentials.

Description

An Overview: Who We Are

Project Ropa, is a Los Angeles-based non-profit and certified social enterprise, paving the way towards a more compassionate, sustainable world. At its core, Project Ropa is a mobile clothing closet delivering premium, hand-selected apparel and shoes to people in need. We work to give a second life to items originally destined for landfills. In doing so, Project Ropa empowers lives, providing individuals with hygiene essentials and high-quality clothing and shoes that can open doors to future opportunities.

Our Approach: The Power of Love

Project Ropa's approach to serving our clients is deeply rooted in the concept of the intrinsic value and unlimited potential of their lives. Instead of seeing people as problems to be solved, Project Ropa views each individual as a person with unique aspirations and contributions. Many of the individuals served by Project Ropa are working to secure employment, improve their health, and maintain stable housing. Project Ropa is there to support them at every step of their journey.

Each client is welcomed to shop from our mobile clothing closet and offered one-to-one service. Project Ropa's team members work diligently to help clients find clothing they'll be proud to wear - clean, stylish, and hand-picked. This level of personalized care may require time and attention, but it is where the real impact happens. It's care that restores hope, and the clients deeply appreciate it.

Reviews

Would you recommend Project Ropa?
26 reviews Write a review
by Sarah H. (2024-03-18 20:49:51.0)
Project Ropa provides a great opportunity to help serve the community. Their staff are patient and helpful. The time goes by quick when volunteering here! Would definitely recommend.
by Jason J. (2024-03-17 00:09:38.0)
I can only speak for volunteering at the warehouse, but it’s always a rewarding experience thanks to the wonderful staff and other volunteers. There’s plenty to do but it’s all relatively simple, so anyone should be able to spend a few hours that will make a big difference for those in need.
by Julio M. (2023-09-21 20:45:50.0)
I feel it was a blessing to find this opportunity. I think it's easy to forget how good it feels to help strangers in need and as you turn your life around, you'd be surprised how rewarding it feels. Each and every person I met here have been amazingly cool to me. Whether you're younger looking for your first job or want to simply do good, you benefit from this.
by Danielle C. from Northridge, CA (2023-03-26 17:42:38.0)
Awesome services.cant wait to join!!
by Jimin L. (2023-03-18 00:32:19.0)
Project Ropa is such a wonderful organization to volunteer with! It is filled with amazing people, from its leaders to everyone else I've met while volunteering with Project Ropa. I've volunteered both in the warehouse as well as on site at places like Hollywood and Echo Park. Both are great! Volunteering at the "warehouse" might not sound insanely appealing but it's actually pretty great because we have music playing and there's fun people to chat with while you volunteer. Of course, volunteering on site is great because you get to see who your efforts in the warehouse are impacting. Project Ropa is definitely an organization I am happy to volunteer with because of the amazing effect it has on the communities it serves! I recommend!
by Rebeca P. (2023-02-17 18:01:00.0)
It’s a pleasure to volunteer at the warehouse sorting clothes for the unhoused. Project Ropa provides a welcoming environment for all and it feels great to be part of such a great cause.
by Andrew M. (2023-02-04 14:39:24.0)
Project Ropa is an amazing organization to volunteer for. I initially signed up for the warehouse to help organize and sort the donations they receive. It was my first time and I loved it! It was straight forward and simple enough and I was able to accomplish a lot within a short time. Alex was there with me and he was great company. I loved it so much, I decided to come back the very next day and helped distribute some of what was sorted to those in need in Echo park, an even more amazing experience. Being able to see the true impact I helped be a part of was incredible and now, I’m hooked. Nate and Alex were a big inspiration to me and they can expect to see a lot more of me moving forward. If you’re looking for a place to give your time to, this is it.
by Lindsey C. (2023-01-20 16:14:15.0)
I'm so glad I chose to volunteer with Project Ropa! The warehouse is so clean and organized in order to efficiently help as many people as possible. The tasks are very simple such as sorting clothes and assembling hygiene kits. Everyone I have met so far is is so friendly, laid-back, and passionate about making a difference in the community!
by Meredith G. (2022-10-27 09:52:25.0)
Project Ropa is an amazing organization that truly helps make a difference for those who are unhoused in the LA area. I love volunteering with Project Ropa because the head of the organization, Caitlyn, is kind, organized, and makes volunteering a fun experience. She plays music in the warehouse as we make hygiene kits, sort clothes, and prepare items for distribution. The other volunteers are fun to work with as well, and it's wonderful to work together for such a worthy cause. Working with Project Ropa also helps put my life and troubles into perspective and makes me realize that I have so much to be grateful for.
by Lexie Y. (2022-10-26 10:27:59.0)
Volunteering with Project Ropa has been amazing so far! I've been helping out in the warehouse for the past few weeks and it works great with my busy schedule. The team is kind-hearted, fun, and so welcoming. It feels great to be a part of the incredible impact this organization has and have so much fun while doing it!
by Kelle M. (2022-05-25 18:25:46.0)
The team was so great and welcoming. As a first-time volunteer with Project Ropa, I felt well prepared to complete the tasks at hand and enjoyed every minute of the morning. The folks who came to pick up clothes and hygiene kits were so kind and appreciative.
by Joya L. from CA (2022-05-25 14:03:50.0)
I've recently begun volunteering at the Gardena warehouse location and it has been the most productive and inviting thing I've experienced since the pandemic. It's so fulfilling to give back to the community! I've been considering volunteering on site as well.
by zoe b. (2022-05-04 11:51:00.0)
I am really excited by the mission of Project Ropa, and it was a great time to volunteer in their space for an hour last month. The staff and volunteer staff are motivated, welcoming, and organized. I appreciated that there was a clear task for me to devote myself to. Looking forward to the chance to help again!
by Malin R. (2022-05-04 09:34:19.0)
As a parent I love having my kids be involved in the community and I have brought my kids who are 12 and 15 to Project Ropa warehouse volunteer days. We help with creating hygiene kits and folding/separating clothes which is perfect for teens to help out with. We have also done a donation run at my kids' schools and had a car full of donations to drop off, it was a great way for my kids to feel more involved and get their schools involved too. I would definitely recommend volunteering at Project Ropa if you have kids who want to start volunteering, it's a great way to spend a few hours on the weekends!
by Kat W. (2022-03-15 10:56:05.0)
It was so wonderful to volunteer with Project Ropa for the first time today! The incredibly friendly team made sure I felt prepared and gave me countless opportunities to feel a part of the team and get to know the many community members who visited! I am very appreciative of the opportunity to volunteer alongside this incredibly impactful organization and can't wait to come back.
by Chelsea B. (2022-02-24 17:00:11.0)
I started volunteering with Project Ropa on Saturdays in the warehouse early on in the pandemic and have found it to be an amazing experience every time I go. Caitlin is wonderful and has grown Project Ropa so much over the past few years. I'd highly recommend volunteering here for anyone who is interested in giving back to the homeless community.
by Laetitia H. (2021-11-29 19:06:25.0)
I volunteered with Project Ropa for the first time on Thanksgiving day and it was very special. Seeing the people leaving with a smile on their face because they just got a pair of brand new shoes, hygiene kits, clothing or even brand new sleeping bag is priceless. Let's keep volunteering, donating and helping to make a difference one person at a time, one smile at a time. Thanks to Project Ropa for the opportunity and all that they do. I will definitely volunteer again soon.
by Sarah C. (2021-11-08 12:39:09.0)
Project Ropa is an awesome service that helps distribute clothing and hygiene kits to individuals in need. The crew is so welcoming and friendly! I had the pleasure of working with the founder who is extremely involved. I have loved volunteering at both the warehouse and distributing on-site. I'm leaving this review to encourage others to be a part of a wonderful experience!
by Ashley H. (2021-08-31 16:35:38.0)
I have volunteered both in the warehouse and at the distributions, and each time I could feel the positive impact my actions were making. Especially being at in person at the service site and getting to interact with Project Ropa staff and the community they serve, you can feel the appreciation of those coming to receive items.
by Sarah R. (2021-08-26 10:56:36.0)
It's such a pleasure volunteering with Project Ropa. They make an enormous impact on the overall health and well-being of people experiencing homeless in LA. Caitlin and Alex are wonderful people, and it's been great getting to the know the organization over the past year+.
by Naomy V. (2021-08-19 23:32:41.0)
The staff at project ropa are so welcoming and awesome people doing awesome stuff. Its really rewarded work to know that the clothing and kits will really make an impact on someone. Will continue to volunteer with them!
by Evelyn G. (2021-08-19 11:22:43.0)
As program manager for an adult day program for people with developmental and mental disabilities, I was looking for volunteer opportunities during the pandemic and I am glad to have found Project Ropa! Caitlin and Alex were very welcoming and are great, and fun to work with. It's a chance for our clients to meet and interact with other members of the community. This provided meaningful interactions for our clients with disabilities. This opportunity has provided soft skills for our clients to gain life and employable skills. If you are looking for a meaningful experience I would definitely recommend Project Ropa!
by Tiara C. (2021-07-27 13:45:41.0)
It was great being able to finally do something for those who are struggling in our society. Project Ropa truly cares about the homeless and does the best they can to make sure they are taken care of with the resources the organization is able to gather. I was also able to meet the people that are in need of help and get their perspective, which is something we as a society, tend to ignore. I recommend everyone to join in and team with Project Ropa in their efforts to help bring hope for a better and just life to the homeless in LA.
by CGImagination1 G. (2021-07-02 11:47:24.0)
I was looking for volunteer opportunities during the pandemic and I am glad I found Project Ropa. Caitlin and Alex are great, fun to work with. It's a chance to meet and interact with Veterans and others we may not take the time to get to know. If you are looking for a meaningful experience I would definitely recommend Project Ropa.
by Gianna C. from malibu, CA (2021-05-16 13:47:10.0)
I recently wrote a college essay on the negative effects of gentrification on displaced individuals. Upon my research I wanted to immediately learn how I could help these people. Everyone at Project Ropa was extremely nice and made the experience even more amazing. I definitely want to volunteer for this organization next time
by Jiya J. from IL (2020-11-23 12:06:41.0)
I have never volunteered here but i will be glad to volunteer.

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