Clothing Insecurity is Real. Together, We Can Change It
What is Clothing Insecurity?
Beyond providing clothing, Clothed by Faith works to address the deeper issue behind the need: clothing insecurity.
Clothing insecurity means not having clothing that fits properly, is clean, is in good condition, or is suitable for school, work, or daily life. It’s a hidden crisis affecting thousands of children and families across Greater Houston. For many, the challenge isn’t choosing what to wear — it’s wondering whether there will be anything appropriate to wear at all.
Why Clothing Insecurity Matters in Schools
Clothing insecurity affects far more than appearance. It directly influences a child’s ability to attend school, feel included, and succeed academically.
Missed school days: Students without appropriate clothes or shoes often stay home, falling behind academically.
Bullying and stigma: Children wearing worn-out or ill-fitting clothes are frequent targets of bullying. Some withdraw socially; others act out to cope.
Health concerns: Shoes that don’t fit can cause lasting orthopedic issues. A lack of warm clothing leaves children vulnerable in cold or wet weather.
Emotional toll: The shame of not having “acceptable” clothing is tied to higher risks of depression, low self-esteem, and even suicidal thoughts in adolescents.
The Growing Impact in Houston
Nearly 1 in 2 households in the Greater Houston area are either living in poverty or are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).
Families below the Federal Poverty Level struggle daily, but ALICE households — despite working — often don’t earn enough to cover essentials like housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care, and clothing.
In Harris County, for example, a family of four needs around $61,000 per year just to meet basic needs. Many working families earn far less.
For these households, clothing isn’t just a budget stretch — it’s an impossible choice. When rent, groceries, and utilities consume every dollar, there is nothing left for shoes that fit growing feet or clothing that allows a child to walk into school with confidence.
The Stories Behind the Statistics
Behind every number is a child, a parent, a family. At Clothed by Faith, we hear their stories every day:
A middle schooler stopped attending because he had only one set of clothes and no shoes. After receiving a clothing bag, he returned to class with confidence.
A school counselor helped a mother desperate for clothing for her child. When they received a bag from Clothed by Faith, the mother cried with relief.
A mother fleeing domestic violence arrived with nothing for her children. Clothing from Clothed by Faith gave them dignity and stability during their hardest days.
A single mom of six, living in a hotel, said her children were thrilled to start the school year with new‑to‑them outfits — excited to belong with their peers.
These are not rare moments. They are everyday realities for families facing clothing insecurity.
The Impact of Addressing Clothing Insecurity
By ensuring children and families have appropriate clothing, we:
When children and families receive appropriate clothing, we help:
Remove barriers to school attendance and participation
Reduce bullying and social isolation
Build dignity and confidence
Ease financial strain on already stretched households
Clothing is more than fabric — it’s opportunity, belonging, and the chance to show up fully in life.
How Clothed by Faith Responds
At Clothed by Faith, we believe Clothing = Confidence.
Through our School & Agency Partnership Program, we meet families where they are by:
Preparing individualized clothing bags with care and dignity for every person served.
Partnering with 21 school districts and more than 100 agencies last year to identify those most in need
Delivering clothing directly to schools and agencies, reducing barriers for parents and ensuring children receive help quickly
When clothing insecurity is removed, everything changes.
Students who once hid in the back of the classroom begin raising their hands.
Children who stayed home start boarding the bus with pride.
Families who felt invisible begin to feel seen, supported, and valued.