What is Clothing Insecurity
Clothing insecurity is the lack of clothing that is properly fitted, seasonally appropriate, and in good condition. It’s a hidden crisis that impacts thousands of children and families across Greater Houston.
For many, it’s not about having a closet full of options—it’s about not knowing if there will be anything clean, that fits, or that’s suitable for school or work.
Why Clothing Insecurity Matters in Schools
Clothing insecurity is about more than appearance. It directly impacts school attendance, social belonging, and academic success.
Missed school days: Students without appropriate clothes or shoes often stay home, falling further 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 even households earning above that level—ALICE families—often don’t make enough to cover the basics like housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care, and clothing.
In Harris County, for example, a family of four needs around $61,000 annually just to cover essentials, yet many working households earn far less.
For these families, clothing is not just a budget stretch—it’s an impossible choice. When rent, groceries, and utilities consume every dollar, there is little 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 week’s worth of clothing, he returned to class with confidence.
A new school counselor helped a mother who was 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 isolated moments—they are everyday realities for families struggling with clothing insecurity. These stories remind us: clothing is not just fabric—it’s dignity, confidence, and hope.
The Impact of Addressing Clothing Insecurity
By ensuring children and families have appropriate clothing, we:
Remove barriers to school attendance and participation.
Reduce bullying and social isolation.
Build dignity and confidence in children and adults alike.
Give families breathing room in already strained budgets.
Clothing is not just fabric—it’s opportunity, hope, and belonging. When we meet this basic need, we unlock the door to academic success, emotional resilience, and a brighter future.
How Clothed by Faith Responds
At Clothed by Faith, we believe that Clothing = Confidence. Through our School & Agency Partnership Program, we meet families where they are:
Providing a week’s worth of clean, well-fitting clothing to every person served.
Partnering with 21 school districts and more than 100 agencies to identify those most in need.
Delivering clothing directly to schools and agencies, reducing barriers for parents and ensuring children receive help quickly.