San Antonio Threads: Partners In Helping Women And Children In the Alamo City
Last Updated: 12 May 2020

Between the approximately 1.7 million teenagers who experience homelessness every year and the 437,000 children living in the foster care system, the number of children who may not have access to basic necessities like clean and functional clothing is staggering.

And regardless of whether your own teenage years were the time of your life or a pubescent nightmare, we all remember that in addition to studying, sports, and family life, we were just trying to “fit in” and keep up with ever-changing social norms. What you wear, for example, says a lot about who you are.

And kids who can’t afford new clothes often wear their poverty on their sleeves. 

Holes in their jeans and sneakers, siblings skipping school every other day because they only have one pair of good pants between the two of them; the stigma and shame associated with poverty and/or homelessness can have an enormous effect on a student’s confidence, emotional well-being, and learning. Furthermore, it can hold them back in their fight to escape homelessness. 

Confidence For Teens In Need

San Antonio Threads, a one-of-a-kind shopping experience for teens, is working to alleviate that stress and stigma, one teen at a time. The non-profit organization provides new clothing and accessories for teens experiencing homelessness or living in foster care or emergency situations. 

SA Threads understands that the right attire can increase social skills and confidence, and lessen the stress on families experiencing homelessness to afford basic necessities. Teens referred to the shop can select two complete outfits, full-size toiletries, five pairs of underwear and socks, a hoodie, a backpack, and a pair of shoes. All for free. Plus, the shop is designed to be a safe, relaxing space that feels like a true fun shopping experience.

Switching Gears In A Global Crisis

When San Antonio’s stay-at-home order went into effect, SA Threads CEO Cathy Hamilton knew the nonprofit had to adjust its services to help those most vulnerable in our community. So, within a matter of days, SA Threads was not only running its clothing service on a pick-up-only basis, but also delivering food, toiletries, and other necessities directly to teens in emergency shelters and group homes. Due to the challenge of food availability during this time, Cathy even secured donations to provide essential supplies to families and seniors at other nonprofits. In March alone, her team delivered over 430 bags of clothing and toiletries and over 360 bags of food.

From Our Hearts To Yours, Thank You

When SA Threads first delivered 18 bags of food to our Fairweather Family Lodge at Endeavors, we were overwhelmed by the kindness and support. Our Fairweather Family Lodge is an ongoing program that provides safe housing for women experiencing homelessness, and their children. The program also offers supportive services to meet basic needs, empower trauma recovery, and build self-sufficiency. Residents come to us at their most vulnerable and leave strong, stable, and self-sufficient. 

 “When I reached out to Cathy asking for help, her team of volunteers delivered food to our Fairweather Family Lodge within two hours! That is a prime example of dedication and servanthood,” says Brandy Weitzel, Endeavors Community Outreach Coordinator. 

Since that first food donation, SA Threads has donated and delivered over $6,000 in food to our program! We cannot thank Cathy Hamilton and her team at SA Threads enough — during this time of grave health concern and financial and social uncertainty, they have helped provide healing, hope, and essential services to the women and children of the Fairweather Family Lodge.

“Cathy is a genuine giver with a life mission of serving people in need. I am grateful for her and all the work SA Threads is doing in our community,” admired Weitzel.    

You can help make a difference in the life of a San Antonio teen by donating new clothing items to their store. Find a full list of their needed items and learn more about SA Threads’ work by visiting them at sanantoniothreads.org. 

Additionally, we are seeking help to raise funds to provide the most essential supplies to our housing program residents and Veterans during this trying time. Our population includes single-mothers, men and women with disabilities, and veterans at risk of homelessness. We serve high-risk, immunocompromised, and low-income individuals and families who are being directly impacted and made more vulnerable during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.  To help with this relief, please consider making a donation here.

About Endeavors

Endeavors is a longstanding national non-profit that provides an array of programs and services in support of children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness and other disabilities. Endeavors serves vulnerable people in crisis through innovative personalized services. For more information, please visit www.endeavors.org.