Second Chances represents opportunity
  • to provide homeless and lower income people with the clothing that will not only build their self-esteem, but could open the doors to a brighter future.

  • for a second life for your gently used and new clothing, shoes and accessories, and a chance to conserve valuable natural resources instead of filling our area's already overflowing landfills.

  • for all of us to feel the satisfaction that comes from helping our neighbors, connecting with local organizations, and preserving the environment.

Our mission

Second Chances' mission is to provide clothing to people in need, inform supporters about issues affecting our community and help people connect with local organizations or issues that resonate with their values, skills and personal experiences.

Since 2005, Second Chances has provided free clothing to more than 1,600 lower income and homeless people in Cambridge and Somerville and recycled or reused over 200,000 pounds of clothing, shoes and accessories. Through our clothing donation program, we are helping people in need in our community, conserving natural resources, and diverting waste from our area’s already overflowing landfills. Working closely with our partners, we are involving the community in helping our neighbors, connecting with other community members and preserving the environment.


Latest news and events
September public clothing and coin drive in Somerville (Union Square area)

Please join us on Wednesday, September 22nd from 5 to 7 p.m. at Somerville Community Growing Center! Details »

Want to help us with outreach for the event?
Download a flyer (pdf) to share with your friends, family, colleagues and classmates »

Would you or your company like to sponsor the event?
Download sponsorship information (pdf) »

E-newsletters

Get our e-newsletters from July, Mid-June, May/June, April, March and January 2010 online or fill out our contact form to receive e-newsletters directly.

Summer fundraising appeal

More people than ever need Second Chances' help this year, and although we have experienced a decrease in financial contributions, we are digging deeper to provide free clothing, shoes and accessories to at least 20% more people in need in our community than last year.

Second Chances launched its summer appeal to raise funds for our clothing donation program. Each year about half our budget comes from financial contributions by individuals, corporations, foundations and other community organizations. Please support Second Chances, so that we can help the growing number of people who need our assistance! Your donation, in any amount, helps, and it's tax-deductible too. Donate online or by mail »

Our impact

In July we were so happy to provide an elderly veteran with a $100 gift card to shop for clothing so that he can look and feel great as he begins the search for his first apartment after many years of homelessness. Our client will receive rental assistance from Cambridge Housing Authority and ongoing support from HomeStart Cambridge as he adjusts to living in his new home. And, because of your support for our work, he'll also have a good start on a new wardrobe!

Second Chances is grateful to everyone who made it possible for us to assist this client and 500 other community members who will receive clothing, shoes, accessories, gift cards and more from Second Chances this year. Together, we are providing people in need with the tools to realize their goals for a positive future.

In 2010, Second Chances will collect and recycle/reuse more than 60,000 pounds of clothing; provide free apparel and gift cards to approximately 500 homeless and very lower income community members; and partner with hundreds of local companies, community groups, philanthropic organizations, nonprofit organizations, volunteers, employees and residents to support people in need in our community.

2010 clothing drive results
  • Bow Street Yoga - 180 pounds »
  • Clearpoint Funding - 858 pounds »
  • Commonwealth Sports Club - 664 pounds »
  • CR Bard - 490 pounds »
  • Curran and Berger LLP - 100 pounds
  • Delta Phi Epsilon - Northeastern University Chapter - 141 pounds
  • East Boston High School Key Club, students and staff - 216 pounds
  • FitzShawGa residence halls - Boston College - 53 pounds
  • Harvard Business School clothing swap - the Green Living Program, Women’s Student Association, Volunteers Club, Green Team and HBS Operations - 470 pounds
  • Mike Giso, family, friends and neighbors - 101 pounds
  • Hill family, friends and neighbors - 215 pounds
  • IntelligentMDx - 137 pounds
  • Jones Lang LaSalle, Cambridge - 312 pounds
  • The Langham, Boston - 632 pounds »
  • Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Waltham - 138 pounds »
  • The NonProfit Center and friends - Boston - 649 pounds »
  • Somerville Community Growing Center - 750 pounds »
  • Triumvirate Environmental - 4,817 pounds since 2005
  • Vinfen - Somerville staff - 15 bags
  • Virgin HealthMiles - 111 pounds
  • WholeFoods Market - Cambridge, Medford and Brighton locations - 556 pounds »
  • W Hotel - Boston - 599 pounds »
  • Wonder Bar Fashion Show & Clothing Drive - 60 pounds of clothing and $398

Want to host one of our clothing donation bins?

In order to expand our program, we need local businesses and organizations to host our clothing donation bins, especially in and around Somerville and Cambridge. Details »

Donate clothing »

More about our accomplishments »

Second Chances, Inc.
P.O. Box 441328
Somerville, MA 02144-1328
Follow us on Twitter »
Second Chances' blog »
Facebook fan page »
Contact us »