Small Gestures, Big Impacts: Closet of Living Hope in Action
Transforming lives one act of kindness at a time – Closet of Living Hope offers tangible support to people in crisis.
A faith-driven nonprofit in the heart of Homestead is transforming the way support is offered to those in need. Founded by law enforcement officer Marian Cruz, Closet of Living Hope delivers dignity, compassion, and a sense of hope to individuals and families navigating life’s toughest challenges.
A Shopping Experience Filled with Care
What makes the organization truly unique is its commitment to preserving the dignity of those it serves. By creating a boutique-style setup, it transforms the often-stigmatized experience of receiving assistance into something empowering. Instead of distributing items in bags or piles, Closet of Living Hope offers a dignified shopping experience where people can select the clothing, shoes, and household items they need, entirely free of charge.
“We put [the items] on hangers, we separate it by sizes with bins, and people are able to have a sort of shopping experience,” explains Cruz. This thoughtful approach alleviates the shame or embarrassment that can come with seeking help, replacing it with a sense of normalcy and respect.
In addition to its day-to-day efforts, Closet of Living Hope partners with shelters like Safe Space to organize special events during holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas – bringing clothing, toiletries, food, and moments of fellowship to participants, and creating opportunities for connection and joy in challenging times.
Powered by Faith and Generosity
As a volunteer-run nonprofit, Closet of Living Hope operates on a modest budget. Cruz and her small team balance the demands of full-time jobs while managing donations and events. Despite these challenges, the community has been a pillar of support.
“God has always had a way of just providing,” Cruz says. “We’ve had donations from friends, families, coworkers — it’s been amazing.” Financial obstacles remain a hurdle, but Cruz remains steadfast in her vision of expanding Closet of Living Hope to additional locations across Miami-Dade County.
Little Things Make a Big Difference
Cruz is quick to point out the profound impact of seemingly small gestures. She recalls one woman, homeless and recovering from addiction, who found a pair of sneakers at the warehouse and was moved to tears.
“That humbled me so much, because it’s something that I, for example, take for granted,” Cruz says. For the woman, those sneakers symbolized a new beginning and hope for the future.
Hope Grows with Your Help
As the organization continues to grow, it remains focused on its mission: bringing dignity and hope to those in need – a mission that relies on the generosity of the South Florida community. Donations of clothing, shoes, and household items are always needed, and the organization welcomes volunteers to help sort donations and support events.
To learn more or get involved, visit Closet of Living Hope on Instagram.
