SHIM’s Clothing Closet reopening Monday
Courtesy of South Hills Interfaith Movement
An example of the clothing donated to South Hills Interfaith Movement’s Clothing Closet
Courtesy of South Hills Interfaith Movement
South Hills Interfaith Movement’s Clothing Closet also serves as storage space for the organization’s food pantry.
Courtesy of South Hills Interfaith Movement
Photos: Courtesy of South Hills Interfaith Movement
South Hills Interfaith Movement’s Clothing Closet reopens Monday at the facility at 5301 Park Ave. in Bethel Park
Courtesy of South Hills Interfaith Movement
Mike Schneider and Lynne Amatangelo are among the volunteers at South Hills Interfaith Movement.
South Hills Interfaith Movement’s (SHIM) Clothing Closet is reopening Monday after a planned renovation was delayed.
“We’re anticipating a busy winter season helping people access clothing,” said Rachel White, developmental and communications assistant with SHIM.
The Clothing Closet is a free resource for South Hills families in need and is open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Mondays at the SHIM facility at 5301 Park Ave. in Bethel Park.
White said the renovation planned for this year, which prompted the closure, has been postponed until 2023.
“We’re not starting (renovations) when we thought we might, and we don’t want to miss out on helping neighbors get winter items,” White said.
The renovation is being funded in part by a $370,000 grant received through Allegheny County’s Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund program.
White explained the main goal of the renovation is to bring the building into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“We don’t currently have a way to get from our first floor to our second floor without going outside of the building for anyone that cannot handle stairs,” White said. “The renovation is going to add an elevator to the building, which will be very helpful, and it’s also going to relocate our reception area from the upstairs to the downstairs.”
SHIM was founded in 1968 by a priest, a rabbi and a minister.
“Local congregation leaders came together thinking they needed to provide a space for young people,” White said. “SHIM has been adapting to meet the needs of the community throughout its history.”
Along with the Bethel Park facility, SHIM has a location at 41 Macek Drive in Whitehall in the Wallace Building, which once housed the Baldwin Public Library.
Services SHIM offers also include a food pantry, which began 40 years ago; back-to-school distributions; youth mentoring; an early childhood program; home visits for children younger than 5; and an immigrant and connection services program in conjunction with Jewish family and Community Services.
Due to SHIM’s capacity, the Clothing Closet only has clothing for that particular season available. For example, come Monday there will be winter clothing items on hand, such as coats, gloves, scarves, hats, winter shoes and boots, as well as household linens such as blankets, towels and sheets.
“Neighbors are welcome to come twice per month to get items that they need,” White said. “We have everything from baby clothes to adult clothes.”
Donations are accepted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
“We’re really encouraging people to stick to (donating winter clothing),” White said. “If it can be worn in winter, it’s welcome. If it’s not the right season, please don’t drop it off until later.”