Bottomless Closet provides professional working clothes and one-on-one image coaching services to women on assistance and the working-poor women of the greater Chicago metropolitan area.Most of Bottomless Closet's clients are single head of households forced to choose between providing necessities such as food and shelter for their children or having the right clothes to wear for a job interview.

We assist women as they struggle to find work and get back on their feet again so that they can become independent productive citizens and role models for their children.

• Bottomless Closet provides access to professional, brand name, clothing for interviewing and for work
• Bottomless Closet believes that our clients deserve the best so we dress them for economic success and include a layer of confidence
• Bottomless Closet provides one-on-one care and attention as image consultants

Job readiness, combined with self-confidence in one's appearance, allows women to focus on learning their jobs, keeping their jobs and advancing to a higher career level and better paying position.  

Our services have improved the economic conditions for the clients we have served and the families that they lead. Currently, we serve 100 women each month.

How Big is the Problem?   Or … Why Do Women Need Our Help?

• 12.3% of the population in Illinois lives in poverty*
• Single women with children account for 43% of children living in poverty.
• Divorce, for women, is often the first step into poverty. (Women earn less then men and only 31% of female head of households received child allowance.)
• 100% of our Clients live on or below the Federal Guidline for Poverty (See below).
• 44% of our clients are aged between 26 and 45. 20% are aged between 16 and 25. 20 % are aged between 45 and 65.
• 70% of our female client base are single mothers with an average of 2 children to support.
• 80% of our clients are African American. 14% are Caucasian. 3% are Latina.
• We also see many “re-entry” clients who have just been released from prison.

*Current Federal Poverty Levels

Yearly Income for 1 person = $10,830.00

Yearly Income for 2 people = $14,570.00

Yearly income for 3 people = $18,310 and for 4 people $22,050.00

How Bottomless Closet Makes a Difference

Clients are referred to us by our partner agencies. They come to us three times in all over a period of 3 to 6 months.

On their first visit clients receive three complete professional outfits - including suits, separates, tops, a purse, shoes, hose, jewelry, coats - the only winter coat many of them have - scarves and gloves.

On the second visit , once they have found work,  they receive the same care and attention and additional clothing.

After three months in work they may return for yet another three full outfits.

The wonderful thing is that many of our clients volunteer with Bottomless Closet and give back to their community.

A First Impression Speaks Volumes

We all know the power of the first impression.  Bottomless Closet helps women make the most of interview opportunities to become independent, working women who can take care of their children.   You can help us meet this mission.  Find ways to Get Involved.

Dress. Impress. Begin.