After a two-year closure due to staffing issues at the height of the pandemic, the Rescue Mission Community Clothing Center has reopened in Downtown Syracuse.

At the center, people can receive up to five clothing items each month. Inside you can find shoes, women’s, men’s and children’s clothing. There are also household goods and hygiene items.

On their first day open last week, they gave away 300 items. Before their closing two years ago, they gave away up to 100,000 pieces of clothing and furniture each year.

“This is one of the only free clothing programs in all of Central New York. So being able to reorder that service and make sure that everybody even our neighbors on a fixed income have clothing, shoes, winter jackets when it gets a little bit cooler. Its just really important to us to be able to give those items out," said Amber Vanderploeg, chief program officer at the Rescue Mission.

As prices in stores are only going skyward, having a place to get free clothing is important, especially for people on low or fixed incomes. Vanderploeg says shopping for items puts independence back in the hands of people in need.

“If there’s a certain color they like to wear, if there’s a certain pair of shoes they need for comfort and support, they’re able to come in and try those things on. Instead of us trying to pick them out for them which rarely ends positively," said Vanderploeg.

The center is looking for donations of household items like cups and plates as well as clothing of all types. People can bring those donations to labeled donation bins in grocery store parking lots, Thrifty Shopper locations, or to 155 Gifford Street. They accept clothing and shoes in any condition.

The Community Clothing Center is located at 200 Gifford Street, and is currently open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.