Page One

Just five years ago, Terry Abeyta lived on the streets of California. Today she has a home and is coordinator and manager of the Clothing Ministry for the nonprofit Chaplaincy to the Homeless.  

Abeyta was homeless for five years. In 1996 she found her way to Haste House, a halfway house run by Chaplaincy. Seven people lived in the house and each worked at the Clothing Ministry one day a week.  

Abeyta said she put in more hours than the other residents. “They noticed I had a real interest in running this.” She voluntarily took on organizing the Clothing Ministry and became a paid employee in 1999. She moved out of Haste House, which closed last year due to budget cuts, and now lives independently in Oakland.  

The Clothing Ministry, located in the basement of Trinity United Methodist Church at 2362 Bancroft Way, provides free clothing to about 250 people each week. Each person is allowed three visits a week. They are often referred by local shelters, drop-in centers and churches.  

Despite the small space in which it is located, Abeyta and her volunteer assistant, Mary Stiver of Oakland, have organized the clothing well. Men’s and women’s garments hang on separate racks that have been donated. Shoes neatly line the walls. This makes it easy for people to come in and find what they need, Abeyta said.  

Peggy Roppel, 54, who has been homeless in Berkeley for five months, has been coming to the Clothing Ministry for four months. “The services are beautiful. It’s all organized and Terry makes sure people get what they need. Everybody comes here,” she said.  

Abeyta said she has seen at least 20 people select clothes from the Clothing Ministry in order to secure jobs.  

Abeyta has instituted some rules to keep things running smoothly. People are asked not to re-sell the clothing. Alcohol drugs, and violence are not tolerated. 

The Clothing Ministry, which is partially funded by the city, accepts donations during its operating hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Abeyta said she is currently in special need of underwear, socks, personal hygienic items and warm clothing.  

Located on Dana Street at the First Congregational Church, the 11-year-old Chaplaincy is a nonprofit. In addition to the Clothing Ministry, the Chaplaincy also provides services for homeless youth and runs a men’s shelter.