Hannah Ortiz

Communications Consultant, Rio Texas Conference

This story was developed from information shared by Tyler Steele at Northwest Hills UMC & Bobby Callison

The Men’s Clothes Closet is a collaborative effort led by area UMM groups, including Northwest Hills UMC. Leaders such as Bobby Callison and Mike Wray help coordinate this long-standing ministry, ensuring that clothing is collected, organized, and distributed with intentional care.

In addition to UMM volunteers, students from University of Texas at Austin also serve regularly, bringing energy and commitment to this intergenerational effort.

The Clothes Closet operates as part of a larger, holistic ministry at First UMC Austin that provides meals and other supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Together, these efforts create more than a distribution line — they create a space of welcome.

More Than Clothing

Image captured from video produced by Sam Suh

Each Thursday from 5:30–7:30 a.m., men are welcomed into the Family Life Building near 13th and Lavaca to select clothing items. But the ministry offers more than shirts and shoes. Volunteers are intentional about how clients are served — emphasizing humanity, dignity, and relationship. Instead of simply handing out items, they create an environment where each person is seen, respected, and treated as a neighbor. As one leader shared, the goal is not only to meet practical needs but to ensure that every person who walks through the door experiences care and worth.

Rooted in History, Sustained by Faith

The ministry began in October 1999 when Austin Interreligious Ministries requested assistance from the Austin District United Methodist Men to provide clothing for men experiencing homelessness. Within two weeks, the Men’s Clothes Closet served its first client. More than 25 years later, that faithful “yes” continues to ripple outward. What started as a simple response to a need has become a sustained witness to connectional ministry at work.

Sharing the Story

A recent video created by University of Texas student and volunteer Sam Suh beautifully captures the heart of the ministry. Through interviews and footage from a Thursday morning, the video highlights the volunteers, the partnerships, and the quiet but powerful impact of this work.

🎥 Video credit: Sam Suh

The Rio Texas Conference is grateful for the many ways congregations and United Methodist Men across our connection continue to show up — week after week — to serve Christ by serving others.

Because sometimes ministry looks like a folded shirt.
Sometimes it looks like a warm greeting at 5:30 a.m.
And always, it looks like love in action.