Ruth and Naomi's Mission is setting up a downtown clothing distribution centre.
"We're calling it the RAN 'Wearhouse' to use a bit of creativity," said RAN executive director Bill Raddatz.
The modular structure should be up and running by the end of November.
"It will be for anyone in need of clothing."
The RAN Wearhouse will be open between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. on weekdays and staffed by some of the 250 RAN volunteers. The plan is to set up in an adjacent parking lot to the east of the mission's main building at Fletcher and Margaret downtown.
It will consolidate the three spots where they currently store donated clothing and outer wear to hand out to guests.
"The parking lot is on property owned by someone who allows us to use it," he said.
A temporary use permit was approved unanimously by city council recently, since the existing commercial zoning did not allow that use. A three-year TUP was approved along with slightly varied setback requirements. They'll be removing four parking stalls to make room.
They now rotate between two other clothing storage areas.
"The hope is by the time Christmas comes, we'll have the third location running, because of the overflow."
They already receive blankets, parkas, clothing as donations but now it will all be centralized. RAN volunteers typically give out about 1200 items of clothing per month.
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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