Second Chances, Inc.

Second Chances reuses and recycles clothing, shoes, and accessories so that homeless and lower-income people feel confident and valued as they take their first steps toward brighter futures and, as a community, we can minimize the amount of apparel going into local landfills.

Mission: Second Chances puts donated clothing to work for our community, diverting clothing, shoes, and accessories from local landfills while helping our neighbors in need take their first steps toward brighter futures.

Second Chances began its work in 2003, and incorporated and received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation in March 2005. Our service area includes Cambridge and Somerville, Massachusetts and adjacent communities.

Second Chances is the only program delivering free and empowering clothing, shoes, accessories, and gift cards to hundreds of homeless and lower-income Somerville and Cambridge residents annually while keeping nearly 300,000 pounds of textiles out of landfills each year. We serve all ages and genders of community members so that they can overcome obstacles and stretch their limited budgets further.

Second Chances works closely with local shelters and service providers to support their clients as they achieve their goals for improvements in health, education, housing, employment, and more. We receive donations of clothing through our outdoor clothing donation bins as well as local clothing drives hosted by members of our generous and compassionate community.