Community Clothing Assistance's Referral Program is dedicated to providing essential support by offering FREE clothing to clients referred by our extensive network of over 150 partnering organizations. Individuals facing circumstances of need, crisis, and transition are eligible to receive three full outfits each season — and they get to choose whatever clothing they like from our Clothing Centre.
Community Clothing Assistance's goal is for everyone in Thunder Bay to have appropriate clothing for every season. Temperatures in Thunder Bay can reach as low as −39°C(sometimes even colder!) so access to proper clothing a matter of life and death.
By being helped with the REFERRAL Program, people can focus their resources on other necessities. Clean, dry, quality clothing can empower adults and children by giving them comfort and self-confidence.
Through the Referral Program, over 6,000 pieces of clothing are given away every month.
Partnered agencies use our Community Clothing Assistance Referral Database to create a referral account for anyone who requires clothing but cannot afford it. Anyone referred to CCA is eligible for 3 sets of clothing — including formal wear, outerwear, and casual clothing.
A partnered social service agency creates a referral account in our database for a client experiencing crisis or housing instability.
The referred individual visits our Clothing Centre at 404 May St. N and selects 3 complete outfits of their choice — for any season.
Clients remain eligible each season they are still in crisis — ensuring continuous support for those who need it most throughout the year.
This sub-program of our Referral services allows walk-ins and homeless clients to receive immediate assistance without a formal referral. The Homeless and Disaster Relief walk-in service provides clothing to those experiencing an immediate emergency need.
At CCA, our commitment is to provide instant help and promote self-sufficiency in the lives of those in crisis.
Since 2017 we've served 13,500+ individuals with over 405,000 clothing items — giving more than $1,000,000 in clothing to people in need.
| 2025 | $212,000 |
| 2024 | $201,750 |
| 2023 | $193,050 |
| 2022 | $189,810 |
| 2021 | $181,710 |
| 2020 | $170,550 |
| 2019 | $169,110 |
in free clothing given to families in crisis since 2017
Every donation goes directly toward providing free clothing to families in crisis in Thunder Bay. Your support makes our Referral Program possible.