New Bedford Homeless Deserve Brand Names, Too

Each week on The MGM Show, we partner with Southcoast Health for the Southcoast Health Community Spotlight. This week, we shined the spotlight on Whitney Tully and her Walt's Mobile Closet project, a clothing mission for the homeless based in New Bedford that serves the entire SouthCoast.

Walt’s sets up pop-up shops across the region, allowing the underserved to shop for free and take what they need.

"Somebody from an agency will call and say, ‘Hey, I've got a guy – he's living in the woods, he needs some jeans, some boots, a winter coat,’" Tully said. "We'll pack up a bag and get those goods to him."

Name Brands for the Homeless

"We get what we call the ‘good stuff,’ and people absolutely appreciate receiving high-quality clothing. When you're wearing a name-brand item, it can help you walk taller and with more dignity," Tully said.

The Essential Women's Event

The Essential Women’s Event will take place on April 12 at the YMCA in New Bedford to support underserved women in the community. Walt’s will be there with its usual setup of casual and career clothing.

"We'll offer jewelry, bras, toiletries, makeup – all kinds of good stuff," Tully said. "We will also be handing out purses filled with self-care items, so we’re looking for donations of really good purses from women in the community. We’d like purses that are clean and in good condition because these women truly appreciate having a nice handbag."

LISTEN:  Whitney Tully Joins The MGM Show

Perhaps even more importantly, Walt’s will provide access to community resources that support underserved women dealing with domestic violence, food insecurity, health care and child care. Any underserved women are welcome to attend this event.

Tully said there’s nothing like the look on people's faces after they receive something special from Walt’s Mobile Closet.

"I love seeing someone who's living on the street come to one of our events, get an awesome winter coat, put it on, smile, and say, ‘I'm going to be warm this winter.’ I've heard that many times. We've had tears," she said.

What Does Walt's Mobile Closet Need Right Now?

• Men’s jeans
• Men’s sneakers
• Men’s jackets and clothing

Walt’s Mobile Closet Donation Bins

• Gleason YMCA on Charge Pond Road in Wareham – Located in the lobby
• Marion Council on Aging on Route 6 in Marion – Inside at the front desk
• The Refillable Store at 160 North Bain Street, Carver