While the meals we serve and apartments we find for our guests are essential, clothing is just as critical for people seeking housing and employment. The GRACE Boutique provides free clothing twice a week. In addition to day-to-day wear, the Boutique offers clothing and accessories needed for employment. This isn’t your average “dress for success” program, however. Most people aren’t applying for jobs in suits and ties, but instead, they need work boots or non-slip shoes, jeans, and clothing in good condition. Getting a job with a high enough wage to afford housing is a critical step for someone to get off the street, so it's important to provide our residents with clothing options that can boost their chances of getting hired. For example, not having a pair of work boots can prevent someone from being hired for a construction job. These boots, which cost about $25, are required for safety reasons. Those without the proper footwear are passed over instead of earning a shot at getting a job. Non-slip shoes and boots are prized commodities at GRACE, and members of the community who donate them can make a huge difference in someone’s life.