• to provide homeless and lower income people with the clothing that will not only build their self-esteem, but could open the doors to a brighter future.


• for a second life for your gently used and new clothing, shoes and accessories, and a chance to conserve valuable natural resources instead of filling our area's already overflowing landfills.


• for all of us to feel the satisfaction that comes from helping our neighbors, connecting with local organizations, and preserving the environment.

Second Chances' mission is to provide clothing to people in need, inform supporters about issues affecting our community and help people connect with local organizations or issues that resonate with their values, skills and personal experiences.

Since 2005, Second Chances has provided free clothing, shoes, accessories and gift cards to more than 1,900 lower income and homeless people in Cambridge and Somerville and recycled or reused over 300,000 pounds of clothing, shoes and accessories. Through our clothing donation program, we are helping people in need in our community, conserving natural resources, and diverting waste from our area's already overflowing landfills. Working closely with our partners, we are involving the community in helping our neighbors, connecting with other community members and preserving the environment.

Your tax-deductible 2012 donation will provide second chances for people who need your help, all year long.

We started 2012 with the great news that Second Chances was awarded a generous grant from Tufts University's Neighborhood Service Fund. Read more here »

Did you catch the November 2011 Somerville Patch article about Second Chances? It's here! »

Check out our 2011 e-newsletters from December, Thanksgiving, November, October, Mid-September, September, Mid-June, Early June, Earth Day and March 2011 online, and fill out a contact form to receive future e-newsletters in your inbox.

Did you see us in Smith College's Alumnae Spotlight (Winter 2010 Alumnae Quarterly)?

Get our 2010 Community Report online (pdf) today! 2011 Community Report coming soon.

Thank you to everyone who coordinated and participated in a clothing drive! We are grateful for your help and enthusiasm.

• Adnexus - results soon!
• ConvergEx / Eze Castle Software - 144 pounds
• Logic PD - 10 bags

Earth Day 2012 is April 22nd. A clothing drive is a great way to "Mobilize the Earth" while supporting people in our community.

Want to organize a clothing drive for Second Chances? We've got the tools and information you need to make it a huge success! Please let us know your plans as soon as you make them.
Details »

In order to sustain and expand our program, we need local businesses and organizations to host our outdoor clothing donation bins -- we especially need a location in or near Somerville.
Details »

Donate clothing »

More about our accomplishments »