In the summer fog, clothing-donation programs lack coats for men

San Francisco's clothing donation programs face dire shortages of men's clothing and coats during the city's coldest summer in 40 years. St. Anthony's, the largest free clothing provider, reports a 35% decline in donations since the pandemic, leaving patrons to go without essential winter wear. Assistant manager Ian Sicurella stated, "We hate to see guests leaving without what they need when it’s cold out. " Community Thrift's manager Jackie Mocha explained that men often keep clothing until it is no longer wearable, exacerbating the shortage.

The Salvation Army has similarly witnessed a decrease in men's clothing donations, limiting their offerings significantly. Online resale platforms like ThredUp and Poshmark have further complicated the situation by encouraging users to sell lower-quality clothing, which often does not meet the standards for donation. With many patrons relying on these services for warm clothing, the ongoing shortage raises urgent concerns for the community's most vulnerable members. Organizations like St. Anthony's continue to accept donations, but recovery to pre-pandemic levels remains uncertain.