EHHD Open Door Clothing Closet
Welcome to the Open Door Clothing Closet!
Are you an MSU student who:
- Has trouble finding clothing that fits their shape, size, or gender identity?
- Would like privacy when you shop for clothes?
- Needs clothing at no cost to you?
The Open Door Clothing Closet is an on-campus resource offered by the College of EHHD, in consultation with the QSA of MSU, with the intention of providing all MSU students access to free clothing and accessories within a safe and inclusive space.
The closet also offers unopened, unused hygiene products, hair, beauty, and makeup products, gender affirming shapewear, and information about on and off campus resources of all types. Students can take as much or as little as they want at one or multiple appointments, with no questions asked.
Our goal is to help all students feel comfortable and validated so they can be their authentic selves while pursuing their education.
We kindly ask that students refrain from taking items for drag or cosplay, or reselling items through second-hand apps and retailers.
How Do I Shop?
The closet is located in Reid Hall, and can be accessed by appointment during the hours of 9am - 2pm weekdays during the semester, and by appointment only during academic breaks. During an appointment, students will be able to shop privately, and may invite 1 other person to accompany them for support by indicating so when scheduling an appointment. Please be assured that any identifying information shared during appointment registration will be kept confidential, and we will not be retaining records on who has utilized the closet. If you schedule an appointment and are running late, please reach out to ehhddean@montana.edu to let us know. If you are more than 10 mintues late, we may need to reschedule your appointment out of courtesy for the appointment after yours.
To schedule an appointment, please click HERE.
How Many Items Can I Take?
Our intention is to provide any and all items that are needed, and this looks different for everyone. There is no item limit. There are restrooms located across the hall from the closet where things can be tried on, or the closet space itself can be used as each shopping appointment is private and the door locks from the inside. We ask that you put items back neatly and with care if you are not taking them with you. We also have shopping bags available to help you tote your items home.
There is no limit to the number of times a student can visit the closet. The inventory is constantly changing, there may be items available that were not previously there that can meet someone's needs.
Pop Ups & Events
Occasionally, we will host pop-up events to promote the closet. During pop-up events, students will be able to shop through available clothing, or sign up for individual closet appointments.
Upcoming Pop Up Dates:
- TBD
Donation Info
We would love to take your machine-washed, good condition donations! We ask that all donated items be free of stains or holes, and are in still-useable condition, and any beauty/skincare/health related items be unopened. Items will be reviewed before being accepted.
If you are interested in donating to the closet, please email ehhddean@montana.edu
We are unable to accept walk-in or dropped off donations at this time.
Still have questions? Please feel free to contact Kristen Musick at kristen.musick@montana.edu.
Inspiration for this closet was borne from the incredible work done by the following:
University of San Francisco's Gender Affirming Clothing Closet
Brown University's Gender Affirming & Community Closet
University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Lavender Closet
These are just a few of the higher education institutions across the country who are doing some amazing work in the Diversity & Inclusion space.
