The Closet

Free resources for foster, adoptive, and kinship families

The Closet exists to make sure no family has to scramble, stress, or struggle to access essentials when welcoming a child. Whether a placement arrives with short notice or a family is navigating an unexpected transition, our Closet provides clothing, shoes, baby gear, books, toys and other necessities at no cost.

Our goal is simple: support families so they can focus on care, connection and stability — not the cost of essentials.

What We Provide

Oak Forest Foster Closet supplies essential items at no cost to foster, adoptive and kinship families. Our offerings are sourced through community donations and provided based on availability.

Our inventory often includes:

  • Clothing in sizes newborn through teen

  • Shoes and socks

  • Baby equipment including car seats, strollers and high chairs (when available)

  • Diapers, wipes and hygiene supplies

  • Bedding, blankets and comfort items

  • Books, toys and learning materials

  • Seasonal and holiday items depending on inventory

Who Can Receive Support

The closet supports:

  • Foster families

  • Adoptive families

  • Kinship caregivers

If you are unsure whether you qualify, please reach out, we are here to help.

How It Works

  1. Come When You're Ready

    Stop by during our open shopping hours, no appointment needed.

  2. Shop with Dignity
    Families browse and select items with support from volunteers if needed.

  3. Come Back When Needed
    Support is ongoing, families may return monthly as children grow or needs change

Guidelines for Using the Closet

To make sure the Closet continues serving as many children as possible, we follow a few simple guidelines. Thank you for helping us keep things fair and organized for every family.

  • Families are limited to one visit per month, unless there is a new placement.

  • New placements may come more often to get settled with needs.

  • Items can only be received after the children have arrived in the home and placement paperwork has been provided. Same-day appointments are available for new placements, contact Nicole at nicole@offcloset.org or via Facebook Messenger.

  • Updated placement paperwork is required for any placement changes.

  • The Closet is only open for shopping during the posted Open Days/Hours.

  • Porch pickup is available outside of Open Hours with at least 24 hours advance notice.

  • Claimed items from weekly Facebook posts are for porch pickup only and do not count towards the monthly visit. These items may be claimed as often as a family would like. However, families may not visit the Closet when picking up these items unless it is their one monthly visit.

  • Families are welcome to attend OFFC Special Events even if they have already shopped at the Closet that month.

What to Bring

Please bring one of the following to your first visit:

  • Foster placement letter

  • Adoption paperwork

  • Kinship care authorization

  • Court order verifying placement

If you do not have documentation yet due to emergency placement, please contact us and we will work with you.

Location

1216 Bethlehem St

Houston TX, 77018

Parking is available and the entrance is located on the second floor via outdoor stairs.

 

Hours

Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Thursday: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Hours may occasionally change for holidays, inventory resets or special events. Please check our Facebook Group for the most up-to-date schedule.

Need support?

We're here when you need us.

Join Our Facebook Group