WISCONSIN — U.S. Air Force veteran Dale Hester lost everything in a house fire a couple of years ago.
He said he had all but lost hope when he was referred to Father Gene’s Help Center.
“I really felt that there was hope again,” he said. “The people here are caring, and they motivate you and I love that.”
Father Gene’s Help Center provides clothing in all sizes to those in need. There are no financial, zip code or socioeconomic requirements to receive help.
Clients are eligible to receive help with clothing once every 90 days. They can shop or place orders for themselves, a spouse or partner, and children.
“It’s not just the physical needs that we are serving here, it’s really feeding the soul,” said Theresa Liu, marketing and communications director for Father Gene’s. “We want everyone to feel welcome here.”
Father Gene’s has been helping clothe people in the Milwaukee community for nearly 55 years. It first opened in 1969. As needs have grown, so has the space. The organization embarked on an expansion project last year to double its space.
“Things are more expensive than ever. Just basic needs like food, utilities, housing, so just having that clothing need met — that is one less thing that people have to worry about,” Liu said.
Hester said he credits the organization with helping him rebuild his life and his pride. He still visits Father Gene’s Help Center as he works to move forward in life. He said the volunteers that helped him have inspired him to start volunteering himself.
With his full-white beard, Hester volunteers as “Santa Claus” at Christmas events that bring joy to kids in need. He also helps out at The Salvation Army, Arts at Large and Northcott Neighborhood House.
“We all need to be cared for. We all need to be given words of encouragement, and to be able to not feel afraid or judged,” said Hester.
Father Gene’s Help Center runs completely off donations. The organization is always looking for volunteers to help out at the center, as well as people to donate gently used clothing and/or monetary donations. As winter quickly approaches, Father Gene’s said it is especially in need of more winter coats, gloves and hats.