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About Us
Project Ropa is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates the only mobile clothing closet of its kind for people in need in Los Angeles. Project Ropa’s mission is to reduce textile waste and restore dignity by providing clothing and hygiene essentials to those in need, while advocating for clothing to be recognized as an essential human right.
What We Do
At Project Ropa, we recognize that clothing is more than just fabric—it’s a fundamental human need. Our mobile walk-in clothing closet brings more than clean clothes, shoes, accessories, and hygiene kits to underserved communities across Los Angeles—it brings dignity, confidence, and a renewed sense of self. By helping people find clothing that fits their size, style, and identity, we aim to uplift morale and open doors to employment and housing opportunities. Our work is deeply rooted in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which identifies clothing as part of the foundation for security, self-esteem, and ultimately, self-actualization.
To support this mission, we partner with manufacturers, retailers, corporations, nonprofits, and individuals to rescue surplus items that would otherwise be discarded or exported. These contributions not only reduce textile waste but also help us stock our mobile closet and our Community Clothing and Hygiene Bank. Through this bank, we provide bulk distributions of clothing and hygiene essentials to local nonprofit partners serving individuals and families in need. We understand that a lack of access to clean clothing and hygiene isn’t just a matter of comfort—it’s a barrier to dignity, opportunity, and hope. At Project Ropa, we’re working to change that, one outfit at a time.
Our STORY
Founded in 2016 by Caitlin Adler, Project Ropa was born out of a realization that there was a significant gap in services for people experiencing homelessness. It became evident to Caitlin that access to clean clothes that fit well and appealed to the individual was severely limited for this vulnerable population. Determined to make a difference, she set out to provide a solution that would empower lives and restore a sense of dignity.
Recognizing the importance of personal hygiene alongside clean clothing, Project Ropa forged partnerships with mobile shower providers. This allowed individuals to not only receive a fresh set of clothes but also a hot shower, experiencing a complete refresh. And because both services were mobile, they could reach those in need in locations that were more convenient for them.
In its early days, Project Ropa was a one-person show, with Caitlin loading her personal vehicle with a clothing rack and a stockpile of new and gently used men’s and women’s clothing and shoes. She would then set up for service next to a mobile shower provider.
In 2019, Project Ropa customized a Ford transit van into a mobile walk-in clothing closet and switched from being a volunteer-run initiative to a growing nonprofit with a four-person staff. But the mission has remained the same: to restore dignity to people in need one article of clothing at a time.
Our Team
Caitlin Adler
Executive Director
Caitlin Adler is the Founder and Executive Director of Project Ropa. She has a diverse professional background spanning nonprofit leadership, user experience design and operations management at companies including Rock Solid Technologies and in the hospitality industry at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Caitlin brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic vision to her work. She holds an Associate’s degree from The Culinary Institute of America, and has completed nonprofit management and grantsmanship training to support her mission-driven leadership. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree.
Alex Camacho
Mobile Services Manager
Alex serves as Project Ropa’s Mobile Services Manager, where he oversees all direct service sites, leads community outreach and engagement efforts, and helps build partnerships to expand the organization’s impact. He brings over two decades of experience in community engagement, program development, and corporate partnership building to support underserved communities. Alex holds a Master’s in Landscape Architecture from the University of Arizona and a Bachelor’s in Urban and Regional Planning from East Carolina University.
Andrew Marquez
Operations Manager
Andrew is the Operations Manager at Project Ropa, where he manages programs, oversees administrative operations, and supports advocacy efforts. He brings over a decade of experience in customer service, training, and claims management through roles at State Compensation Insurance Fund, USAA, and in the hospitality industry. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics from the University of California, Irvine.
Lauran Natarajan
Warehouse Manager
Lauran serves as the Warehouse Manager at Project Ropa, where she oversees warehouse logistics, inventory coordination, volunteers, and the distribution of essential items to community partners. She has a diverse professional background spanning nonprofit logistics, talent acquisition, and education. Previously, Lauran spent nearly a decade in education as a history teacher and department chair. She holds a Master’s degree in Secondary Education from Stanford University and a Bachelor’s degree in History from Scripps College.
Tyler Reynolds
Mobile Services Coordinator
Tyler is the Operations Associate at Project Ropa, where he helps with warehouse and mobile services logistics. With 13 years of experience in sales and B2B communications, Tyler has a proven track record in account management, organization, and conflict resolution. His expertise in logistics and customer service, honed during his time as a branding consultant and client services specialist at Nadel, contributes to his ability to manage high-pressure situations and meet deadlines efficiently. Tyler holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from California State University, Fullerton.
Our Impact
Explore our past three years of impact reports to see how Project Ropa has helped reduce textile waste and provide essential clothing and hygiene support to those in need.
Our Board
Caitlin Adler
Board Chairwoman
Jason Kiesel
Treasurer and Board Member
Kat Kiyoko Amano
Secretary and Board Member
Mathieu Rasamoela
Board Member
Blair Sun Chee Fore
Board Member
Sarah Rauh
Board Member
Sarah is currently a medical student at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and a longtime volunteer at Project Ropa. She has a unique background, with over a decade of experience in project management, product development, and communications across the healthcare, apparel, and non-profit sectors, as well as in both the private and public sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Tufts University and an Associate in Applied Science in Fashion Design from Parsons School of Design, The New School.
OUR Financials
View Project Ropa’s past three years of tax returns below to learn more about our financial transparency and commitment to accountability.
