For many reasons there are many people struggling and living rough on the Mornington Peninsula. In 2013, a number of local women got together over coffee to talk about how we could serve our local community. We began with a focus on women, and though there were many professional services for women on the Peninsula, none were addressing the issue of raising confidence and self-esteem for those who have fallen on hard time, not always of their doing, and for those who needed it most. Our mission became a simple one: to provide quality clothing, accessories, toiletries and more to those who have very little or no ability to support these needs. With no clothes, no premises and no money we were determined we move forward. Deciding on the name “Clothes4U,” we incorporated and obtained ‘Not for Profit’ status and became a registered Charity, eventually receiving ‘Deductible Gift Recipient Status’. Starting in one of our volunteers spare bedrooms, we accumulated clothes from our own wardrobes, our friend and families. We raised money from local organisations and built a team of great volunteers. We then progressed into a very small garage on Jetty Road, our dressing room doubled as our kitchen and slowly clients started to arrive. As we could only dress one client at a time, and the garage became very crowded, and so after a short time we had raised a little money from various grass root events and looked for better premises. Taking the plunge, we rented premises on Boneo Rd, in Rosebud whilst still storing clothing at our volunteer residences. Client numbers grew, and our desire to provide a better experience propelled us once again to start looking for another bigger location. For six months we searched and though all were too expensive with landlords not willing to negotiate, we were finally fortunate to find a premises on Pt Nepean Rd, consisting of an area within a larger shop that was available. It was an empty canvas, and would take a lot of work to turn into a workable shop. After much negotiation with the landlord, we came to an agreement. GEM Taylor Constructions a local building company and Rotary Dromana came to our rescue ​to assist with renovations, offering to complete all the renovations on a pro bono basis. We now had two dressing rooms and an area that looked like a real shop, the difference was palpable for our clients and their experience. In February 2019, we officially opened the first of its type on the Peninsula. Clothes4U had found a home. So excited by this new location, thinking it was a long shot, we asked 2015 Australian of the Year Rosie Batty, to officiate over our official opening. Her acceptance changed many things and it put us on the map. More and more clients arrived and in a very short space of time, we have made a great impact on the Peninsula becoming connected with many of the local services.  To further address the needs of the community, we saw the need to provide the same for our local men and were fortunate to be able to open up a dedicated shop next door.  Our local Mornington Pennisula council is to be commended for renting us the Rosebud premises and we appreciate their ongoing support. The security and stability that one can receive from items of clothing or new toiletries, many of us take for granted. Being listened to in an environment that respects your needs, can increase ones feeling of self-esteem and this can is priceless and profound. We hope we can keep doing this for a long time.