Letter to the Editor: Former Dove House Closet

By Greta Stromberg, Port Townsend

Port Townsend has a long history of neighbors helping neighbors. The free clothing closet, formerly The Dove House Closet, at Mountain View Commons is a strong example of that spirit.

For years, this space has provided free clothing to community members who need it provided by donations from community members and local businesses. Previously known as Working Image and New Image, The Closet operates with very low rent because Mountain View Commons supports nonprofit agencies and community services. This arrangement makes the resource possible for people who might otherwise have nowhere to turn.

For someone struggling financially, access to clean, appropriate clothing can make a real difference. The closet is not simply an empty room that could serve any purpose; it is an established community resource in a space adapted for that use, including a built-in dressing room and special shelving.

The Dove House administration’s announcement about the closet’s future also needs clarification. Calling the change a “restructuring” is misleading when the actual result is indeed an indefinite closure. Community members deserve clear information about the loss of this service and what, if anything, will replace it.

I also understand that Dove House intends to use the space for additional offices. That plan seems difficult to reconcile with the organization’s stated budget cuts. If reductions are necessary, why expand office space rather than downsize or reduce administrative overhead? At minimum, the community deserves an explanation of how this proposal fits with those budget concerns.

I hope the school district, city, Dove House and other organizations involved will work to preserve the Clothing Closet at Mountain View Commons. Losing an established, accessible service would be a serious loss for Port Townsend, especially for people with few alternatives.

Before any final decision, the organizations involved should work with community members to keep this resource available. The space was adapted for this purpose; its rent is affordable because it serves nonprofit agencies and the community has relied on it for years.

The clothing closet quietly helps people every day. It deserves protection—not elimination under the vague label of “restructuring,” especially while the same space is considered for office expansion despite stated budget cuts.

Note from the Editor: Dove House Advocacy Services Executive Director Beulah Kingsolver has clarified the reasons behind the decision to close the Dove House Closet in an interview with the Beacon. That interview can be read here. As part of our Editorial Policies, we append clarifications/fact-checking to submissions as necessary.