Public Storage Helps Texas Nonprofit Serve Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness

When Houston-based nonprofit Open Gate Homeless Ministries needed space for excess donated clothing and outreach supplies, the organization turned to Public Storage.

Open Gate, a nonprofit and ministry of Bering Memorial United Methodist Church, supports young adults experiencing homelessness in the Houston community by providing meals, blankets, clean clothing, hygiene kits, and a place to gather. As its clothing donations grew, the organization needed more room to organize supplies outside its limited church space.

Key Takeaways

• Open Gate Homeless Ministries supports young adults experiencing homelessness in Houston with meals, clothing, hygiene supplies, blankets, and sleeping bags.
• The nonprofit uses a nearby Public Storage unit to organize eligible donated clothing and outreach supplies.
• A drive-up unit can make loading and unloading donation boxes easier for volunteers, where available.
• Public Storage rentals are month to month, allowing organizations to adjust their storage plans as donation needs change.
• Storage can provide added room for clean, dry donated supplies when space at a church, office, or community center is limited.

Open Gate board member Denis Kelly searched online for a nearby Public Storage location when the nonprofit needed more room for donated supplies, and its proximity was an important part of the decision.

“When they showed me the unit, I was like, ‘Oh, we’ve got to have it,’” he recalled.

The organization selected a drive-up unit, which gives volunteers room to load and unload donation boxes near the storage space.

“I have to look long term, and that was one of the reasons we picked you,” Kelly said. “It’s worked out perfect.”

Helping Houston’s Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness

For more than a decade, Open Gate has provided services for young adults experiencing homelessness, including weekly meals, hygiene kits, clothing, coats, jackets, blankets, and sleeping bags.

The nonprofit began by serving meals to a smaller group each Sunday at Bering Memorial United Methodist Church. As community needs increased, Open Gate expanded its weekly outreach and donation collection.

The organization is primarily volunteer-based, with a small staff that works remotely. Open Gate has limited space at the church for supplies, which made it harder to organize its growing clothing donations and outreach materials.

“We don’t have an office, and we have a small space we use at the church, but most of the operations have been remote,” Kelly said.

The organization receives donations of clothing in good condition, including coats, jackets, and sweaters. Keeping supplies organized can help volunteers prepare for weekly outreach and seasonal needs.

“People don’t realize how many young people are experiencing homelessness,” Kelly said. “When they come and get clothes, they want to blend in with other young adults.”

Open Gate has also worked with local partners to support laundry access for young adults in the community. The nonprofit keeps blankets and sleeping bags available for outreach during colder weather and other community needs.

How Storage Supports Donation Programs

Storage can give nonprofits room to organize eligible donated supplies when space at a church, office, community center, or volunteer’s home is limited.

Nonprofit Storage Uses at a Glance

For organizations managing donations, labeled boxes and bins can make supplies easier for volunteers to find. Keeping frequently used items near the front of the unit and leaving an aisle can also make loading and sorting more manageable.

Storage Options for Organizations With Changing Needs

Donation needs can change throughout the year. An organization may receive more clothing during one season, more blankets during colder weather, or additional supplies before a community event.

Public Storage is the largest self-storage brand in the United States, with roughly 10% of the country’s self-storage square footage. Public Storage rentals are month to month, which can give organizations flexibility as their storage needs change.

Unit sizes and features vary by location. Organizations can compare available options based on the types and amount of eligible supplies they plan to store.

FAQs About Nonprofit Storage

Can a nonprofit use a storage unit for donated items?

A storage unit may be an option for eligible donated items, including clean, dry clothing, blankets, event materials, and unopened outreach supplies. Organizations can review local facility guidelines and rental terms before storing donations.

How can a nonprofit organize donations in a storage unit?

Sort supplies by category, use labeled boxes or bins, place frequently used items near the front, and leave an aisle for access. A simple inventory list can also help volunteers locate supplies.

What is drive-up storage?

Drive-up storage units are accessed from an outdoor drive aisle, allowing a vehicle to pull up near the unit. Drive-up availability and unit features vary by location.

Are Public Storage rentals month to month?

Yes. Public Storage rentals are month to month, which can be useful for organizations whose storage needs change over time.

How can a nonprofit find storage near its outreach location?

A nonprofit can search for a nearby Public Storage location and compare available unit sizes, access features, and rental options.

Open Gate Homeless Ministries continues to organize donations and outreach supplies for young adults experiencing homelessness in the Houston community. Storage can provide additional room for eligible supplies that support ongoing outreach efforts.

Public Storage has been trusted nationwide since 1972 and is the world’s largest owner and operator of self-storage facilities. With more than 4,600 storage facilities serving more than two million customers across 42 states, Public Storage offers storage options for households and organizations with changing space needs.