Closet Angels looks for temporary building, permanent goal in sight
Closet Angels Ministry, a longtime Albany outreach effort that has quietly met some of the community’s most basic needs for the past 15 years, is beginning a new chapter as leaders seek a temporary home and launch a campaign to purchase a permanent facility.
Founded in the fall of 2010 after director Lori Reames posted a simple Facebook message about a coat and clothing drive, Closet Angels quickly grew beyond its original mission and began operating from the Allen House building, where it has served families since its earliest days.
Over time, that single clothing drive developed into a network of outreach programs that now serve individuals and families across Shackelford County. Today, Closet Angels Clothing Ministry provides school and everyday clothing, The Local Exchange supplies household items, Chelsey’s Project distributes diapers, and the Medical Equipment Ministry offers equipment to those in need.
Reames said many people in the community still think of Closet Angels as only a clothing closet, unaware of how broad the ministry has become.
“We started with a single Facebook post,” she said. “Now we’re helping families with clothes, household items, diapers, bikes and medical equipment. It’s grown far beyond what any of us imagined.”
Urgent need for a new location
The Allen House building, owned by Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church, has developed serious structural problems, particularly on the north side, and has been deemed unsafe for continued use. Closet Angels, which has operated in the building rent free for fifteen years, will need to relocate by June 30, 2026.
For now, the immediate goal is to secure a temporary rental space for about one year so the clothing ministry can continue operating while plans for a long-term solution move forward. The group currently operates out of multiple areas, including storage buildings and shipping containers, which makes it difficult for families to access services and for staff to move items efficiently between locations.
Ultimately, the ministry hopes to purchase a permanent building that would allow all programs to operate from a single, central location with room to grow. Leaders estimate the purchase cost at approximately $400,000, with additional funds needed later for renovations and outfitting the space.
A vision for the future
Beyond meeting daily needs, Reames envisions the future home of Closet Angels and The Local Exchange as a community gathering place, where families could attend food truck nights, children could play, and neighbors could simply spend time together. The building would also allow the ministry to expand programs such as delivering meals to homebound residents and hosting special events.
To support this effort, Closet Angels is in the process of becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which will allow the ministry to accept tax-deductible donations.
“Our goal right now is awareness and fundraising,” Reames said. “We want people to understand what Closet Angels has become and what it can be for Albany in the years ahead.”
How to help
Community members who want to learn more about the ministry or get involved can visit the group’s new website at localexchange.org or contact Reames directly at 325.721.8620.
