‘Kleiderkammer’

St. Catherine’s Refugee Programme is now ready to implement the improved Kleiderkammer (clothing distribution), following months of intense preparation. This process included not only meetings and strategic discussions but also the physically demanding and time-consuming task of sorting through the accumulated goods. Items that no longer met quality standards were responsibly discarded, ensuring that only dignified, good-quality clothing remains for distribution.

The result of these efforts is a new “focused distribution” system, which emphasizes identifying specific needs, scheduling appointments, and providing a more humane and respectful experience for recipients. While there have been some sporadic distributions, they have not yet been systematically recorded as part of this new approach.

The preparation also engaged the congregation, sharing the needs of refugees and encouraging their active support. This transformative effort has concluded with a more organized and purpose-driven Kleiderkammer, ready to make a significant impact as we launch the full implementation in the coming weeks.