Tour of Faith Mobile collects and distributes free clothing and essential items to people experiencing poverty and homelessness in Charlottesville, VA. Founded by Letitia Curry-Stinnie in 2018, the program operates under the aegis of Virginia Organizing’s Joint Plan of Work program, partnering with local businesses, nonprofits, and congregations to gather donated items and distribute them where people gather, making empowering relational connections in the process.

Letitia’s vision is to uphold the joy and human dignity of marginalized neighbors, and it is a vision rooted in her faith. “I do this work of giving back because God wants me to,” Letitia says. “I have a kind heart, and I never want to see someone go without. I want everyone to be happy and everyone to feel good, and clothing is a way people express themselves. When you look good, you feel good.”

A recent example of the kind of partnership she seeks includes sourcing formal attire from individuals and local boutiques for a Mother’s Day photoshoot hosted by Georgia’s Friends, a women’s reentry and recovery residential community.

Community members were able to pick out their wardrobe, have fun with the shoot, and then keep the items they wore. Letitia also has a long-standing partnership with Mt. Zion African Baptist Church’s Neighbors With No Address street outreach program, which has enabled her to get coats, shoes, and hygiene supplies to over 300 people living on the streets, as well as partner with Labcorps to provide free health screenings. And the connection to Mt. Zion made it possible for Tour of Faith Mobile to establish a partnership with Pacem, Charlottesville’s rotating thermal shelter that utilizes the facilities of local congregations.

“I’ve always wanted to partner with Pacem,” Letitia says. “Seeing how good people looked in the donated clothes, and how happy and appreciative they were, was exciting and joyful.”

Letitia is always looking for community support to help sustain and grow the work. As the name of the program implies, Tour of Faith Mobile needs a working vehicle to do what it does, and Letitia has been looking for a donated vehicle for use to shuttle people to appointments and job interviews. She also relies on donations of new and used clothing from businesses and individuals. And monetary gifts help cover vehicle maintenance, fuel, and other operational costs.

If you are interested in supporting her work, you can reach out to her directly here!