The Catholic obligation to provide clothing to those who lack adequate garments, from the early Church to modern global relief efforts
Support This Work of Mercy"I was naked and you gave me clothing." — Matthew 25:36
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the works of mercy are "charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities" (CCC 2447). To clothe the naked is the third Corporal Work of Mercy, requiring Catholics to provide adequate clothing to those who lack it for warmth, protection, and basic human dignity.
In the Last Judgment, Christ makes clothing the naked a matter of eternal salvation. When we give clothing to those in need, we give it to Christ Himself — and when we refuse, we refuse Him. This is why St. John the Baptist commanded: "Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none" (Luke 3:11). The prophet Isaiah reminds us that true worship includes: "Clothing the naked when you see them" (Isaiah 58:7).
"Clothe the Naked" means providing adequate clothing to those who lack it — whether someone who is completely without garments, or someone who is poorly dressed and unable to stay warm or maintain their dignity.
This work flows from love. When we see a brother or sister without proper clothing, we don't look away. We share what we have, recognizing that everything we possess is a gift from God meant to be shared. St. Thomas Aquinas teaches that when we have more than we need, we are obligated to give to those in extreme need.
Clothing protects more than just the body — it preserves human dignity. Going without adequate clothing means being unable to work, go to school, or participate in society. By clothing those in need, we restore not just warmth, but hope and belonging.
Divine Mercies Inc. lives out this corporal work of mercy through our clothing distribution ministry. We provide clothing to individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet — those who have lost jobs, fled domestic violence, or are experiencing homelessness.
Our clothing closet offers gently used garments for men, women, and children. We also provide seasonal items like winter coats and boots when cold weather arrives. For those preparing to return to work, we help supply professional attire so they can make a confident first impression.
We work closely with local parishes, shelters, and social services to identify families in need. When you support Divine Mercies Inc., you're not just giving clothes — you're restoring dignity and providing the basic necessities that allow people to rebuild their lives.
For families choosing between buying food and buying clothes, your support is a lifeline. A winter coat can mean the difference between staying healthy and ending up in the hospital. Professional attire can open doors to employment that provides long-term stability.
Your generosity helps Divine Mercies Inc. keep our clothing closet stocked and our distribution programs running. Every donation — whether financial or physical clothing — goes directly to helping a neighbor in need. Together, we can ensure no one in our community lacks something as basic as a warm coat or decent clothes.
Clothing the naked is clothing Christ Himself. Help us keep our neighbors warm and dignified.
Support This Work of MercyYour donation to the "Clothe the Naked" restricted fund directly supports clothing assistance programs and helps provide warmth and dignity to those in need.
100% of your gift goes directly to clothing assistance programs. All donations are tax-deductible.