Robert Walls (left) with members of Frontiers International

Are unwanted suits cluttering up your wardrobe? One group decided to put their old suits to good use and donate them to HVAF. Frontiers International, Inc. encouraged suit donations from their members because oftentimes a major barrier facing homeless veterans trying to get a job is not having proper professional clothing for the interview.

Spearheading the suit drive was Robert Walls, member of the Frontiers International, a volunteer based company whose mission is advancement through service. He is also a US Air Force veteran of 20 years.

“Wearing a suit has a massive effect on confidence – especially when looking for work. If we can help individuals to feel more confident when going to interviews, and therefore increase their chances of getting a job, then the drive will have been a resounding success.”

While the majority of suits came from their members, the group also reached out to department stores, like Macy’s.

A recent beneficiary is employment-seeking Tony B., 49, who came to HVAF in August 2013 after following a period of homelessness. Tony said: “I recently attended a job interview; for the interview I wore a suit donated to HVAF because I wanted to make a good impression.”

Ten suits, twenty shirts and more than a dozen shoes were donated this month.