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Mission

Everyone's Closet houses durable medical equipment that is loaned/given to members of the New York City community. Designed to facilitate a paradigm shift in the way members of society approach the use and ownership of everyday necessities, Everyone's Closet allows individuals to obtain that which they need and cannot afford, discourages wasteful spending, and provides a forum in which members can unite around themes of generosity and community.

The main focus of Everyone's Closet is its Medical Equipment Library, from which people obtain medical equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers. Three million New Yorkers do not have health insurance and many more have insurance without prescription coverage. Most of these people have limited financial resources, and should they get injured, need a way of obtaining medical equipment quickly and free of charge. Through our relationships with hospitals, long-term care facilities, and private estates, we acquire and maintain an inventory of equipment, which we will lend to members of the New York community regardless of race, religion, or financial background.

In addition to providing medical equipment, Everyone's Closet volunteers educate recipients about their healthcare options, connecting them with valuable community resources. When necessary, the volunteers will help people navigate through the complex realm of hospital and health insurance paperwork. People leave the library not only having obtained the equipment that they need, but also with the confidence that comes with knowing they are not coping with their medical problems alone.

Everyone's Closet hopes to eventually set up libraries which stock a greater array of items, such as clothing, kitchenware, and appliances. We believe that people often spend large quantities of money on items which are rarely used, or used only for a short period of time. We believe that the city, and the people in it, would benefit from a forum in which these goods can be exchanged freely. We see no reason that a person should spend hard-earned money on items which another individual is willing to share for free, and we believe that creating a forum in which such individuals can come together has profound benefits.