Cleveland’s first foster care closet expands choice-based support for children entering care and caregivers

A “shop-like” model built around immediate needs

Cleveland’s first foster care closet, operated as Honey from the Rock, has developed an appointment-based, choice-centered distribution model aimed at children entering foster care and the adults caring for them. The program is structured to provide practical essentials quickly—clothing, shoes, hygiene products and comfort items—while allowing children to select items that fit their size, season and preferences.

The closet offers private appointments for in-person “shopping” as well as a curbside option designed for urgent situations. Caseworkers or caregivers can place emergency orders for children who have just entered the foster care system, with customized packages prepared for the child’s needs.

What families receive, and how often they can return

Emergency orders are assembled as tailored bundles. Standard components include a new rolling duffel bag, clothing intended to cover about a week and a half, hygiene items, a stuffed animal, a toy or teen gift card, and footwear with basics such as socks and underwear—or diapers for infants and toddlers. The organization states that families can access the closet up to four times per year, allowing periodic updates as children grow or seasons change.

• Private appointments allow children to choose items directly, with sizing and seasonal needs considered.
• Custom curbside orders are designed for quick pickup when immediate placement needs arise.
• Bundles are intended to reduce the likelihood that a child arrives at a new placement with limited belongings.

Partnerships and a planned community hub

Beyond the core closet model, the organization reports supplying items directly to foster care triage at MetroHealth through programs described as Gap Pack and Busy Bee Bundle—an approach intended to reach children at the earliest stage of placement.

The group is also developing a “Foster Care Community Hub” concept. Plans described publicly include quarterly textured haircare trainings and periodic community events tied to the foster care community, alongside continued access to appointments and customized orders.

The organization’s public materials describe the goal as pairing essential items with a process that emphasizes dignity and choice for children in care.

Why the “choice” element is central

Foster care transitions often happen quickly, and children may arrive to a new home with few personal items. A choice-based closet model seeks to address both logistics—appropriate clothing and hygiene supplies on short notice—and the experience of transition, by allowing children to pick what they will wear and take with them.

In practice, that means moving beyond one-size-fits-all distribution toward individualized sizing, age-appropriate items, and options for older youth who may prefer gift cards or specific styles. The program’s structure—repeat visits during the year—also reflects the practical realities of growth spurts, school schedules and seasonal clothing changes.