Tempestt Ware Harmon, general manager of The Closet of Greater Herndon, Inc.
The Closet of the Greater Herndon Area hosted an open house for representatives of local social service agencies. The event allowed the store's new manager, Tempestt Ware Harmon, to introduce herself and speak about updates to the voucher program.
The Closet's authorized referring agencies, including LINK, Herndon-Reston FISH, Ayuda, and others, can provide vouchers up to two times per year to their clients who need assistance to meet their basic needs. Harmon said that the clients could visit The Closet and based on their needs, select household items, toys, clothing, and most any type of knickknacks to decorate their new home or shelter space. They are responsible for determining what shoes, clothing, blankets, and bed sheets they require.
"It is entirely up to them," said Harmon. "Only glass case items, including jewelry and the more expensive knickknacks, are exempt." According to Harmon, vouchers have range from $60 per person to $380 per family.
Gene Wiley, president of the executive committee of The Closet said the organization donated over $100,000 worth of free merchandise to the voucher program the year prior and over $1 million in goods since 2007.
Harmon said, "My number one goal was to make sure that I got familiar with the staff and the volunteers to build a good rapport with everybody. But then also making sure that I put the customer first and the clients participating in the voucher program." Harmon said that with her background in fashion merchandising, she is maximizing The Closet's square footage and efficiency. In addition, The Closet provides free bakery items donated by local grocery stores.
The Closet at 845 Station Street, Herndon, is accessible via public transportation, including the Fairfax Connector buses 937 and 950, and RIBS 5. For the Metro trip planner, visit http://www.wmata.com.