Maria Alcala stands in front of the new Maria's Mobile Closet van. (Amira Van Leeuwen/Community Impact)
New Braunfels ISD started Maria's Closet, a support service providing clothes, backpacks and toiletries to unhoused students in 2004. Now, the closet has grown into a larger resource, reaching more families and students in need.
What’s new
Maria's Closet is now operating inside the district's original Lamar building at 240 N. Central Ave. In addition to improved in-person services, Maria’s Closet also offers a mobile closet—a van that has all the resources of the permanent closet, but can now travel to those in need. The van will begin operating in September or October, Maria Alcala, NBISD's McKinney-Vento and foster care liaison, told Community Impact.
“The district is removing transportation and access barriers by bringing resources directly to campuses and neighborhoods,” Alcala said. “This expansion is expected to increase the number of students and families served throughout New Braunfels ISD in the coming school year.”
The van will travel to specific locations throughout New Braunfels, including the Crisis Center of Comal County, local food banks and other community events, Alcala said. The van was funded by grants awarded by organizations like NB Women GO, McKenna Foundation, EdenHill Communities and Walmart. It was also funded by donations from community members, according to an email from NBISD officials.
Maria Alcala gives a student a backpack at a Maria's Closet back-to-school event on Aug. 13, 2026. (Amira Van Leeuwen/Community Impact)
The impact
A total of 1,000 items, such as clothing, hygiene items and school supplies and other essential resources have been distributed to students and families. The average attendance rate for students that identified as homeless was over 90%. Alcala said this was well above the national and state average, which demonstrates the impact of Maria's Closet and the support of their community partners.
Maria's Closet saw a decrease in families served between school years. This was due to students not needing the service as much during the recent school year because they had used the service the year prior.
Alcala said she has had students who have used the closet while in school come back after graduating to visit her and see how the space has evolved.
Get involved
Maria's Closet accepts monetary donations as well as clothing, hygiene and school supply donations. Those interested in donating items in person can call 830-627-6441 or 830-627-6439 to arrange a drop-off. Individuals can also volunteer or purchase items from Maria's Closet Amazon wishlist.
