Havasu Woman’s Faith Crisis Sparks Thriving Nonprofit for the Needy

Christine Watson-Buntemeyer has navigated a challenging path over the past three years. Once active in providing clothes for needy individuals in Lake Havasu City through Calvary Baptist Church, she founded her nonprofit, The Clothes Closet, in 2010. The organization now supports hundreds of residents monthly, but Buntemeyer faced operational hurdles that tested her resolve.

Starting in her garage, she later moved The Clothes Closet to McCulloch Mini Storage. In 2012, she secured a 1,500 square-foot facility on Swanson Avenue, which was short-lived as ownership changed, sending her back to storage.

Personal trials intensified when her husband was diagnosed with cancer in 2015, followed by her own breast cancer diagnosis in 2018. Despite these hardships, Buntemeyer persevered, relocating The Clothes Closet to a space provided by Havasu’s Solid Rock Christian Center. However, when that facility was sold in 2021, she found herself once again back in a storage unit.

“I realized that maybe God had a different plan for me,” she reflected. In a moment of faith and desperation, Buntemeyer decided that if nothing changed within three months, she would accept a new direction in her life.

It was then that a story about her organization caught the attention of local benefactors. The Clothes Closet found a new home thanks to property owner Barbara Smith, who purchased the current location at 1968 Mesquite Avenue. Community support followed suit, with local contractors volunteering their services and materials to help renovate the space.

Federal funding also played a significant role, as the city allocated $128,000 from coronavirus relief efforts for building renovations. The Clothes Closet now offers a range of essentials, including clothing, toiletries, tents, and laundry facilities. This month, it has introduced a shaded cooling area for those facing extreme heat.

Buntemeyer aims to not only provide basic needs but also assist residents in finding employment and pursuing higher education. “About 486 people were served in July alone,” she stated proudly. “Watching individuals regain their footing is incredibly rewarding.”

The Clothes Closet collaborates with local businesses and organizations, including Havasu Hope, another venture of Buntemeyer that helps fund the nonprofit’s activities. She credits the community for their unwavering support, often posting needs on social media and receiving swift help.

The organization extends its services to patients at Havasu Regional Medical Center and students at Mohave Community College, and it plans to expand its reach to the Chemehuevi Indian Reservation.

As The Clothes Closet continues to grow, Buntemeyer anticipates the need for additional storage space to accommodate donations. The community’s generosity, coupled with potential tax credits for contributions, presents new avenues for support.

For further information about The Clothes Closet’s services or how to contribute, contact them at 928-230-3113.