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Frequently Asked Questions

Our FAQ section is designed to provide quick answers to the most common questions about our organization, programs, and services. If you don’t see your question listed, or if you’d like more detailed information on any of the answers provided, we encourage you to reach out to us directly. Our team is always happy to provide further support and ensure you get the information you need.

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General FAQ

Why the name -  The Folx Collective?

That’s a great question — and one that’s really close to our heart. The word “Folx” (pronounced like “folks”) is an intentionally inclusive variation of the word “folks.” It’s used to represent all people — especially those who are often left out of the mainstream definition. For us, “Folx” reflects our commitment to centering and uplifting Black, Queer, and Femme members of our community — the people who are too often sidelined, unseen, or forgotten entirely. The spelling itself is a small but powerful reminder that we see you, we mean you, and this space was built with you in mind. The “Collective” represents the way we work — together. Our mission is rooted in community care, collaboration, and shared growth. We believe liberation and sustainability come from collective effort, not individual struggle. So, The Folx Collective is more than just a name — it’s a reflection of our values, our people, and our purpose: To create spaces of belonging, empowerment, and opportunity for those who’ve been historically left out.

Why does The Folx Collective choose to be a remote organization?

If COVID taught us anything, it’s that the world is evolving—and so should the way we work. At The Folx Collective, we believe in pushing forward healthy trends that support both our staff and the community we serve. Instead of directing funds toward office spaces or flashy headquarters, we focus our resources where they matter most: delivering tangible, life-changing outcomes for all in our care. Being remote allows us to: + Put community first: More funding goes directly to programs, resources, and support rather than rent and overhead. + Support our team’s well-being: Working from home creates flexibility, reduces burnout, and allows our staff to focus fully on doing meaningful, life-changing work. + Protect the environment: Less commuting means reduced emissions, and fewer physical office needs help us cut down on waste and energy use. + Model the future we want to see: By embracing modern, sustainable work practices, we’re shaping cultural norms that extend beyond our organization to California and beyond. The Folx Collective isn’t just keeping up with change—we’re driving it. Our remote model ensures that every step we take strengthens our mission: to create a future rooted in community care, sustainability, and lasting transformation.

Where can I go to receive services or participate in events from The Folx Collective?

The Folx Collective is deeply committed to accessibility. That’s why we do our best to make most of our programs and events hybrid—so you can participate both in person and virtually. This approach ensures that no matter where you are, you can connect with our community, access resources, and engage with the life-changing work we’re building together. Looking ahead, we’re investing in the creation of TFC Campuses—physical spaces designed with purpose and rooted in care. Each campus will reflect the needs of its local community, but most will feature: + A Community Center: A hub for workshops, gatherings, and accessible services. + Housing Structures: Safe, affirming, and sustainable housing solutions for those we serve. + A Community Farm: Providing food security, education, and opportunities for collective care. These campuses will not exist in isolation—they’ll be deeply connected to the surrounding neighborhoods through partnerships, collaborations, and investments that uplift everyone involved. By blending hybrid accessibility with physical spaces, The Folx Collective is fostering a supportive system built on continuous growth, empowerment, and prosperity for all in our care.

What does accessibility mean to The Folx Collective?

For us, accessibility isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a promise. The Folx Collective is committed to making sure that our programs, services, and events are available to as many people as possible, in ways that truly meet their needs. Accessibility at TFC means: + Hybrid Participation: Most of our programs and events are designed to be both in-person and virtual, ensuring that distance or mobility challenges don’t stand in the way of community care. + Inclusive Spaces: Our upcoming TFC Campuses will include community centers, housing, and farms, all intentionally built to welcome and affirm the diverse identities we serve. + Community Partnerships: We engage the neighborhoods around us, collaborating and reinvesting in ways that create collective strength and sustainability. + Equity in Action: By staying remote-first and prioritizing where funds are most impactful, we remove unnecessary barriers and ensure resources directly serve unhoused Black, femme, and queer folx. At The Folx Collective, accessibility is about more than convenience—it’s about reshaping cultural norms and building a future where care, connection, and opportunity are woven into every part of our work.

Good Tips to Donate By!

Tip #1: Don’t Toss Tech in the Trash In California, it’s illegal to throw electronics in the garbage—and for good reason! Phones, computers, and gadgets contain harmful chemicals like mercury and lead that can leak into our soil, water, and air. The good news? Recycling is free and impactful. When you donate anything with a battery or a plug to The Folx Collective, you’re not only protecting the planet, you’re helping us provide resources and skill-building opportunities for unhoused Black, femme, and queer folx in our community. Tip #2: Make Room for New Joy Before birthdays or holidays roll around, encourage kids (and adults too!) to experience the joy of giving. Donate toys, games, or creative supplies that no longer spark excitement. Your donations to The Folx Collective go directly toward uplifting our community programs and creating safe, affirming spaces for those we serve. Tip #3: Out with the Old, In with the Good Shopping can be fun, but clutter—not so much. Try the “one in, one out” rule: for every new item you bring home, donate something you no longer use. Your space will feel lighter, your mind clearer, and your generosity will fuel The Folx Collective’s work in building life skills, fostering community care, and supporting LGBTQ+ folx on their journey toward stability. Tip #4: Small Steps, Big Wins Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Pick one area at a time—like a single closet, dresser, or even just your shoe collection. Breaking the process into bite-sized steps makes it easier to stay on track. Every item you pass along to The Folx Collective becomes a tool for transformation, helping us continue to create pathways toward empowerment and sustainability.

Donation FAQ

Donation Policy

 

At The Folx Collective (TFC), your donations directly fuel our mission to support unhoused Black, femme, and queer community members in California. Every item you give helps us create safe, affirming spaces, fund life-changing programs, and build a future rooted in community care and sustainability.

Because we want your donations to have the greatest possible impact, we kindly ask that all items be safe, clean, and in good working condition. Below you’ll find what we can and cannot accept.

Items We Gladly Accept

  • Gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories

  • Books, games, and toys (in good condition)

  • Small household goods (dishes, décor, linens, tools)

  • Small electronics that work (phones, laptops, tablets, small appliances)

  • New, unopened hygiene items (toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.)

  • New, sealed undergarments and socks

🚫 Items We Cannot Accept

To protect our community, staff, and environment—and to comply with California state law—we cannot accept:

Hazardous, Toxic & Chemical Items
  • Paint, solvents, fuels, pesticides, automotive fluids, aerosols, cleaning chemicals, or anything flammable or toxic.

Medical & Safety Equipment
  • Used medical devices, oxygen tanks, CPAP machines, needles, syringes, or sharps.

Large Furniture & Appliances
  • Mattresses, box springs, refrigerators, washers/dryers, stoves, dishwashers, freezers, large sofas, oversized cabinets, pianos, or bulky exercise equipment.

[Some thrift organizations may accept large furniture if their location has space and logistics to handle it—but as a rule, TFC will not accept bulky items unless we have a specific arrangements.]

Damaged, Soiled, or Broken Items
  • Torn or stained clothing, shoes with holes, items with mold, odor, pests, or broken electronics/appliances.

Undergarments (Opened or Used)
  • We do not accept any opened or previously worn undergarments, bras, or socks.

  • New and sealed packages may be donated.

Food & Consumables
  • Opened food, expired products, supplements, vitamins, alcohol, or pharmaceuticals.

Unsafe or Obsolete Electronics
  • Electronics that don’t power on, have exposed wiring, or are unsafe/recalled.

Personal Care Products (Opened or Used)
  • Opened cosmetics, skincare, razors, toothbrushes, or hygiene items.

[If the item is new and sealed, some donation programs may accept it—otherwise, we must decline for safety reasons.]

Illegal, Prohibited, or Recalled Items
  • Firearms, ammunition, weapons, recalled products, counterfeit or stolen goods.

Why These Rules Exist

Handling unsafe, hazardous, or unusable items creates extra costs for nonprofits and takes resources away from the community. By following these guidelines, you ensure your donations go directly toward supporting life-changing outcomes for both our staff and the people we serve.

Thank You for Supporting TFC

Every item you donate is more than just a gift—it’s an investment in building a future of accessibility, sustainability, and empowerment. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

If you’re unsure whether we can accept an item, please contact us before donating. Together, we can make sure your generosity has the biggest possible impact.

Donation Valuation Guide

Download Here:

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