History & Accomplishments
Shamine Linton, Founder
A Dream Becomes a Reality
Since Shamine was a young child growing up in Jamaica, she always had a huge heart for helping anyone in any way she could. After immigrating to the United States, she continued to help people back in Jamaica. She, her husband, Shane, and mother, Sheron, would return bi-yearly with clothes, food, and household items needed by family and friends.
In 2006 Shamine began gathering clothes, diapers, and hygiene products for the people she saw struggling in her neighborhood and throughout the city of San Diego. She was soon operating a “closet” out of her patio, distributing her inventory throughout the city to those struggling with homelessness, addiction, unemployment, and other financial hardships. She soon ran out of space in her home and moved to Trinity Lutheran Church where they gave her use of one of their rooms for two years.
The more Shamine did to help this struggling population, the more need she discovered. She realized she had to expand her good deeds into a much bigger operation. She dreamed of creating a lovely space where people could receive a personal shopping experience of nice new and gently used, clean clothes along with the dignity of hygiene products. A place that would clothe the entire family – infants, toddlers, kids, teens, men, and women – at no charge. It was time to take her dream to the next level.
She put together a business plan and contacted Score, an organization of retired business professionals that mentor entrepreneurs to turn their dreams into reality. She met with a nice gentleman with whom she shared her plan and dreams. He gave her some good suggestions. She thanked him, and she went on her way to implement his suggestions. He seemed interested but perhaps a bit detached. She appreciated his expertise but didn’t think she would hear from him again.
A couple of weeks later, that gentleman, John B, called her and suggested that she purchase a 40-foot storage container for the overflow of clothes and products she was accumulating. The cost of this container was $2800, a good deal. She explained to John that she didn’t have $2800. He told her it wasn’t a problem. He would pay for it. He gave her $3000 and told her to put the change in the bank.
Who was this man? Some kind of angel, perhaps.
John began to work with Shamine every week. Giving her ideas and direction, assisting her in becoming an official 501c3 non-profit entity. Every time Shamine would feel defeated and want to give up John, would say to her, “There you go worrying again. Everything is going to be alright.” And, he was always right. He made monthly donations to support and assist with the costs of running the operations of a non-profit. His monetary donations also assisted with purchasing diapers and hygiene products that were desperately needed by the people she served. Most of the clothing she distributed was donated, but diapers, hygiene products, and underwear had to be purchased new. John had truly become her mentor and angel donor.
In 2017 Shamine again needed more space. One day, John called for their weekly meeting. Shamine told him she had heard about a space for rent that might be the spot to officially open “Sharia’s Closet”, named for her daughter. They went to look at a space on El Cajon Blvd in the College Area, centrally located and on a bus route. It was perfect. The rent was reasonable but more than Shamine made monthly in donations. She told John she couldn’t afford it. “There you go worrying again,” John said. He told her he planned to pay the rent until she was generating enough to cover it.
So with John’s generous assistance, Sharia’s Closet moved into their current location at 6244 El Cajon Blvd Unit#5 San Diego CA 92115. This former chiropractor’s office was converted into a warm and charming space. It includes a welcome area, office/ library, five walk-in closets for infants and toddlers, children and teens, women’s casual/professional, men’s casual/ professional, and a laundry room.
John saw Shamine’s heart and her dream. He had been successful in the business world and was able to help make her dream a reality. He believed in her and helped her believe in herself. Beyond financial assistance, he advised her on marketing, accounting procedures, and other business operations she needed to serve people at the highest level. He also taught her how to track her successes. As a result of his belief and support, Sharia’s Closet has grown to serve over 15,000 people. It works with 60+ social service organizations in San Diego. The Closet also works with the military and police departments. It has an office/closet at the Family Justice Center in Downtown San Diego where they serve domestic violence victims.
John worked with Shamine for three years as a mentor, coach, dear friend, and guardian angel. He passed away in 2019. Shamine keeps a picture of him at Sharia’s Closet and often talks to him when she’s having a rough day. She knows he hears her because she knows he truly is an angel.
Experiencing the Space
Stepping into Sharia’s Closet, you are enveloped in serenity and love. Soft pastels comfort you; butterflies are represented everywhere throughout the space. Shamine explains the butterflies represent hope, peace, love, dignity and respect, and you feel that as you walk through each room.
In the infants and toddlers room, everything is arranged by size, neatly folded and displayed. Toys and stuffed animals, arranged amongst the clothing, make this room feel playful and light-hearted.
The kids and teens space is strategically arranged by size and age. Words of encouragement and success embellish the walls. Young people shopping in this space are always delighted to find clothes they are proud to wear to school or out with their friends.
Women and Men each have a casual clothing room with jeans, sweats and leisure items. These rooms also have uplifting decor and words of encouragement throughout. The Professional Room carries suits and business attire for interviews, court hearings and new jobs. This room is where hope for a new start begins.
There is never a thrift store feeling at Sharia’s Closet, and there is never a charge for the clothes or hygiene items for our neighbors in need.
You finish your tour (which you can experience virtually (link) or in-person) with the laundry room and office. All donated clothing is laundered if it has not come in already clean. Every inch of space is used efficiently and with butterfly symbolism. When you walk out the door, you carry those feelings of hope, love, dignity and respect.
Good work is being done here.
Where are we on our journey today?
Sharia’s Closet is outgrowing its current location and requires a much larger space. Shamine’s dream continues to grow. She would like to have a much larger space that will become a one-stop transitional center for people coming out of struggle, emerging into a better life. The dream building will include space for the expansion of the closets and spaces for skills assessment, job readiness, coaching, and mentorship workshops on parenting, stress management, personal growth, and other skills.
How do we grow this dream?
Your time, treasure and talent!
People looking to make a difference who want to be a part of this organization to volunteer their time and talents at Sharia’s Closet.
Individuals and companies that will commit to a monthly membership donation.
Individuals, organizations and companies to sponsor one of the rooms at Sharia’s Closet.
If you and/or your organization want to get involved and make a big difference in the lives of those in need, please call Shamine Linton at Sharia’s Closet, 619-808-4979.
Accolades & Awards
Nov 2024 Sharia’s Closet Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator, with an impressive overall score of 96%. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/811088718
Oct 2024 Shamine was interviewed by Marie Coronel Sharia's Closet expands to South Bay to help more families in need - https://www.10news.com/news/we-follow-through/sharias-closet-expands-to-south-bay-to-help-more-families-in-need?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1ZznLpEOCNWWokmHJhqcdsqACV8kH9P8fep28IVmjDSHQEMGlp_75GBcU_aem_csOzpjoabuObZMncyj-7Yw
Sep 2024 - Shamine is featured on ShoutoutSoCal website https://shoutoutsocal.com/meet-shamine-linton-founder-ceo
Jul 2024 Sharia’s Closet Certificate of Recognition from John McCann Mayor of Chula Vista
Jul 2024 - Shamine is featured on The Faces Of San Diego BLOG. https://thefacesofsandiego.com/
https://thefacesofsandiego.com/shamine-linton-ceo-of-sharias-closet/
May 2024 - The State of California SENATE Certificate of Recognition – Shamine Linton – Outstanding Leadership & Service Award from Senator Brian W. Jones – Provided by GAP.
May 2024 – The State of California Secretary of State Certificate of Recognition – Shirly N. Weber
May 2024 - California State Legislative ASSYMBLY Certificate of Recognition – Shamine Linton Milady Honorees – By Assembly member Akilah Weber, M.D. 79th District
May 2024 - Shamine received The Thirty-Third Breakfast for MiLady "A Tribute to Mothers" Award https://www.dstsandiego.org/bfm https://www.dstsandiego.org/bfmhonorees
Feb 2024 Volunteer Diaries: Sharia’s Closet - Meet Karly Franz and Lacy Henderson, Sharia’s Closet
Volunteer Diaries: Sharia’s Closet
Feb 2024 Sharia’s Closet achieved the 2024 Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.
Jan 2024 The State of California SENATE Certificate of Recognition – Shamine Linton Sharia’s Closet – Outstanding Community Service Award from Senator Brian W. Jones
Dec 2023 Shamine Linton received The Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Sara Jacobs
Sept 2023 Certificate of Recognition from the City of Irvine from Mayor Farrah Khan
Sept 2023 She made history Award – Outstanding Achievement from Noura Bighay
Jul 2023 San Diego nonprofits partner to find clothing for people in need – Two videos. https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/san-diego-news/san-diego-non-profits-partner-to-find-clothing-for-people-in-need
Jul 2023 Nextdoor 4th Annual FAVE Award.
Jul 2023 $65K worth of clothing was donated to San Diego nonprofit
https://www.10news.com/positivelysandiego/65k-worth-of-clothing-was-donated-to-san-diego-nonprofit
Jun 2023 Sharia’s Closet achieved the 2023 Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.
Mar 2023 Shamine Linton featured in She Makes History Award
https://www.nourapb.com/2023whm
Feb 2023 Shamine was interviewed/by Laurn Phinney featured on KUSI News San Diego. Sharia's closet provides emergency clothing for San Diegans in need
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DBFXQ6G97XA
Feb 2023 Shamine is featured in The San Diego Union-Tribune: Someone San Diego Should Know: Shamine Linton https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/someone-san-diego-should-know/story/2023-02-15/someone-san-diego-should-know-shamine-linton
Jul 2022 Nextdoor 3rd Annual FAVE Award.
Jun 2022 KLOVE, Air1, The WTA group Radio: Shamine was interviewed by Monika Kelly.
Apr 2022 Sharia’s Closet was awarded the Community Heart Award from Aetna.
Jan 2022 Sharia’s Closet achieved the 2022 Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.
Oct 2021 The San Diego Family Justice Center has highlighted Sharia’s Closet in their Community Partner rebranding to your safe place. https://www.sandiego.gov/yoursafeplace
Oct 2021 Shamine Linton featured in Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera District 9 Newsletter.
Sep 2021 Sharia’s Closet, has been nominated for a San Diego Community Assist (SDCA), INSPIRE COMMUNITY UNITY AWARD, honoring the local heroes of San Diego.
Sep 2021 Shamine and Sharia is featured in The Mission Times Courier: https://missiontimescourier.com/mission-times-courier-digital-archives/
Jul 2021 Nextdoor 2nd Annual FAVE Award.
Jul 2021 California State Legislative ASSYMBLY Certificate of Recognition – Sharia’s Closet Small Business of the Year Award – By Assembly member Akilah Weber 79th District
Jul 2021 Shamine was interviewed/featured on CBS 8 News San Diego by LaMonica Peters.
Jun 2021 Sharia’s Closet was nominated for the College Area Choice Award 2021—’Business of the Year’!
Mar 2021 Shamine and Sharia is featured in The Mission Times Courier: Transforming lives, one piece of clothing at a time. https://issuu.com/sdcng/docs/mtc_03-12-21
Feb 2021 City Attorney Mara W. Elliot awarded Sharia's Closet the OUTSTANDING SAN DIEGANS award.
Feb 2021 Sharia’s Closet achieved the 2021 Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.
Nov 2020 City Attorney Mara Elliot Tweeted about Sharia’s Closet.
Nov 2020 Shamine and Sharia is featured in The San Diego Union-Tribune: From Jamaica to San Diego, nonprofit founder continues to provide for those in need. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2020/11/28/from-jamaica-to-san-diego-nonprofit-founder-continues-to-provide-for-those-in-need/
Oct 2020 Shamine was featured on I Cultivate Live stream.
Oct 2020 Shamine was interviewed/featured on ABC 10 News San Diego by Jonathan Horn.
Oct 2020 Shamine received the Collective Resilience Advocate award from RISE San Diego from President/CEO Tony Young.
Sep 2020 Free to Thrive - Star fish Virtual event recognized Sharia’s Closet for Partnership.
Sep 2020 -Sharia's Closet is featured in the Amikas Newsletter Summer 2020 edition on page 2 title Mask, Mask, Mask.
Sep 2020 Sonja Robinson, Executive Producer/Host at Sustainable Urban Network and Dr. Leonard Thompson, President/CEO of Mandate Records interviewed Shamine, and Erika.
Aug 2020 -Sharia's Closet is mentioned in the Veteran's Community Services (VCS) July Newsletter on page 8 Take Flight. Thank you Rene Rios.
Jul 2020 Nextdoor Annual FAVE Award.
Apr 2020 Sharia’s Closet is now a Community Partner with the Family Justice Center.
Feb 2020 Sharia’s Closet achieved the 2020 Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.
Dec 2019 Shamine is featured in the SDVoyager magazine 2nd time.
Dec 2019 Shamine received the Community Activists of the Year award. The Blue heart Foundation
Aug 2019 Sharia's Closet is featured in the August issue of Military Families Magazine.
Aug 2019 Sharia's Closet is featured on Supervisor Nathan Fletcher Facebook page.
Jul 2019 Shamine and Sharia was interviewed/featured on Fox5 News San Diego by Heather Lake.
Jun 2019 Shamine Linton Representing the community and Sharia’s Closet on the 2019 San Diego County Fair banner.
Feb 2019 Sharia’s Closet achieved the 2019 Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.
Feb 2019 Shamine Linton Founder/CEO of Sharia’s Closet, at the Diamond Mixer with Councilmember Monica Montgomery.
Sep 2018 Shamine received the Heart & Soul award in recognition for her loving and caring heart, for pressing through and sharing unconditional love from Sisters of Strength at the Night of Elegance.
Jun 2018 Shamine received the Community service award from Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority inc.
Feb 2018 Sharia’s Closet achieved the 2018 Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.
Feb 2018 Shamine was invited to be a part of the DeGeneres birthday show and Cheerios Celebrate One Million Acts of Good with hundreds of do-gooders.
Feb 2018 Shamine received the Hometown Hero award from Jagger & Kristi's - Magic 92.5.
Jan 2018 Shamine was featured in the SD Voyager magazine.
Dec 2017 Shamine was recognized by Steph Johnson and the voices of our Choir for her contribution to the Homeless.
Nov 2017 Sharia’s Closet featured in CONNECT2Careers a community partner Newsletter - Bank of America Military-Connected Youth Internship.
Jun 2016 KBLK Radio: Shamine, and Sharia was interviewed by Brian Pollard.
Feb 2016 Shamine received Volunteer Appreciation award In recognition of generosity to the children at Baker Elementary School.