History
In 2017, Nikki Williams and Andrea Watson were introduced due to their mutual compassion for the children in the foster care system. At that time, there were over 800 children in foster care in Harrison County alone. The women were aware of the lack of resources for the fostering community and created a tangible closet to meet the needs of the children in care and at risk of going into care. In 2018, Elijah’s Closet (EC) became a 501(c)(3), opened a bank account with $500, and adopted a board of like-hearted individuals. Through will, determination, laughs, and many tears the organization grew from one, to two, to three storage units, and into a building! In 2023, the organization made its home in Biloxi in the Bay Vista Community. EC continues to grow and explore new ways to expand their reach.
The story behind the name of Elijah: In 2009, Andrea gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Elijah who passed away from Partial Trisomy 22q. Naming “The Closet” after him is our way of honoring the time he was with us and it represents the desire to make a positive difference in this world. Elijah’s time on Earth may not have been long, but it was impactful.