Through the work of Connecticut non-profit Project HOPE, local students will be able to shop for free prom dresses at a York Street location.

“Say Yes to the Prom Dress” — an initiative launched by Project HOPE founder Khalilah Adbulrahim in 2011 after her friend’s niece was unable to find an affordable gown for a high school prom — distributes donated dresses to high school seniors from a central location in the Elm City each spring. The broader Project HOPE organization focuses on issues of youth empowerment and is based in Hamden, Conn.

Though the original “Say Yes to the Prom Dress” campaign took place out of the gymnasium at Hillhouse High School, Abdulrahim secured the property at 286 York Street for this year’s drive, building off of momentum generated after assisting 400 students in 2014.

In 2015, Abdulrahim said, “Say Yes to the Prom Dress” will have 2,000 dresses available for pickup, thanks to a larger donation push for this spring.

According to terms she set with University Properties Director of Real Estate Asset Manager Sharon Hamilton, “Say Yes to the Prom Dress” will occupy the space from April 11 through May 2, staying open only to high school seniors from the area.

JIAHUI HU