How do you open a non profit food and clothing bank?

Well, since Moses crossed the red sea no one can look down at people who want

freedom.

it might be that a non profit bank can come to be in many ways, but in a broader look a community can have or choose to have a sustainable economy.

In my opinion the culture is a great part of the whole thing.

So before jumping into micro credit... a time bank is a great tool to begin with where people can trade without real money on the basis of trust.

but it depends on whether or not you community or clients are into that.

if your goal is to supply charity than in my opinion you have no reason to open a bank but if your goal is to "give the poor man a fishing rod rather than a fish" then again the time bank is a great start. you can learn how to organize manage etc etc

if you feel like you are fully organized or have the tools (lets say you already have an office with 3 people working).

you may want to look into micro financing specific activities that can return the investment, but that would take you out of the "non profit" game. if you only gather supplies and distribute them without creating a financial/business activity i don't think a bank is necessary.