Our Work

SIMPLE

We believe employment is a key factor in helping individuals experiencing homelessness become housed. 

PRACTICAL

We know it doesn’t take much to remove obstacles that can prevent a worker experiencing homelessness from taking a job. Something as practical as work clothes, shoes, and a bus pass is often all that is needed. 

POWERFUL

We provide workers experiencing homelessness with what they need to begin working. Access to financial independence and security is a powerful catalyst for change. 

Mission

Our mission is to outfit individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness with the work gear, tools, training, and transportation they need to start a new job.

Vision

A dignified step toward stability.

Our Values

ACESSIBILITY

We make common resources obtainable for anyone.

OPPORTUNITY

We believe everyone deserves a first and next chance.

EQUITY

We are dedicated to leveling the institutional playing fields.

Our Story

Since 2005, we've outfitted thousands of unhoused workers with the work gear, tools, training, and transportation they need to start a new job. Our ripple effect extends beyond our day-to-day work by adding to the growing workforce and strengthening the economy. But we cannot do it alone. We rely on community partnerships to ensure each new worker has the resources to retain gainful employment and secure safe, affordable housing. 

When unhoused workers reach us, they have already found a verifiable job, a testament to their resilience and determination under daunting circumstances. When facing poverty and homelessness, securing commonly required gear, tools, and transportation to get to work can be an insurmountable barrier to starting employment. Small Sums’ mission is to remove these barriers by providing required work items, a way to get to work, and additional services to help workers retain employment and achieve long-term economic and housing stability.

Andréa Kish-Bailey
Executive Director
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Tosh Thompson
Assistant Director of Outreach
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Eurell Lewis
Assistant Director of Programs
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Leika Pierre-Louis
Operations Coordinator
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Amber Parker
Program Assistant
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BOARD

  • Connie Lewis, Board President 
    Retired Vice President Public Affairs

    Joseph R Margolis, Board Vice President
    Muska Electric

    Dr. Lisa Ide MD, Board Member
    Zipnosis

    Nicole Meeker, Board Member
    CrossCountry Mortgage

    Lewis Rambo, Board Member 
    Organizational Development Consultant 

    John Suzukida, Board Member 
    Lanex Consulting 

    Anoop Mathur, Board Member
    Terrafore Technologies