In 2024, Small Sums served 1,261 workers with essential work gear, tools, training, and transportation. We distributed 1,231 Dressed & Ready packages, 67 Tools for the Job packages, 12 Keep the Job supports, 978 bus passes, 442 gas cards, 646 pairs of boots, 580 non-slip shoes, 159 scrub sets, and various other forms of assistance!
Our donors, corporate sponsors, and partners allow us to advance our mission as the demand for our services increases. In the last five years, the number of individuals we serve has grown by 76%, reflecting the growing number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Minnesota (Wilder 2023 Minnesota Homeless Study Results).
Often, our workers are choosing between medication and food, paying rent, or feeding their children. For those living in shelters or on the streets, their stress level is even more intensified, especially as those factors are barriers that are preventing them from job-seeking opportunities. No one should be forced to make such impossible choices.
With your financial support, we have helped a significant number of individuals by removing some of those barriers and helping them on their journey toward a living wage and stable housing.
Hear directly from some of our workers about the difference you are making.
Every job has specific requirements that define the support our workers need. We consider these needs and work with each individual to provide them with the correct uniform, gear, tools, and shoes, enabling them to start their jobs confidently.
Since 2005, Small Sums has outfitted thousands of unhoused workers with the resources to succeed and retain employment.
Our impact relies on the strength of our partnerships with community organizations, ensuring every worker we serve has access to the resources needed to sustain employment and ultimately secure safe, affordable housing.
Our network includes over 100 shelters, transitional housing, and social service partners throughout the Twin Cities metro, such as Arrive Ministries, Catholic Charities, Kingdom Pathways, the MN Department of Corrections, Repowered, Summit Academy OIC, The Salvation Army, Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities, Volunteers of America, WestRock, Wildflyer Coffee, and Women of Nations.
Small Sums provides sponsors with opportunities that align with your philanthropic goals. Here are just a few ways that your company can partner with us:
To discuss partnership opportunities, contact tarav@smallsums.org
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