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Holy Cow, it's just like public radio! A private family foundation, Shay Berkowitz and Phyllis Wiener's Still Ain't Satisfied Foundation, sent us an email saying that they will match every contribution that's made to this project (til we hit $7510). Woo hoo! So please share this campaign, and give (or give again) so we really won't have to turn down a single person this year!
Who We Are & What We Do
Small Sums' is a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to help homeless individuals, who have found jobs, with the specific things that they need to get back to work. This is one of the most important steps to getting people out of their homeless situation and back to a more stable life.
What We Need
This year, 2014, we will almost double the number of requests for assistance from homeless workers who have found jobs but don't have the money for things required for the job.
In 2013, we helped 322 people, and we will have close to 600 eligible applicants in 2014. That's 278 more than last year!
We've launched this campaign because we don't want to turn a single eligible person away.
By raising this $29,190, we will be able to provide 278 sets of the three most common things our clients need: a set of work clothes, required work shoes, and a bus pass (needed 'til they get their first paycheck).
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In 2013, Our Average Cost Per Client Was $166.
Here are some common costs for some of the things we provide:
- $25 Construction tool-belt
- $42.50 One-month rush hour bus pass
- $105 Set of work clothes, shoes, and bus pass
- $139 Certified Nursing Assistant Test and License fee
- $325 Basic construction tools set
*Many provided items are purchased at discounted or wholesale prices thanks to generous and kind merchants.
Who We Help
Small Sums serves adults (and indirectly their
families) who are experiencing homelessness.
They live in shelters, on the streets, in cars, or temporarily with
friends, family, or in other housing that is unstable. Often, they bounce from place
to place while trying to find a way to get into a place of their own.
- 86% of Small Sums clients have verified jobs they have been offered or have recently started.
- The remaining 14% need professional testing or license renewals required to get jobs in their field.
Some more facts about our clients:
- 47% of our clients are 30-50 years old.
- 62% have dependent children.
- 45% are men and 55% are women.
- 52% need a combination of work clothes, work shoes, and bus passes.
- 14% require assistance with fees for professional testing or licenses.
- 11% need trade tools.
Our clients want to work. We're committed to supporting them!
![Terre Thomas with work pants and work shirts]()
By partnering with referring organizations that serve the poor and homeless, we are able to provide these simple things, often within 24-72 hours from their application. Once their employment is verified, we move quickly to get them the things they need, so they are able to accept the job and start working within days of the job offer. It’s a surprisingly simple solution that’s practical and economical.
Photo: Executive Director Terre Thomas with a shipment of deeply-discounted work shirts and work pants!
Other Ways You Can Help
Of course, there are other ways you can help us get the word out about our work and make some noise about this campaign.
- Share,
share, share on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
- Give
us a mention in your blog or e-newsletter.
- Challenge
five friends to match your donation!
- And
ask them to "share" too!
- Connect
us with your organizations, businesses, employer or congregation who would
like what we do and might support Small Sums too.
- Something
else to help that pops to mind? Get in touch with Small Sums Executive Director,
Terre Thomas at 651-242-9441 or ContactUs@SmallSums.org.
By partnering with referring organizations that serve the poor and homeless, we are able to provide these simple things, often within 24-72 hours from their application. Once their employment is verified, we move quickly to get them the things they need, so they are able to accept the job and start working within days of the job offer. It’s a surprisingly simple solution that’s practical and economical.
