Our Work
Small Sums is a Minnesota-based, 501c3 nonprofit that provides the support workers need to say yes to the job and the resources to move them toward long-term stability
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
ACCESSIBILITY
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
What We Do
Small Sums outfits unhoused workers with the specific work items required to start a new job. With our practical and timely assistance, we help remove the obstacles that often prevent workers from being able to take a job
Dressed and Ready
Workers are confident when they show up on the first day of work outfitted in work-wear and work shoes that are appropriate and required for their new jobs.
Tools for the Job
Tools for trade professions are often mandatory; without them, skilled workers like barbers, construction workers and cooks cannot get back into higher paying jobs.
Transportation
Dependable transportation is critical for maintaining employment. By providing a monthly bus pass, workers have a reliable way to get to work.
Licenses & Fees
We help cover test and license fees so that workers can return to positions in the higher-paying fields for which they have been trained.