Small Sums’ sole purpose is to help homeless individuals, who have found jobs, with the specific things that they need to start back to work. We believe gainful employment is a key factor in helping homeless individuals get out of their homeless situation. With our practical and timely assistance, that few other agencies provide, we remove obstacles that often prevent homeless workers from being able to take a job – like required work clothes and shoes, trade tools, professional licenses or union dues, and/or bus passes so they have a reliable way to get to work everyday (until they receive a paycheck).
Small Sums serves adults who are experiencing homelessness. They live in shelters, on the streets, in cars, or temporarily with friends and family, often bouncing from place to place while trying to find a way to get into a place of their own. Clients must have verifiable jobs to receive Small Sums assistance.
Small Sums provides assistance to help homeless individuals, with verifiable jobs, with items needed (work clothes, work shoes, bus pass, trade tools) to accept the job, or licensing or certification fee assistance in order to accept employment.
Clients are relieved, happy, and proud to show up on the first day of work outfitted in workwear that’s appropriate and required for their new jobs.
This program provides equipment, tools, and uniforms that are necessary for jobs our clients have secured.
Monthly bus passes provide a reliable way to get to work and allows clients unlimited rides to take care of other important matters until they receive their first paycheck.
Eligible individuals receive tuition for Plan It! Entrepreneur Training Class, a twelve-week program at the Neighborhood Development Center. With a completed business plan, select individuals are eligible for additional funding assistance with business start-up expenses.
We cover most test and license fees so that clients can return to work in the higher-paying fields in which they have been trained.
Get started with Small Sums! Apply for assistance here.
Small Sums’ programs represent a unique approach to social outreach. Our sole purpose is to help homeless individuals, who have found jobs, with the specific things that they need to start back to work. Your donation of any amount can help us continue to work toward eradicating homelessness in Minnesota. Making a donation to Small Sums is easy.
