Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
In 2022, Small Sums outfitted 824 individuals with the work gear, tools, training, and transportation needed to start a new job (an increase of 20% over last year). Of those served, 686 were currently experiencing homelessness, and 138 were at risk of eviction.
Workers served had very low wealth and were experiencing or at risk of homelessness. 33% lived in an emergency shelter, 26% stayed with family or friends (doubling up), 21% were in transitional or supportive housing, 17% were at risk of eviction, and 3% stayed in a car or on the street.
Clients reported working in general labor (25%), food service (18%), warehouse/manufacturing (14%), temporary work (14%), healthcare/hospitality (9%), retail/customer service (6%), construction (3%), recycling/waste services (3%), security (2%), and other (6%).
9% of clients report earning between $10-$13, 38% between $14-$16/hour, 35% between $17-$20/hour, 10% between $21-$25 an hour, 2% over $25/hour (the housing wage for Hennepin and Ramsey counties).
The average initial wage for clients utilizing our program was $18.52/hour. The average wage after six months was $19.35/hour, an increase of $0.83/hour.
37% of clients served participated in the six-month follow-up survey. Of those surveyed, 63% were still employed, 24% lived in stable housing, and 38% were employed and housed. 93% reported being satisfied with the services they received from Small Sums.
Current Goals
Our goals in 2023 include:
Serving over 1,000 clients (a 20% increase over 2022) through our Dressed & Ready, Young & Hopeful, Keep Your Place and Keep Your Job programming.
Identify and strengthen partnerships with like-minded organizations to ensure clients achieve long-term economic and housing stability.
Double the number of youth served through our Young & Hopeful program (goal of 150).
Provide access to additional resources, certifications, licenses, and professional development opportunities to assist clients in increasing their wages through our Keep the Job Program. Our long-term goal is to help clients earn a housing wage for their community.
Increase client participation in the 6-month follow-up survey (from 43% to 50%).
Increase employee retention rates after six months (Increase from 67% to 75%).
Increase the number of clients living in stable housing after 6 months (increase from 44% to 50%).
Partner with the Charities Review Council to measure and build our internal policies and practices with the goal of Meeting Standards by the end of the year.
Engage our community through new volunteer opportunities and internships.
Community or Constituency Served
In 2022, Small Sums outfitted 824 individuals with the work gear, tools, training, and transportation needed to start a new job (an increase of 20% over last year). Of those served, 686 were currently experiencing homelessness, and 138 were at risk of eviction.
58% of clients in 2022 learned about Small Sums through an agency partner, 36% through a previous client, and 6% through word of mouth.
71% of clients were male, 27% female, 1% non-binary, and 1% transgender. The majority of clients served in 2022 identified as Black/African American (61%), 18% as White/Caucasian, 7% as Multi-Racial, 5% as Latinx, 4% as Native American/Indigenous, 2% as African, 1% as Asian, and 2% Other/Unknown. Nearly 11 % of clients served are youth under the age of 25, 75% are between 26 and 55 years old, 12% are older adults aged 56-64, and 2% are seniors over 65.
Clients served had very low wealth and were experiencing or at risk of homelessness. 33% lived in an emergency shelter, 26% stayed with family or friends (doubling up), 21% were in transitional or supportive housing, 17% were at risk of eviction, and 3% stayed in a car or on the street.
Clients reported working in general labor (25%), food service (18%), warehouse/manufacturing (14%), temporary work (14%), healthcare/hospitality (9%), retail/customer service (6%), construction (3%), recycling/waste services (3%), security (2%), and other (6%).
9% of clients report earning between $10-$13, 38% between $14-$16/hour, 35% between $17-$20/hour, 10% between $21-$25 an hour, 2% over $25/hour (the housing wage for Hennepin and Ramsey counties).
The average initial wage for clients utilizing our program was $18.52/hour. The average wage after six months was $19.35/hour, an increase of $0.83/hour.
37% of clients served participated in the six-month follow-up survey. Of those surveyed, 63% were still employed, 24% lived in stable housing, and 38% were employed and housed. 93% reported being satisfied with the services they received from Small Sums.
Geographic Area Served
Small Sums serves the 7 county Twin Cities area. The majority of workers served reside in Ramsey and Hennepin counties
