Who We Are... Working Essentials was founded in 1996 with the mission of eliminating one of the main barriers to employment for people who are homeless. It is now a project of American Friends Service Committee Pacific Mountain Region. By providing items such as shampoo, soap, and haircut vouchers, Working Essentials helps people look more presentable and feel more confident, greatly increasing their ability to secure and maintain employment.
	What We Do... Working Essentials collects, sorts, and coordinates these items for job counselors at 18 local homeless agencies. These agencies in turn distribute the items among their clients to help them prepare for the job interview process.
	What We Need... We need soap, shampoo, shaving cream, razors, toothpaste, make-up, watches, alarm clocks, briefcases, laundry soap, groups to host  barrel drives, people to collect hotel amenities while traveling, volunteers, and  monetary donations. View our complete list of items needed to find out how you can make a difference. What You Can Do… Collect your hotel toiletries when you travel, clean out your bathroom cupboards, and bring the items to one of our convenient drop-off locations. Start a barrel drive at your office, gym, or place of worship. Volunteer to pick up donations of items from neighborhood businesses and individuals, or help plan our Working Magic benefit and appreciation dinner. Donate to Working Essentials this year: consider an in-kind donation for our silent auction, attending our Working Magic celebration and/or sponsoring someone else to attend, or giving financial support to our program. Pass the word to your friends, family, and neighbors about Working Essentials!