Solutions at Work, Inc.

Solutions at Work is a Cambridge nonprofit founded by people who have experienced homelessness, for people facing it now. The 501(c)(3) organization helps low-income and homeless people move toward self-sufficiency, and several of its board members have been homeless themselves. Today its work centers on two programs: the Children’s Clothing Exchange, where families swap outgrown clothes, shoes, hats and books for age-appropriate items, and SolutionsWear, which provides low-cost, interview-ready professional attire.

Founded in 1984, the group has launched many programs and then handed successful ones to larger organizations. Its furniture bank moved to other agencies, the Moving Up service became the independent business Home on the Go, and Get Connected joined another Cambridge nonprofit. During the COVID-19 pandemic it opened a shelter for 50 people and served about 250 meals a week in Central Square, more than 32,000 in all, before the shelter passed to a partner in 2023.

What to Know

• The office is in the basement of Old Baptist Church Cambridge, and only metered parking is available at the site.
• President Paris Swindle and Vice President Thomas Bingham lead the organization.
• SolutionsWear serves people enrolled in local job-training programs.
• A quarterly newsletter shares success stories, new partnerships and upcoming events.