A SolutionsWear program participant browsing for business attire. Photo by Cara Soulia Photography (www.carasoulia.com).

Hours of Operation For Services
By referral and appointment only (contact Justina Riopelle)

Clothing Donation Drop at 1151 Massachusetts Ave, Basement, Cambridge, MA by appointment only

Contact Information

Tara Riopelle 

tara.riopelle.saw@gmail.com

(617) 576-0039 (extension 1)

Justina Riopelle
justinariopelle625@gmail.com
(617) 576-0039 (extension 3)

Each year SolutionsWear provides interview-appropriate clothing and accessories to hundreds of homeless and low-income men and women who are enrolled in area job training programs. Please Note: SolutionsWear is by referral and appointment only. We offer appointments to social service agencies, but not directly to individuals.

Information for Case Workers/Advocates

Please click on the following link to download the SolutionsWear information packet:

Solutions Wear Information and Forms

What sort of business attire will my clients receive through SolutionsWear?

We do our best to provide each SolutionsWear program participant with professional ensembles. In many cases, we are able to provide items such as belts, shoes, ties, scarves, jewelry, and handbags to enhance and complete their outfits. We assist participants in selecting garments that can be mixed and matched to create much more than five outfits.

Are volume discounts available?

If your organization pays for multiple participants at one time, in what is known as a spend down account you can pay as little as $25.00 per visit.

Will my clients be able to browse for clothing or is their clothing selected by Solutions at Work staff?

Your clients will be encouraged to and feel comfortable browsing for clothing much as they would in a traditional retail store. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will be on hand to help your clients select flattering items that can be mixed and matched to create numerous outfits. Our staff will even show your clients how to tie a tie, if need be!

How is SolutionsWear different from other local programs that provide professional attire?

Unlike some other local programs that provide professional attire, SolutionsWear offers:

• Flexible, year-round appointments. In most cases, we can accommodate urgent, last-minute requests for clothing.
• Clothing for both men and women.
• Five complete outfits for each program participant.
• Clothing to active job seekers who do not yet have an interview scheduled.
• Program access to people living anywhere. If your clients can get to our site in Cambridge, we will gladly serve them!

How many times can my clients receive professional attire through SolutionsWear?

In an effort to serve as many people as possible, people are only permitted to receive professional attire through SolutionsWear once.

Does SolutionsWear provide casual clothing?

We do not provide casual clothing.

How much does the SolutionsWear service cost?

Effective January 8, 2017, Solutions at Work charges a $25.00 per client fee. This new policy will help to ensure the financial sustainability of the SolutionsWear program and help Solutions at Work build its capacity to enhance the program.

Does my agency or my client pay the $25.00 fee?

Your agency may opt to pay the fee on behalf of your client. Alternatively, your agency may decide to share the cost with your client or ask your client to pay the full fee.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
While we have never charged SolutionsWear clients, over the years many clients have made unsolicited offers to make a donation to Solutions at Work as a token of their deep appreciation for the service. Most Solutions at Work employees have experienced homelessness, as have some of our board members. These individuals have confirmed for us that giving clients opportunities to give back to Solutions at Work goes far to preserve the clients’ dignity and boost their self-confidence.

How does my agency make payment?

You may bring a check or money order made out to “Solutions at Work” to your appointment. If your agency is purchasing Solutions Wear appointments in bulk we accept full payment in advance of your first client appointment. You can mail the payment to:

Solutions at Work
1151 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138

Attention: Solutions Wear

Alternatively, you may follow this link to make payment online via Paypal or major credit card:

We regret that we will not be able to serve your clients if we do not receive full payment prior to or at the time of your appointment. Should we end up serving fewer clients than have been paid for, a credit will be issued to your agency’s account that you may utilize to pay for future appointments.

Information for Donors of Professional Attire

What sort of items can I donate to SolutionsWear?

We rely on your generous donations of new and gently-used professional attire for men and women to outfit 650 people annually. Click to download a PDF  that contains a comprehensive list of items we accept.  SolutionsWear-Wish-List

How do I make a donation to SolutionsWear?

All items must be in great condition, clean, and ready to wear. We will not accept any clothing that is soiled, stained, torn or outdated. Please bring a clearly written itemized list of the items you are donating and include your name and address.

• Donations may be dropped off  Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Please call first so that we know to expect you.

How do I make a money donation to SolutionsWear?

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. We will provide you with a letter acknowledging your donation that may be used for tax purposes.