BOISE -- There's an old saying, "Dress for the job you want, not the one you have." For men staying at the Boise Rescue Mission, who don't have a job at all, dressing for success is tough. But that changed on Thursday.
The Rescue Mission doesn't give people who are homeless just a bed and food, they want to get them back into the community. One of the ways the mission does that is by helping those men get a job through their work search program.
That program got a big hand Thursday, as Clothesline Cleaners and Tom James Company donated 55 suits, and more than a hundred coats, pants, and shirts (about 750 items total) to the mission.
"This is going to be such a blessing to the Rescue Mission," said Kristen Ransom with the Boise Rescue Mission.
"A first impression is a lasting one, and so we're just trying to give people the right first step," said Gary McCracken, President of Clothesline Cleaners.
The Work Force Program covers resume and cover letter building, job-hunting skills, interview skills, and self esteem building. Those involved say the clothes can help the men at the mission who are looking for a job ace their interview and get back into the workforce.
"These pieces are going to be distributed to those in need so that they can go out and get jobs, and feel confident and professional in interviews and the work force," said Ransom.
"It gives them confidence that they look appropriate to go in an interview and have the fighting chance to compete for a job," said Steve Reeder with Tom James Company.
"It's a very large need. Frankly, we can't get enough of them," said Nephi Ratto.
Men like Ratto, who has benefited from the mission's programs, says this donation may look just like clothes, but it means a job and a future to someone in need.
"I know when I put on a new suit, I feel good," said Ratto. "I feel like I look good. I feel like I'm able to go out there and do it. Sometimes it's just something as simple as not having the appropriate clothes that's keeping people from going out and getting jobs. It is a confidence booster."
Organizers said that efforts like this have been successful with women's clothing, like Dress for Success. They just want to help homeless men have similar success.
The Boise Rescue Mission is just one of the organizations taking part in 7Cares Day on December 10th. We'll be collecting donations for the Boise Rescue Mission, the Idaho Foodbank, the Salvation Army, and Jubilee House -- at locations in Boise, Nampa and Twin Falls.
