So how does your order directly impact individuals experiencing homelessness?
Here’s the One Purchased=One Donated model in action—all thanks to customers just like you.
THE BOMBAS IMPACT REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
JUMP TO ANY CHAPTER
THE STORY (AND IMPACT) GOES BEYOND CLOTHING
When our customers make a purchase, they spark a donation, helping to keep our Giving Partner Organizations stocked up with plenty of socks, underwear, and t-shirts to distribute to those who need them.
AFTER RECEIVING BOMBAS DONATIONS...
of Giving Partner Organizations agree that Bombas truly listens to their needs as a partner.
of Giving Partner Organizations say Bombas donations help expand outreach capabilities.
of Giving Partner Organizations agree that there is sufficient transparency around donation fulfillment, timing, and quantity.
of Giving Partner organizations say Bombas donations free up budget for other items and initiatives.
Source2
CHAPTER ONEOUR DONATION PRODUCTS
The most thoughtful socks, underwear, and t-shirts ever created—all designed for those who need them.
These are more than pieces of clothing. To some, they represent a helping hand, a sign of support, or the chance to start a meaningful conversation. We create and distribute essential items of clothing, but the impact goes far beyond just the products.
VERSATILITY
Our donation products come in black to show less visible wear and offer style versatility.
ANTIMICROBIAL TREATMENT
An antimicrobial treatment extends wearability between washes when regular access to laundry isn't possible.
FLEXIBLE FIT
Donation products are offered in a range of styles and sizes to offer a comfortable fit.
EXPANDING THE SCOPE OF OUR DONATIONS
We donate the same dress socks our customers know and love to career development programs in order to help job seekers feel comfortable and confident on their professional path.
We donate our Hex Tec Performance running socks to organizations that help people find community around the sport of running.
We donate the best of our colorful collaborations to help kids and families prepare for back-to-school with products that help express their personality.
We work with partners who support humanitarian relief efforts like Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), who helped us to distribute over 219,390 pairs of socks and underwear, in a range of sizes and styles, to relief efforts in Ukraine.
HOW IT WORKS
YOU BUY: ONE BOMBAS PURCHASED = ONE BOMBAS DONATED
We Commit: Our Total Items Donated tally is updated with every purchase.
WE GET 12 MONTHS: WHEN YOU PURCHASE AN ITEM, THE CORRESPONDING DONATION PRODUCT IS DISTRIBUTED WITHIN A 12-MONTH WINDOW
We Plan: We take the following steps to ensure the right donation items reach the right Giving Partner Organizations at the right time.
WE BUY MATERIALS:
First, we commit to producing the donation products. That means purchasing yarn and fabric from our suppliers and booking factory time with our sock, tee, and underwear producers.
WE DO MATH:
This means taking the time to understand the real-time needs of Giving Partner Organizations, like the sizes, styles, and quantities that they need.
WE ASK WHEN:
This helps our Giving Partner Organizations receive products when they have the proper storage space and ability to distribute them, as well as allocate the budget they would have used on socks, tees, and underwear to other needs in their communities.
WE SHIP: CUSTOM DONATION PACKAGES GO TO Giving Partner Organizations IN ALL 50 U.S. STATES
We Do it All Again: When our Giving Partner Organizations receive their packages, those items are considered distributed, and the whole cycle continues in perpetual motion. An Engine of Good, powered by your support. And we can't thank you enough.
Even through ongoing supply chain challenges, we're committed to navigating them to the very best of our ability to ensure consistent service and support for our Giving Partner Organizations and the individuals they serve.
As of 5/30/24, we’re at 143,193,087 donated, 123,255,184 distributed. These totals will be updated annually. Milestone numbers featured in marketing materials may lag behind the current number as they were produced at a moment in time.
Read more
HOW WE DONATE
- 01
THEY APPLY
- 02
WE VET
- 03
WE PLAN
- 04
WE ALLOCATE
- 05
WE COORDINATE
- 06
WE FOLLOW UP
- 07
WE GIVE CONSISTENTLY
DONATING FOR DISASTER RELIEF & HUMANITARIAN CRISES
Humanitarian crises are one of the many root causes of homelessness. Each year, we allocate a portion of donation inventory to crisis relief, and rely on Partners who have an on-the-ground presence and a viable infrastructure to help us with distribution logistics.
01 THEY APPLY
An organization that wants to distribute Bombas donation products completes a Prospective Giving Partner Organization Application on the Bombas website.
02 WE VET
Our Giving Team carefully vets prospective Partners based on the core purpose of their organization and alignment with our mission.
03 WE PLAN
When a Bombas item is sold, we donate the corresponding item within 12 months of the sold date. This 12-month donation window allows us to properly plan and coordinate orders with the facilities that make our socks, underwear, and t-shirts.
04 WE ALLOCATE
Our Giving Team does some serious donation math to make sure we’re honoring each organization’s requests to the best of our ability, while keeping the process seamless for our Giving Partner Organizations.
05 WE COORDINATE
We ship donation socks, underwear, and t-shirts nationwide. Bombas handles all transportation logistics and shipping costs so our Giving Partner Organizations don't have to.
06 WE FOLLOW UP
We ask our Giving Partner Organizations questions, learn more about their work, and utilize their expertise and connectivity to make sure we’re meeting their needs and maximizing impact.
07 WE GIVE CONSISTENTLY
Knowing that our donation products often mean more to our Giving Partner Organizations than the material goods themselves, we are committed to offering consistency of service so that they can rely on regular support.
DONATING FOR DISASTER RELIEF & HUMANITARIAN CRISES
Humanitarian crises are one of the many root causes of homelessness. Each year, we allocate a portion of donation inventory to crisis relief, and rely on Partners who have an on-the-ground presence and a viable infrastructure to help us with distribution logistics.
CHAPTER TWOHELPING THE HELPERS
We may make the products, but it's our customers who spark a donation with every item purchased—and our incredible Giving Partner Organizations who distribute to those who need them.
Our nationwide network of Giving Partner Organizations is made up of all kinds of dedicated organizations. Some are small operations run by one single caring individual, while others are large national partners that distribute millions of Bombas donation products annually. It's a community of amazing, caring people that never ceases to inspire us. We are here to help these helpers. We want to make sure our products reach a wide range of unhoused and under-resourced populations.
Network of Giving
GIVING PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS (AND COUNTING)
WE PARTNER WITH GIVING PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS WHO SERVE FAMILIES
SERVE VETERANS
SERVE YOUTH (AGES 5-18)
ADDRESS FOOD INSECURITY
OFFER SPECIALIZED SUPPORT TO LGBTQIA+ INDIVIDUALS
PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
COORDINATE FOSTER CARE
NUMBER OF GIVING PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS BY STATE
14
AK
42
AL
22
AR
101
AZ
466
CA
91
CO
63
CT
25
DC
14
DE
202
FL
106
GA
11
HI
32
IA
14
ID
142
IL
65
IN
40
KS
47
KY
26
LA
122
MA
88
MD
20
ME
120
MI
53
MN
89
MO
19
MS
12
MT
113
NC
9
ND
15
NE
20
NH
124
NJ
28
NM
48
NV
321
NY
131
OH
42
OK
101
OR
176
PA
20
RI
59
SC
19
SD
68
TN
185
TX
22
UT
102
VA
9
VT
145
WA
83
WI
17
WV
5
WY
WHAT IS A GIVING PARTNER ORGANIZATION?
Our Giving Partner Organization are organizations of all sizes that meet the needs of individuals at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. They offer community-specific services like overnight shelter, connection to medical care, food pantries, street outreach, career counseling, and so much more.
Read more
WHO ARE THESE GIVING PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS?
Our Giving Partner Organizations don’t all look the same. They represent Title 1 schools, drop-in centers, street outreach initiatives, low-income & transitional housing, foster and youth services, shelters, specialized medical facilities, and more.
Read more
WHERE ARE YOUR GIVING PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS LOCATED?
We have more than 3,500+* Giving Partner Organizations across the U.S. in all 50 states.
Read more
Meet a few of our Giving Partner Organizations and learn about our Engine of Good
GIVING WITH PURPOSE
- Rockville, MD
MEET COMFORT CASES: COMFORT FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE
- Portland, OR
MEET PORTLAND REFUGEE SUPPORT GROUP: MAKING NEW NEIGHBORS FEEL AT HOME
- New York, NY
MEET CITY RELIEF: ON-THE-SPOT SUPPORT IN OUR HOMETOWN
- Las Vegas, NV
MEET STREETDOGZ: HELPING INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR PETS
- Bellingham, WA
MEET UNITY CARE NORTHWEST: HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE FOR ALL
- Los Angeles, CA
MEET T’ENA HEALTH: FULL-SERVICE COMMUNITY CARE
- Juneau, AK
MEET FRONT STREET CLINIC: MOBILE SUPPORT FOR REMOTE AREAS
- Addison, TX
MEET PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIVE AMERICANS: SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
HEAR FROM PEOPLE WE’VE MET THROUGH BOMBAS
“”
CHAPTER THREEBOMBAS FROM THE BEGINNING
How one surprising fact sparked a decade of donations.
13 YEARS
AND
COUNTING
Bombas story timeline
THE SPARK
Socks are the No. 1 most requested clothing item at homeless shelters. Co-Founders Dave and Randy search for a sock solution for shelters across the country.
WHY SOCKS?
Used socks often cannot be accepted as donations. For individuals who spend a lot of time on their feet without the ability to change or launder their socks, new and clean socks are important for foot health and offer the dignity and comfort that everyone deserves.
THE DESIGN PHASE
In order to donate a lot of socks, we’d have to sell a lot of socks. We quickly realize socks haven’t changed in over 50 years, so we spend two years on research and development to engineer the perfect sock.
WHERE DID THE NAME “BOMBAS” COME FROM?
Bombas comes from the Latin word for bumblebee. Bees work together to make their hive a better place. We like that. On the inside of every pair of socks, we stitch these words: Bee Better.
BOMBAS BEGINS
Our goal: Get 1,000,000 pairs of new socks to those who need them with the help of our local Giving Partner Organizations. We aim to accomplish this goal within ten years.
WHAT’S A GIVING PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS?
A Bombas Giving Partner Organizations is an organization that meets the needs of individuals who are currently or at risk of experiencing homelessness. We send them donation socks, tees, and underwear, and they distribute them to their clients.
BOMBAS ON SHARK TANK
With our first product line launching, Bombas gets a big boost from investor Daymond John on Shark Tank.
THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF GIVING
The first shipment of our specially-designed donation sock goes to an Ohio-based organization called Hannah’s Socks and with that, our Giving Partner Organizations network begins to grow.
WHAT IS THE DONATION SOCK?
We created a donation sock meant to better suit the needs of someone who might not have access to laundry or be able to put on a clean pair every day.
ONE MILLION PAIRS DONATED
We hit our goal of 1M well ahead of our original ten-year timeline, then decide to aim even higher. Our Bombas Giving Team works to evolve our Giving Partner Organizations network to get more products into the hands (and onto the feet) of those who need them across the country.
WHAT’S A GIVING TEAM?
The internal Bombas Giving Team works closely with each of our Giving Partner Organizations to get them the donation products that best suit the needs of their community.
BUILDING OUR INTERNAL HIVE
Bombas earns a B Corporation certification and is named one of the top companies to work for in New York. By the end of the year, our customers have helped us donate more than five million items nationwide.
MAKING NEW FRIENDS
We launch our first collaborations—including our Sesame Street and Muhammad Ali collections. By the end of the year, our customers have helped us eclipse ten million donations.
HOW DOES BOMBAS CHOOSE BRAND PARTNERS?
We make products with purpose, and only partner with brands that are as committed to giving back as we are. Learn more about our collaborations—like our Sesame Street socks—here.
THE MISSION EVOLVES
Through working closely with our Giving Partner Organizations we learn that underwear and t-shirts are the second- and third-most requested clothing items by our Giving Partner Organizations—so we start making those, too.
HOW DOES THE DONATION AND DISTRIBUTION PROCESS WORK?
Simply put, our customers generate donations through each purchase, we send those donations to organizations around the country, and those organizations (our Giving Partner Organizations) distribute the clothing items to people who need them. Learn more about the specifics of the process here.
SUPPORTING OUR NEIGHBORS
As we reach 40 million product donations, our Giving Team works to support our unhoused neighbors throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
We sourced and sent personal protective equipment (PPE) to our Giving Partner Organizations and went above and beyond for our closest neighbors and friends to ensure they knew they had the support they needed.
IMPACTING OUR FUTURE
Our customers have helped donate over 60 million items, while we continue to evolve our mission and expand our Giving Partner Organizations network across America and abroad.
WHERE IS BOMBAS HEADING NEXT?
With Giving Partner Organizations in all 50 U.S. states, we are beyond excited to bring everyday good(s), and our mission, to customers and Giving Partner Organizations who are making an impact in their own communities across the country.
MAKING EVERYDAY GOOD(S)
We started Bombas to serve our community and In 2022, our B Corp status is recertified. We continue to expand our network of Giving Partner Organizations in order to serve more unhoused populations across the U.S.
See our collections at bombas.com
THE 100 MILLION MILESTONE
In 2023, Bombas customers help us achieve a major milestone: 100 million essential items of clothing donated to people who need them. To mark the occasion, we launch the Bombas 100 Million Campaign in our hometown of New York City, with billboards and posters featuring stats and facts to help people better understand the realities of homelessness. Our 100M microsite features video interviews with people who have experienced homelessness, letting viewers learn from their real stories.
Learn more at BeeBetter.Bombas.com
MISSION POSSIBLE
Bombas customers have helped us donate more than 150 million of the most-requested clothing items to our 3,500+ Giving Partner Organizations in all 50 U.S. states. As Bombas works to add even more Giving Partner Organizations to our network and distribute even more clothing to people who need it, we are grateful for the ongoing support of our customers. Thank you for making it all possible.
Learn more at BeeBetter.Bombas.com
CHAPTER FOURGIVING AS A TEAM
How the Bombas Hive—our family of 200-ish dedicated employees (and more than a few office dogs!)—gives back in ways that go beyond product donations.
At the Bombas office in New York City, we always keep a basket of donation socks by our front door so that team members can grab a pair when they head out for lunch or make their evening commute. Offering a pair of socks to someone who needs them creates an opportunity for connection or a conversation. Through these relationships, we’ve learned the best ways to help and how to deepen our impact right in our own neighborhood.
COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY
- FEB 28, 2017
60K DAY
On any given night in 2017, more than 60,000 individuals were experiencing homelessness in NYC.3 We decided to get volunteers from 60 different companies, pair them with 60 Giving Partner Organizations, and give them each 1,000 pairs of socks in an effort to donate 60,000 socks across all five NYC boroughs in one epic evening. We continue to help other companies connect to our community of Giving Partner Organizations to this day.
Watch the full 60k Day video here
- NOV 28, 2017
GREATEST OF ALL THANKSGIVINGS
On Giving Tuesday, in celebration of our partnership and product collaboration with the Muhammad Ali Foundation, we hosted a community dinner (we called it the “Greatest Of All Thanksgivings”) to celebrate Muhammad Ali's legacy of charity. We welcomed 120 guests, Giving Partner Organizations, community members, business peers, and individuals experiencing homelessness to enjoy a beautiful family-style meal in a cozy setting.
- MAY 2023
100M CAMPAIGN
In 2023, we reached 100 million donations—but the issue of homelessness has only grown since our founding. So we decided to mark this milestone with kindness and conversation. We launched a campaign aimed at changing how people think about homelessness, because compassion can equal real change. The campaign took the form of over 300 media placements across NYC showing unexpected truths about homelessness. Learn more here
BOWERY MISSION WOMEN’S RESIDENCE.
Bombas employees cook and serve special meals every month at Bowery Mission Women's Residence.
HIVE GIVING INITIATIVE.
Throughout the year, Bombas empowers each Hive member to select an organization that is personally meaningful to them, and Bombas allocates up to 2,000 pairs of donation socks to deliver to each of those organizations. This allows our Bombas team to be more connected to current events and specific initiatives, and be more responsive to the organizations they wish to support.
ROOM TO GROW.
Since 2022, Bombas employees have volunteered over 130 collective hours with Room to Grow. We sort and organize items to help keep the organization’s baby boutique stocked and successful.
GIVING BACK IN BIG LITTLE WAYS
WE WRAP LOTS & LOTS OF GIFTS
In 2023 we wrapped over 300 gifts, helping to fulfill wish lists for people our Giving Partner Organizations serve. These gifts help folks allocate more of their family budget to essentials.
WE HAND WRITE AND HAND DELIVER CARDS
Sometimes a few kind words can go a long way to reminding someone that they’re being thought of. These cards are offered alongside grocery delivery and tucked into essential items.
WE ROUTINELY HELP SHELTERS HOST A MONTHLY PIZZA NIGHT
Pizza Night just has a way of bringing people together. We’ve been happy to continue supporting these fun events—even though we can’t be there in person right now to enjoy it together.
WE SECURE STORAGE UNITS
Having a secure place to store one’s things means the ability to move around freely, keep important items safe, and not be limited by personal belongings limits at shelter and service provider locations.
Read more
WE PROVIDE ACCESS TO STREAMING SERVICES
For those experiencing housing insecurity, having access to entertainment, movies, and shows can provide much-needed respite and comfort.
Read more
WE COVER PHONE BILLS
Active phone lines keep us all connected to our friends, offer the stability of having a personal phone number, and ensure reliable internet access.
Read more
CHAPTER FIVECOMMUNITIES THAT INSPIRE US
We provide added support to populations that are under-resourced and at higher risk of experiencing homelessness.
THE BLACK HIVE
The Bombas Black Hive—our self-titled collective of Black creators, designers, strategists, and more—began work on a special sock collection that reflects a joyful vision of Black pasts, celebrates Black presents, and empowers Black futures.
Each pair of socks sold sparked a donation to organizations that support Black individuals—who represent almost 40% of America’s total unhoused population.4
THE RAINBOW HIVE
Pride is a celebration of everything it means to be a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and the Bombas Pride collection was made to directly support this community, which faces its own unique challenges. In the U.S., over 40% of young people5 experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQIA+. With the help of our friends at The Ally Coalition, every purchase from this collection helps send donation products to organizations dedicated to serving at-risk individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community.
SUPPORTING FAMILIES AND CHILDREN
Every year, more than two million children6 will face a period of homelessness. Additionally, around 35% of people who experience homelessness are in families with children.7
From our partnerships and initiatives to where and how we activate our Giving Network, we continually create and support programs designed to help families and kids access opportunities for education, entertainment, and connecting to their communities.
In 2019, we partnered with Sesame Street to celebrate their 50th Anniversary with a party for children and families of P.S./M.S. 188 in NYC. We turned a gymnasium into a giant party for kids to meet one another alongside their favorite Sesame Street characters. There was a bounce house, DJ, face painting, mural making, life-size games, cookie decorating, a photo booth, plus pizza and snacks. Grover and Abby even joined the party!
P.S./M.S. 188
A Title 1 school in our New York neighborhood where we’ve been able to work for 5 years with the amazing Dr. Lou Lahana and his students in his Makerspace classroom. This curriculum encourages students to explore all kinds of creative outlets—woodworking, video editing, computer programming, pottery, screenprinting—to express their views on social issues. Bombas employees volunteer in the classroom on a regular basis to help students pursue projects in photography, pottery, podcasting, and more.
CHAPTER SIXHOW TO BEE AN ADVOCATE
Here’s how to get involved, give back, and navigate the complex conversation around homelessness in America.
Homelessness is one of the most complex and sensitive subjects in our society, combining issues of poverty, class, race, gender, sexuality, healthcare, mental wellness, housing, and more. Better understanding homelessness is a hugely important step toward changing the conversation and promoting positive change. We can’t solve the issues that contribute to housing insecurity overnight, but we can help evolve the way people think about those who are unhoused and the challenges they face while building toward a better future.
COMMON QUESTIONS
HOW IS “HOMELESSNESS” DEFINED?
WHY IS THE PHRASE “THE HOMELESS” PROBLEMATIC?
WHAT DOES BOMBAS ACTUALLY DO FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOUSING INSECURITY?
HOW CAN I TALK TO MY KIDS ABOUT HOMELESSNESS?
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO INTRODUCE MYSELF TO SOMEONE WHO IS UNHOUSED?
WHAT DO I DO IF I SEE SOMEONE IN CRISIS?
SHOULD I SUGGEST A RESOURCE TO SOMEONE WHO MAY NEED IT?
WHAT OTHER ITEMS CAN I DONATE TO MY LOCAL SHELTER / YOUR GIVING PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS / UNHOUSED INDIVIDUALS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD?
WHY DON’T YOU DONATE THE SAME SOCKS/UNDERWEAR/T-SHIRTS YOU SELL ON YOUR SITE?
FURTHER READING & RESOURCES ON HOMELESSNESS
Same Kind of Different as Me
A book and movie that show the power of acknowledgement and relationship building, and the impact that just one person can have on the life of another.
You’re Wrong About: Homelessness
A podcast that references lesser-known systemic structures that perpetuate the cycle of homelessness, and helps us better understand a number of root causes.
Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City
A gripping, real-life account of the impact of rising housing costs, systemic discrimination, and broken support systems that lead to housing injustice and perpetual cycles of homelessness.
Neighbors with No Doors
A book and podcast created by Josiah Haken, CEO of City Relief (a longtime Bombas Giving Partner Organizations), to help break down common misconceptions around homelessness, share humanizing stories of individuals with lived experience, and guide us to become better helpers.
Spent
An interactive digital experience that simulates real-life decision making when faced with limited resources—helping users gain a better understanding of just how easy it is to lose one’s home.
Now, you have helped donate over 150,000,000 items of essential clothing to those who need them.
As we embark on our second decade in business, you have helped support more than 3,500 Giving Partner Organizations, fueled more than 150,000,000 donations, pushed us to launch underwear and t-shirts (the second- and third-most requested clothing items by our Giving Partner Organizations), and sparked millions of acts of humankindness around the country.
From all of us at Bombas, we thank you for reading, engaging with, and learning from our Impact Report. Most of all, thank you for being a part of our Engine of Good.
DISCOVER MORE AT BOMBAS.COM
SOURCES
1U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (page 10)
22024 Reorder Request form completed by 3,025 Giving Partner Organizations
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