HHPLift is building a movement through social impact products

We strongly believe that our diversity is what makes us stronger. At HHPLift we are committed to diversity, equity, and full inclusion in our business.

Our LiftWorks™ Program is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty for people in disinvested underserved communities in and around Chicago. By cross training in the Workshop & Warehouse, and learning all facets of the business, associates learn critical & translatable career development skills. By providing the leadership training, mentorship, and holistic support that lifts people onto a pathway toward equity and economic stability, our associates are able to forge economic independence for them and their families. 

Our LiftWorks™ Program is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty for people in disinvested & underserved communities in and around Chicago. Jobs alone will not lift people from poverty to economic stability. True, sustaining transformation comes with dignified jobs paying livable wages coupled with essential benefits, education, professional development. And unique to HHPLift, a customized career path for the motivated associated who, whether rising to a leadership role at HHPLift or beyond, has a viable, portable career in the marketplace. Our goal is to move associates from instability to economic independence. Learn more.

Our social enterprise partner in Illinois provides job opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities through the sale of their amazing baked goods. This non-profit facility provides a place for their residents to make a contribution to the community while being as self-sufficient as possible. The delicious baked goods made by our partner include cookies, chocolate covered cherries, espresso beans and blueberries, toffee, barks, dog treats and gift baskets.

Our fair trade partner in India was founded in 1986 to create sustainable livelihoods for artisans living in abject poverty. The company has supported artisans and their families with fair wages 10-15% higher than local wages, long-term business investment and collaboration, and health and education initiatives for over 25 years. Their NGO was created in 2000 to advance the charitable activities of the organization, which now include clean water, education, health and capacity building initiatives. Products include beautiful jewelry, leather goods and wonderful metal bowls made from recycled bicycle spokes and iron washers.

Our social enterprise partner in Illinois provides job opportunities and social services for homeless and unemployed vets. Last year 300,000 veterans were homeless for at least one night. There are more than 162,000 chronically homeless veterans in the United States. The words veteran and homeless should never be used in the same sentence, so the founders decided to start a coffee company, hire homeless and unemployed veterans, teach them to roast the best coffee in Chicago, and give them back the dignity that comes from being able to support yourself and your family.

Founder Sena was stricken with polio as a child. He then became the first lawyer in Sri Lanka to use a wheelchair and the first person with a disability to enter politics in Sri Lanka. Sena was one of the longest serving elected politicians in the world with a disability. His passion for the environment coupled with his indefatigable efforts to provide equal opportunities for the disabled guided his political life but also led to the creation of his fair trade practice workshop where adults with disabilities create beautiful products made from recycled materials.