PPL SHOP

PPL SHOP began in 1988 as an on-the-job paid training program for adults who have not held steady employment.  A six to ten month program of working full-time in the PPL SHOP prepares trainee employees for mainstream jobs by providing them with a rigorous work experience.  Our program focuses on conflict resolution, positive attitude, dependability and personal responsibility.  Graduates go on to find full-time employment with assistance from PPL.

After just one year in business, our training program became self-supporting from the sales

of used surplus equipment donated by companies such as Honeywell, General Mills, Target and many other local companies.  In 1995, we expanded our operation by purchasing new surplus such as imported home decor, novelty items, books, videos, jewelry, candles, clothing plus much more.

Our NE Minneapolis retail store is open to the general public.  Patrons include small business owners, interior decorators, artists, nonprofits, schools, homeowners, do-it-yourselfers and

bargain hunters.

PPL

PPL is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that assists lower income individuals and families to work toward self-sufficiency by providing housing, jobs and training.

PPL was founded in 1972, with a belief that rehabbing houses to create a safe place to call home would help low-income families become self-sufficient.  Over the years, we've learned that stable housing is just one of the things people need to have while they're working to become self-sufficient.

Today, PPL recognizes and responds to the multiple challenges faced by our community as low-income people strive for self-sufficiency.  During the past 35 years, PPL has grown to be one of the most trusted affordable housing, employment, job training and human service organizations in the Twin Cities.  Our entrepreneurial approach gets things done, frugally and efficiently.  Careful growth has enabled PPL to become a strong, stable organization with the capacity to address current concerns and trends in our communities.  PPL creates opportunities for low-income families through comprehensive, integrated programs.  PPL's programs directly served more than 6,800 men, women and children in 2006 - an all time record for the organization - and our affordable rental housing portfolio increased to 660 units.

Every day at PPL, people's lives are changed for the better; they are empowered and encouraged to hope for a brighter, stable future.

Visit  PPL's website to learn more about our organization.