Single Stop Commercial Strategy

Single Stop USA is pursuing a commercial strategy to reach millions of Americans who will benefit from our services. To succeed in a time of increasing need and contracting resources, antipoverty strategies must look to marry innovative solutions with scalable systems. Such an opportunity exists through the use of a commercial platform and the co-location of Single Stop sites across the country at national retailers or pharmacies. Utilizing a commercial distribution channel, Single Stop has the opportunity to reach individuals and families in need of our services at an unprecedented scale. 

National retailers see up to 100 million people walk through their stores every week and demographic data indicates that many of these consumers fall within the target group of Single Stop.  The co-location of Single Stop sites at these commercial settings would allow our potential clients a convenient way to access government benefits such as nutrition assistance and public health insurance.  Further, partnerships with local resources could provide financial or legal counseling, tax preparation, and other Single Stop services.

In addition to the value provided to our potential clients, significant potential benefits exist to a commercial partner: the opportunity to increase spending amongst existing customers, increase foot traffic and brand loyalty, as well as achieve their philanthropic goals. 

Why Commercial Partnerships?
Put simply, there are neither sufficient philanthropic resources, nor adequate distribution structures to provide comprehensive services to eligible families in need.  Through the replication of its successful service delivery model, piloted and taken to scale at not-for-profit agencies and community colleges, Single Stop seeks to expand its services into select commercial entities, such as big box chains or drug stores.  Through its commercial strategy, Single Stop seeks to augment the reach and impact of its work – facilitating access to coordinated public benefits and services for vulnerable families.  Such partnerships create an unprecedented opportunity to reach families in poverty – and especially those families newly facing economic hardship – where they work and where they shop.

Reaching Millions in Need
Extensive geographic reach and a diverse customer base make select national retailers, “big box” chains, and drug stores an excellent vehicle through which to reach struggling families – especially those who do not traditionally interact with the government and CBO systems.  Many of these families have incomes that fall below the national average, many are unbanked, and many lack affordable health insurance. Thus, we know they would benefit from Single Stop services.

A Mutually Beneficial Partnership
While benefitting customers, a commercial partnership would also be appealing to commercial entities for several reasons:  Most apparently, delivering fungible federal resources, such as Food Stamps/SNAP, health insurance and tax credits, to low-income families (at relatively low investment) puts money in the pockets of consumers – money that can be spent on food, prescription medications and other necessities.  Simultaneously, commercial partners gain positive public relations, distinguish themselves from their competitors in the marketplace, earn increased loyalty, and broaden their customer base.

For additional information, see Helping Americans Help Themselves, Toward a National Single Stop Policy and More Efficient, More Effective Poverty Fighting, a recent publication by the New Democratic Leadership Council that highlights the opportunities inherent in Single Stop USA’s Commercial Strategy.