I have no idea how to start, and I don't know how to raise funds. Does anyone work in one of these organizations, and if so, can you offer some insight?
2006-08-30 18:40:37 · 8 answers · asked by Dolores G. Llamas 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Community Service
Thanx Chadness - expanding upon an already existing non-profit, great idea. I'm in Los Angeles, homeless capital of the world, so there are many non-profits already in existence.
2006-08-31 04:00:28 · update #1
The sadness of this reality is that one of the respondants to your question (Chadness) has givin you some wonderful advice.
More often than not, the homeless are a make up of people with mental issues and drug addicts.
Yes this includes Alcoholics too. Alcohol is a drug and the worst out there. Sorry Alcoholics. The truth hurts.
What america needs more of to help the homeless is transient shelters with programs to help the homeless become gainfully employed and also long term rehibilitation programs six months to a year in length.
A program I'm really fond of is the Union Rescue Mission.
This Program helped me with a second chance and I will always as a result feel apart of a special brotherhood.
http://www.urm.com/
You will need the help of many churches and bussiness.
A non-profit exemption is a 501-c3 write off.
For sure do like chadness says and get you the experience so as not too squander any initial backing or personal finances you may have to invest.
I personally have raised 350,000 dollars for charities in the past.
Really and truly this isn't a whole lot of money but I do know how to raise money when it's needed.
2006-09-07 13:46:23 · answer #1 · answered by reporebuilder 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't have any non-profit experience, chances are you are going to waste your resources until you gain enough experience to make your non-profit work, which will be around the same time you are completely out of money.
Starting a non-profit is the same as starting a small businesss... don't jump in without knowing what you are doing. I would suggest that you work for a non-profit that works with the homeless FIRST. Work there for a few years, and then you will know something about working with homeless people, about running a non-profit, and hopefully have a few connections in your community that you can draw upon. You may even discover that you DON'T NEED to start your own non-profit, and instead can work with and expand an existing non-profit.
A lot of start-up non-profits find themselves competing with existing non-profits for the same limited pool of grant funding and community donors. The start-ups are often less efficient, less experienced, and less organized... and offer fewer services than the more established agencies. So, unless there are no other providers in your area, you may want to think about whether or not your community really needs another non-profit that works with the homeless.
2006-08-31 02:25:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to grants.gov. I know you have to write a proposal about how you will use the money and show how it will work. The first thing I would do is calculate how much your start up costs, and monthly expenses would be. Show what type of services and programs you will provide. Such as a few computers for job search or training classes. Books for literacy training etc. Make sure you include everything you want to do so they can provide you with the right amount of funding. Oh yeah, make sure you calculate rental costs, utilities, food, phone, etc. I heard that there are so many people applying for them that sometimes they might turn you away, but it's best to keep submitting your proposal and don't give up you will eventually get your chance.
2006-08-31 01:54:57 · answer #3 · answered by LaJoya S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many existing places to help the homeless focus on providing food. Perhaps you could go to one and offer another service such as after school tutoring for children, or reading help or resume service for adults, starting an AA group or counseling program if you're qualified. Good luck.
2006-09-05 04:48:16 · answer #4 · answered by nursesr4evr 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact the Salvation Army
2006-09-05 22:10:09 · answer #5 · answered by fifi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first step in solving the homeless problem is to fix the problem with the mental health system.
2006-08-31 01:48:35 · answer #6 · answered by anonymoususer987876 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First try visiting www.gov benefits.gov
Not that many people know about this site. It gives information on grants and free monies. This site is basically what those infomercials are trying to sale to people like us. Since this information is free they can take it and resale it so I am passing it along to you or anyone else who needs it.
2006-09-06 01:18:59 · answer #7 · answered by sweetlee725 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2006-08-31 01:43:51 · answer #8 · answered by tednugentshotmydog 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋