what do i have to major in if i wanted to open a homless shelter for families...?

Question

i was going to start out with an bacholer degree in social work.....what other major should i take....what would be some good colleges......

Answer 1

Your first inclination is on the right track. Do the BSW then apply for advanced standing in an MSW program. Do your internships in homeless area and/or related areas and be sure to include some administrative duties. You might also look at getting involved in projects and programs to build your skills. Humboldt State University's Social Work programs does a lot with homelessness. Arizona State also does a lot. DA

Answer 2

there are social work majors at most universities, but i would suggest a double major or at least a major in Management or something and a minor in social work. You will fail not having any background in business and it will cost a lot of money if you have to hire consults for all the aspects of business that are involved with a shelter. Opening something like that is just as much work as opening any other business. Its all about Effective and Efficient management to make your dreams successful. By knowing how to do a lot of the business stuff yourself, you can take full control and oversee all the numbers, employees, development, etc. I know homeless shelters are non-profit, but they wont run and be successful themselves...

Answer 3

Most MSW programs offer the option of doing an administrative track instead of a clinical track. There you could learn what you need to administer a non-profit agency, which would include writing budgets and grant writing skills. There is some overlap with business skills but there are some distinct differences.

I don't think that a psychology degree would provide you with the skills you'd need to run a homeless shelter; public admin programs stress more what you'd need to function in a governmental setting as opposed to a NGO.

Answer 4

You should try a degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Public Administration (same as business but used in the gov). It would also help to have a certification in drug/substance abuse and Grant Writing. Start volunteering at fundraising events for homeless shelters and/or women & children's centers because it will be a great place for you to make contacts. Charity events that are by invitation or that require you to make a donation to attend would be helpful for networking opportunities. These are the people who will fund your shelter tomorrow because you need $$$ to start it.

Answer 5

Besides studying social work, consider a minor in business. After all, a shelter is a business, even if it is a non-profit business. You'll have to know how to manage the business side of things.