Also make requests for a donation through media, such as radio/TV shows, newspapers, and social media. You can only have a shelter in an area zoned for it, so check zoning laws as well.
Decide whether you want to provide meals to your residents as well. If you do, there needs to be a working kitchen where you can prepare food. You’ll also need space for residents to eat, which should be separate from the sleeping area.
Consult with religious institutions, such as churches, synagogues, and mosques. Their values should align with yours, so they might be particularly eager to help you start a homeless shelter.
Friends and family. Show them your proposal in which you explain why you are starting the homeless shelter and how you will use the money. [5] X Research source Donors. People who don’t know you might donate to the homeless shelter. They’ll need some way to find you, so you might want to create a website. Set up the website so that you can accept Paypal.
Some lawyers are happy to provide services pro bono to nonprofits. Talk to a local attorney and ask if they know someone willing to work pro bono.
Your articles will require basic information about your corporation, e. g. , your name, principal place of business, and a registered agent who can accept legal papers. [7] X Research source Submit your articles to the address provided along with your fee. Each jurisdiction sets its own fees, but plan on spending a couple hundred dollars. [8] X Research source
Basic information, such as your corporate name and the location of your principal office. A description of your business purpose. An explanation of how you are dedicating your nonprofit’s assets. For example, if you dissolve, you will probably give your assets to another nonprofit. The number of directors, as well as their qualifications and duties. The number of officers, including information about how they will be elected, their duties, and compensation. A well-developed conflict of interest policy, which is meant to protect your nonprofit from being taken advantage of by directors, officers, and other insiders.
You’ll need to provide financial information. If you’re a new nonprofit, you must provide financial data for every year you’ve been in existence and estimates for future years. You may need an accountant to help you. You should file for tax-exempt status within 27 months of filing your articles of incorporation. If you do, your tax-exempt status is retroactive to the date you filed your articles. [10] X Research source Once you are approved, you’ll receive a determination letter. Hold onto this, since you will probably need to show it to many people.
You can obtain a policy by find an insurance agent in your phone book. Also talk to other homeless shelters about what insurance they carry.
Find people with skills that will benefit your homeless shelter. For example, a former manager of a homeless shelter might make a great director. Prominent business people also make good directors. They know other business owners in the community and can raise your profile.
Adopt your bylaws. Appoint officers, such as President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. In a small nonprofit, one person can take on more than one role. Note that you have received tax-exempt status. Authorize someone to open a bank account for the homeless shelter.
If you partner with a religious institution, you can ask its members to volunteer. Request an opportunity to speak to the congregation about your homeless shelter.
Your staff also needs to be aware of state laws regulating homeless shelters. For example, in some states, the homeless are given ID numbers. Your staff will need to enter this information into a computer system. [15] X Research source
In the U. S. , you’ll need to report all new hires to your state’s New Hire Reporting office within 20 days. This is required for all full- or part-time employees but not independent contractors. You should register for an account with your state office. You could hire and train homeless veterans, as veterans, in particular, are reliable. The expectation is that they’re reliable and sober and ready to work every day. You may also need to buy workers’ compensation insurance. Talk to your insurance agent.
However, also cast a wider net. Write a letter to your local Chamber of Commerce describing your homeless shelter and stating what you need. They can share your letter with members. Also consider giving an interview to local media. Point out that you are a nonprofit and you are accepting donations.
