There is a homeless shelter that could be started.
At any time, anyone can be homeless.Most people can't imagine not having a roof over their head or a daily shower, but millions of people suffer everyday with homelessness.There are far more homeless people than there are shelter.It is possible to help people by starting a homeless shelter, but you need to be prepared for a lot of hard work.
Step 1: Prepare a mission statement.
You should clearly state your intentions, goals, and services.Do you offer a food pantry, pet assistance, or career counseling?A few sentences to a few pages is what your mission statement can be.
Step 2: You can find a shelter location.
Someone will donate a building to you.It can be hard to run a homeless shelter if you have to pay rent.You can check for abandoned buildings by driving around the neighborhood.You can find the owner by looking at the tax records.Donate through media, such as radio/TV shows, newspapers, and social media.You can only have a shelter in an area that is approved for it.
Step 3: Take a stroll through the buildings.
There should be working showers for the residents in your building.Many homeless shelters have communal showers.When visiting a building, check the plumbing to make sure there is enough room for showers.Do you want to provide meals to your residents?There needs to be a kitchen where you can prepare food.The space for residents to eat should be separate from the sleeping area.
Step 4: Give to another nonprofit.
Discuss your interest in starting a homeless shelter with nonprofits in your area.They can give you tips on how to get off the ground.You can use the funds to defray start-up costs.You can consult with religious institutions.They might be interested in helping you start a homeless shelter.
Step 5: You can find financing.
You need to find your own funds if you can't get another nonprofit to fund you.This can be a challenge.You can apply for grants online.Check grants.gov in the U.S.Friends and family are other sources of funding.Explain to them why you are starting the homeless shelter and how you will use the money in your proposal.People donating.You can donate to the homeless shelter if you don't know about it.You might want to create a website because they need a way to find you.You need to set up the website so that you can accept payments.
Step 6: Legal help is available.
To start a homeless shelter, you need to jump through a lot of hoops.Only a qualified attorney can give you expert legal advice.Even though money is tight, you should still look for a lawyer.Some lawyers are willing to give their services pro bono.Ask if someone is willing to work pro bono.
Step 7: They should incorporate.
To become a nonprofit corporation, you'll need to file paperwork in your jurisdiction.You should file articles in the U.S.You can use the blank forms on the Secretary of State website.The correct website is https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/state-Nonprofit-incorporation-forms-and-information.Basic information about your corporation, such as your name, principal place of business, and registered agent, will be required for your articles.Along with your fee, submit your articles to the address.Each jurisdiction sets its own fees and will spend a couple hundred dollars.
Step 8: There is a draft bylaw.
Your nonprofit has an operating manual.You don't need to file them with your jurisdiction, but you should keep them at your main place of business.Basic information should include your corporate name and the location of your office.There is a description of your business purpose.There is an explanation of how you are dedicating your assets.If you are dissolved, you will probably give your assets to another nonprofit.The qualifications and duties of the directors.Information about how they will be elected, their duties, and compensation are included in the number of officers.A conflict of interest policy is meant to protect your nonprofit from being taken advantage of by directors, officers, and other people.
Step 9: A business license is needed.
You can get a business license from your city or county government.You need to give your name, contact information, tax ID number, and number of employees.You have to pay a fee.
Step 10: Obtain a tax ID.
You need a tax ID even though you're a nonprofit.You should get your FEIN from the IRS in the U.S.You can apply for an employer identification number online.
Step 11: You need to apply for federal tax-exempt status.
The application for recognition of exemption under section 501(c)(3) should be downloaded from the IRS website.Check to see if you can file Form 1023-EZ.Financial information is required.You must provide financial data for every year you've been in existence and estimates for future years if you want to be a new nonprofit.An accountant may be able to help you.You should file for tax-exempt status after 27 months.Your tax-exempt status is retroactive to when you filed your articles.You'll get a determination letter once you're approved.You will need to show it to a lot of people.
Step 12: State tax-exempt status is available if you apply.
You may need tax-exempt status from your state in the U.S.Call your state's tax agency.You will need to complete an application and submit a copy of your federal determination letter.
Step 13: Get insurance.
There are many things that could go wrong in the shelter.A resident might slip and fall or become violent.You will need insurance to protect you.You can find an insurance agent in your phone book.Talk to other homeless shelters about their insurance.
Step 14: The board should have directors on it.
Financial and policy decisions for your homeless shelter will be made by your directors.The number of directors should be set by your jurisdiction.You should have at least three in the U.S.People with skills will benefit from your shelter.A former manager of a homeless shelter could be a great director.Good directors are also made by prominent business people.They can raise your profile by knowing other business owners in the community.
Step 15: The board of directors needs to meet.
The directors should take care of the following at their initial meeting.Appoint officers, such as the president, vice president and treasurer.One person can take on more than one role in a small nonprofit.You have received tax-exempt status.Allow someone to open a bank account.
Step 16: Hire volunteers.
It's not possible for one or two people to run a homeless shelter on their own.You need a lot of volunteers who can work at night and in the morning.You can advertise for volunteers in your local newspaper.You can ask the members of the religious institution to volunteer.Request to speak to the congregation about your homeless shelter.
Step 17: Train volunteers are available.
Ask a nearby shelter if someone can give trainings on how to run things.Staff will need to check in residents and keep the shelter clean.Staff should receive all necessary training.Your staff needs to be aware of the laws in their state.ID numbers are given to the homeless in some states.This information needs to be entered into a computer system by your staff.
Step 18: It's a good time to hire employees.
You might not be able to do it on your own.You may need to hire full- or part-time staff, such as janitors, cooks, security guards, etc.Hire employees according to your jurisdiction's laws.All new hires must be reported to your state's New Hire Reporting office within 20 days.This is not required for independent contractors.You need to register for an account with your state office.You may have to buy workers' compensation insurance.Discuss your insurance with your agent.
Step 19: Ask for donations of food.
Tell the grocery stores about your shelter.They might be able to give you food in your kitchen.To prove that you are a legitimate nonprofit, take copies of your legal documents with you.Business owners want to see your license and determination letter.
Step 20: Ask for donations for other items.
cots, pillows, blankets, toys, and other items are needed for your homeless shelter.Businesses in the community are willing to donate.You should visit in person so that you can talk about your shelter.Also cast a wider net.Write a letter to your local Chamber of Commerce and tell them what you need.They can share your letter with other people.Give an interview to the local media.You are a nonprofit and you are accepting donations.