Milestones
Organize [completed]Recognize need, examine models, choose structure, incorporate. 501(c)(3) [completed]Obtain IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter. Initial IRS Form 990 filed. Begin Fundraising [work underway]Expand outreach and community involvement; seek donations. Read about our Caring House fundraising progress. Find PropertyCaring House needs a home! We've decided to focus our work on raising the money needed to purchase and renovate a residential property as the Caring House home. Read about our Caring House fundraising progress. Our initial strategy was to negotiate a lease with an existing board and care home and operate Caring House in that way, so as to avoid the up front expenditure of having to buy a house. We've investigated and inspected existing board and care homes, and negotiated with their owners, but the right combination of property and lease terms hasn't materialized. We've also investigated leasing a private residential property, but have found so far that landlords are uncomfortable with us making the modifications (sprinklers, access, ramps, etc.) necessary to turn their residential properties into a safe and suitable place for Caring House residents. One of our members even bought a ticket for Caring House in the recent PV Art Center home raffle. Those efforts, unfortunately, have not met with success. A while back, Mildred Marx (one of our core volunteers) suggested that being a tenant, and saving money that way, isn't the way to be in charge of the Caring House destiny. She said what Caring House really needs is a home that it owns or is under its control. Mildred was right! So -- that's our direction. We're working to raise the money needed to purchase and renovate a residential property. Read about our Caring House fundraising progress. Thousands die each year in the South Bay. Many of them (and their families) would benefit greatly from the care and support that Caring House will provide. There is a clear need for this alternative to institutional care. Our Dream Property We are looking for a large home that can accommodate 6 bedrooms, and at least 2.5 bathrooms. The property must be all on one level, with no pool or spa. Ideally we would like a large backyard. From a licensing perspective, the property will need to have exits to the outside from each bedroom, doorways large enough to accommodate wheelchairs, wheelchair access ramps, and a sprinkler system. If the property does not already have these features, we need to be able to modify it accordingly. Location Once we've raised the dollars, we'll turn to house hunting in the South Bay. We'll focus on easily assessible areas (so families and friends can easily find our residents) in Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Lomita and San Pedro. Obtain LicenseRenovate property to meet service needs and licensing requirements, obtain and install needed equipment, hire and train staff, finalize policies, pass inspection, obtain license to operate. Welcome ResidentsStart serving residents and families.
|