A rather big step, and one we're quite happy about!
But it's time now. At the start of this, years ago, no fund raising was done, as it was thought that it was inappropriate to fund raise until there were actual people being aided.
Thus the house, the repairs, the second house, the repairs, the fees, the start ups and such were not done with fundraisers.
But now, the first house is done, and the second house is being worked on. Plans are already being reviewed for a third house in another year or so. The first house has four men in it. Soon enough the second house will be able to accommodate more in need of aid.
Now it's time for fundraising. Given our business model, that fundraising will not be so much as you'd think. As explained on our new website, costs have been held down to a remarkable degree by doing two unusual things.
1. The houses are fully paid for. Which means no need of raising money to make house payments to a bank or to pay any lease to any landlord. The Liahona Mission owns both properties, free and clear. This saves at least $500 per month in a non-existent overhead payment.
2. The Program Supervisor - and caretaker and business contact and general gopher! - is a volunteer. No administrative costs, no salary, no costs of paying a salary. This saves - assuming that the time of an on site full time staff member is worth $1,000 per month - another $1,500 per month (cost to pay such a gross monthly salary).
Total savings then, is $2,000 per month. $2,000 per month that we do NOT need to raise.
This does leave $600 per month in the actual costs of utilities, internet, insurance and taxes (yes, we pay property taxes!) that go into providing a safe and sober place for four men. We have never heard of any other program that can provide for four adults so inexpensively.
Program fees are levied, but this - by the nature of things - is hit or miss, as those most in need of aid are least able to come up with such. And also, the point is for them to be able to save as much as possible for future independence, after habits of sobriety are established.
Thus we are in need of thirty people giving twenty dollars per month. If thirty people can be found willing to aid in this, then the program can start to become self-supporting, can start to be able to grow and improve the more, and can even start to think of expanding.
That's due to our hope that more than thirty will choose to commit to $20 per month for a year. And that others will give a one time donation. And yes, that some program fees will actually be collected!
All that together, plus the continued subsidizing of this from the pockets of our volunteer Board of Directors, will allow the Home to be maintained and for our Mission to grow!
www.liahonamission.org
But now, the first house is done, and the second house is being worked on. Plans are already being reviewed for a third house in another year or so. The first house has four men in it. Soon enough the second house will be able to accommodate more in need of aid.
Now it's time for fundraising. Given our business model, that fundraising will not be so much as you'd think. As explained on our new website, costs have been held down to a remarkable degree by doing two unusual things.
1. The houses are fully paid for. Which means no need of raising money to make house payments to a bank or to pay any lease to any landlord. The Liahona Mission owns both properties, free and clear. This saves at least $500 per month in a non-existent overhead payment.
2. The Program Supervisor - and caretaker and business contact and general gopher! - is a volunteer. No administrative costs, no salary, no costs of paying a salary. This saves - assuming that the time of an on site full time staff member is worth $1,000 per month - another $1,500 per month (cost to pay such a gross monthly salary).
Total savings then, is $2,000 per month. $2,000 per month that we do NOT need to raise.
This does leave $600 per month in the actual costs of utilities, internet, insurance and taxes (yes, we pay property taxes!) that go into providing a safe and sober place for four men. We have never heard of any other program that can provide for four adults so inexpensively.
Program fees are levied, but this - by the nature of things - is hit or miss, as those most in need of aid are least able to come up with such. And also, the point is for them to be able to save as much as possible for future independence, after habits of sobriety are established.
Thus we are in need of thirty people giving twenty dollars per month. If thirty people can be found willing to aid in this, then the program can start to become self-supporting, can start to be able to grow and improve the more, and can even start to think of expanding.
That's due to our hope that more than thirty will choose to commit to $20 per month for a year. And that others will give a one time donation. And yes, that some program fees will actually be collected!
All that together, plus the continued subsidizing of this from the pockets of our volunteer Board of Directors, will allow the Home to be maintained and for our Mission to grow!
www.liahonamission.org
