Is Go Fund Me a Viable Source for a Homeless Shelter Organization?

As someone with experience in both GoFundMe and working at a large homeless shelter, I can say that while GoFundMe can be a valuable tool, it may not be the most viable source for substantial donations to a homeless shelter. In this article, I will discuss the challenges and considerations involved in using GoFundMe and suggest an alternative approach for a niche service.

Understanding Go Fund Me and Its Potential

GoFundMe is a widely recognized platform that allows individuals to raise money for various causes, including starting a shelter. Multiple friends have used it successfully for different purposes. Crowdsourcing can indeed be a valuable part of your income if used wisely, but it is crucial to understand that it may not be the primary source of major donations.

Competition and the Charity Landscape

The first thing you need to realize is that you will have competition. This may come as a surprise, but while some non-profit organizations running shelters may have names suggesting church affiliations, most are actually corporations with titles like CEOs, CFOs, and more. These organizations primarily focus on fundraising, with caring for the homeless being an aside. Some of these individuals are making significant amounts of money at the expense of services they are supposed to provide, leading to scrutiny and legal issues from the press and the IRS.

The Challenges of Running a Homeless Shelter

Running a homeless shelter is a lawsuit-intensive business. Guests may sue for various reasons, including bedbugs, stale cereal, or even if they lose personal property while under your care. In some cases, residents may be attacked by others. This can make it difficult to find an insurance company willing to underwrite your liability needs without a stable flow of public money. Additionally, it is likely that you would exhaust any GoFundMe money trying to keep your operations afloat.

Niche Approach: A Battered Women's Shelter

A more viable approach would be to set up a battered women's shelter. These shelters are smaller, quieter, and less publicized than general homeless shelters. For example, you could start with three beds in a relatively nondescript house. Most of the women in these shelters have jobs and stability but simply need a place to stay temporarily. Promotion for this type of service would rely on close contacts with local social workers and support groups, with word of mouth being key.

Navigating the Charitable Landscape

Smaller cities and towns also need various services, but the competition for funding is still present. This is largely due to the influence of Bush's "Faith-Based Initiatives" program, which encouraged a surge of fake churches with negligible or nefarious work. The business environment can be described as a shark tank, with topics like bribery, kickbacks, and coke lines to get donations. It is essential to keep a clear moral compass and figure out how to navigate this landscape.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while GoFundMe can be a useful tool for raising small amounts of money for a homeless shelter, it may not be a reliable source for substantial donations. Instead, consider a niche approach like setting up a small, undisputable battered women's shelter. This approach can help you avoid the challenges and competition of larger shelters and focus on providing a dedicated service where it is needed most.

Good luck with your initiative, and I hope this helps you in your endeavor.