Case Study: Creating a Plan to Open a Communities First Drop-in Center
The Client
Next Step Foundation is a faith-based nonprofit organization located in Apopka, Florida. The organization focuses on assisting those facing homelessness and seeks to share their Christian faith practices in the process.
The Need
The City of Apopka is unfortunately facing a growing problem that many cities across the US are: a rising homeless population. Next Step Foundation is seeking to help with this issue by creating a drop-in center to help provide linkages between social services and those experiencing homelessness. Next Step is especially focused on providing services to special populations in the community who are increasingly at risk.
The Project
Next Step Foundation had many goals for this project. They are a new organization and needed assistance with determining how to create a successful structure for their organization. As part of this complex project, Sharity assessed the landscape of other organizations in the region that offered assistance to the homeless to determine what synergies could be made. Sharity also researched funding opportunities, connections with corporate donors, and performed a feasibility study to determine how Next Step Foundation should best approach their goals of assisting the unhoused, with consideration given to building a drop-incenter, a shelter, or partnering with other organizations that offer those services. To this end, Sharity helped develop model operations plans for drop-in shelters, including suggested staffing needs, supplies, and a build out plan of a drop–in center and shelter.
The Result
Sharity provide a step by step guide for opening and operating a community drop in center and small shelter. The team identified funding options as well as helped to source buildings, construction partners and land. Currently the team is exploring all the options with community partners with plans to move forward as soon as a site is idenitified.
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