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Question: I am interested in putting my current home into becoming a transitional home for victims of domestic violence. I plan to move to Arizona in August. Can someone assist me with how I should go about getting this done? I am currently starting a non profit and preparing to apply for 501c3 status in order to empower and educate the women and children of domestic violence.
Answer: This is a wonderful service that you are working toward. There is little more important than providing housing opportunities for those who have encountered intimate partner or other forms of domestic violence. Working to organize toward a 501(c3) is a good step. There are many other considerations and contacts you will want to make. You might find out contact information of other similar shelters in the area and find out how they can help. You will also likely want to contact the relevant municipal offices of the town or city itself. One of the paramount issues is safety for those women, children, or others living in the house. Depending on the model you set up, there may be need for police protection and ways to ensure the secrecy of the location. Now also depending on many factors (e.g., your location), there may be zoning issues and ways to build the most effective relationships with neighbors. There are challenges ahead but none of them that can't be overcome through positive community-based communication. And again, there is little more important than housing and safety for people who have encountered these situations.
Question Date: Wed, 03/26/2008