Understanding the Changes
As you are probably aware there have been some massive changes with The Haven. This post should have been written earlier but it has been a stressful time trying to adapt to a new way of doing things. We are finally getting things sorted out and it’s time to explain the changes.
As of April 1st we were forced to go to a twice a month distribution by appointment only. We were unable to keep our storefront due to financial distress. Over the last several months, around 9-10 months at the time the decisions were made, our donations had been dropping off. We received enough donations near the Christmas season we felt we were going to recover. We still had some reserve left and the boost left us hopeful. The next thing was to attempt a gala event fundraiser. This taught us many things. Namely, we should never have tried it. It caused damage instead of being a positive experience. And our financial situation continued to decrease.
One of the main reasons for donations dropping off is due to our current economic situation. Everyone is feeling the pinch and disposable income for everyone is decreasing. Donations come from disposable income so there isn’t much left for people to donate. Our irregular donations disappeared almost entirely. Our consistent Giving Partners have no longer been enough. In March we had to face the fact that we could no longer maintain the expenses of keeping the storefront open. Thus the change.
We are now working out of a climate controlled storage unit. Families make appointments for one of the two days we distribute items. When they make their appointment they are sent to a link to let us know what they need. We spend the Monday before packing everything for everyone so when a family arrives to their appointment everything is ready for them. It’s been a learning curve but we are doing our very best to work out the kinks.
This is our new plan for the foreseeable future. Our monthly expenses were dropped by 2/3. We will work to gain more monthly Giving Partners, look for non-government grants and build up our reserves again. Once we reach a minimum of 6 months to a year of operating costs, to be in a storefront not in our current location, we will begin looking at our options.
Thank you for not giving up on us since we are doing everything we can to keep going. If you want to make a difference consider becoming one of our monthly Giving Partners. Regular, consistent giving is the way we will keep going. It is only $20 a month to sponsor a family. We can even set it up for an automatic donation!
Again, thank you for taking a moment to read this and if you can’t do anything else to help we still value your prayers.