I have read every text and I see that you all are giving good advice. I have
a program for boys ages from 13 to 17 and 18 and up that have felony records.
I want to concentrate on the youth to ages 25 years old. I have my sights set
on this old Piggly Wiggly building that have been closed down since the early
90's. It is located in a low income community and would be a safe haven for
the many kids in the area that have to dodge drug dealers and drug houses. I
am working on my 501C(3) and putting together board members. If you all have
any advice on how I can acquire that building in the most cost affective way
my ears are wide open. I am located in NC Jacksonville, a Marine Corps
community. I am a retired Marine and I know this building will be a vocal
point in this area. Waiting on your comments.

The Virginia Department of Corrections contracts with private providers of transitional residential housing. Try checking with their Procurement of Goods and Services office to find out more information.

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The Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) administers comprehensive mental health services to inmates through their Health Services Division. Due to the huge numbers of inmates with co-occurring disorders, opportunities for starting up transitional housing for inmates being released to the community (parole/probation) appear to be a better option. Research has demonstrated that the transition to community aftercare is a critical phase of the inmate's reintegration to the community and contributes greatly to their success. This not only contributes to lower recidivism rates, it enhances public safety and is a cost saver as well. As a result transitional housing for this population is desparately needed nationwide and it is no different in Arizona. Most offenders suffering from mental health disorders tend to have co-occurring disorders (substance abuse) that must be addressed as well. This affords you additional opprotunities by offering wrap around comprehensive services either directly or in-directly. Credible service providers in this arena are being embraced by Department of Corrections nationwide because of voluminous amount of research that supports the concept.

Shawn, Sounds to me like you are more than halfway there. You say that you have two apartment buildings. That's the most difficult obstacle. The first thing you need to do is come up with something that no other transitional house offers. Don't reinvent the wheel; just enhance it. Partnerships are the way to go. Once you come up with your concept, develop your business plan around it. Is your transition house going to be non-profit? That's the way to go. What is going to be your target population? Male? Female? Violent Offenders? Sex Offenders? What is your area in the most need for? I can tell you in Alabama it housing for sex offenders (for obvious reasons) and females. Here is my email address kray243@hotmail.com. I would be more than happy to share my expertise and all the resources that I have with you. Good luck.... Message Edited by NicoleD on 12-23-2009 09:13 AM

A few friends and I are wanting to open an A/D halfway house/DV shelter. We have the building picked out and it belongs to the city (it was the old jail) It has 3 floors. Trying to decide on the profit or non-profit. The city official we talked to said the lease would be for a hundred dollars a year for fifty years he is putting it before the city council this way the building has been empty and an eyesore for 15 years. We are trying to get the Historical society to grant money for restoration. My question is can the founders, director and the staff and our family members make up the board of directors?

I would like to start in my home first. I have a 2 unit building now. I will also check with the village and see if I can get a permit.

What I have found to be the best resource to at least in respect to formulating your vision is to contact the agencies that deal with this issue. Ex. Dept. of Corrections in your state, United Way, Court Services, Local Welfare Services, Probation and Parole offices, etc. Make sure you contact the Dept. of Corrections and/or Parole offices. I can tell you first hand that the need is definitely there and they are begging for help. What state are you located?

Congratulations on identifying a building that might be suitable for a transitional facility. Be careful about working through the historical society. If they get involved, generally they get to impose restrictions on use. From their perspective, the 'old jail' would make a better museum than it would a present day facility. The lease terms with the city are ok though, frankly, if it's going to council, I would want a council award of funds to open the facility as a halfway house. Definitely, you want to go the nonprofit route since that is the only way that the city will be allowed to do a sub-market rate lease. The board of directors should consist of people who will not be members of the staff of the organization. It insures accountability and board control to have the board members separate from staff and, as well, it allows the board to exercise independent fiduciary responsibility. One of the representations you make to the IRS for your tax exempt status is that none of the net revenue of the organization shall 'inure' to the benefit of the members of the board of directors. Keep up the good work. Jos A. Rivera, JD President & CEO Rivera, Sierra & Company, Inc. jrivera@riverasierra.com

I will call you to get more information.