Hello I am looking to open a transitional home or halfway house for federal inmates that are from the central Virginia area. Currently there is a halfway house in either Newport News or Norfolk and all inmates from Va, that are released from federal custody must go to this overcrowded facility. But I don't want my business to run like the norm for halfway houses. I want programs and incentives that will reach the individual and the community that actually work to reduce the recidivism rate and allow these ex offenders a fair opportunity to reintegrate back to society with skills conducive to a new start.
riverasierra | Window Shopper |
12/22/2010 - 8:59 am
Show Replied Text…
Habitat for Humanity chapters have done some of this in the past. The local Laborers International Union has donated labor in the past. Home Depot and Lowe's donates supplies. Local prisons will donate labor in many states. Therapeutic communities (drug treatment) facilities will often donate labor as well.
FLORIDA NOTICE:
The Department of Corrections has just put out an RFP funding a transitional facility for ex-offenders. The RFP is available at http://www.myflorida.com/apps/vbs/vbs_www.ad.view_ad?advertisement_key_num=91460. The price that the State will pay per bed per day is $20. That makes it tough to make it work and will require almost a 100% occupancy rate. If you have any questions, please post.
The Department of Justice offers this guide on Developing Housing for Ex-Offenders which can help you get you started.
Please keep us posted on your progress. There seems to be a lot of interest in starting transitional housing, and I hope you can share your experiences as you research and plan this new venture so that others can learn from your experience.
Dear Solstice: Can the board of directors be made up of the family of the staff of the facility? The answer is yes. There are no State laws that prohibit relatives from being on the board. The only controlling documents are articles of incorporation and the bylaws of the corporation. If those documents do not prohibit family/relative participation, then it is legal. Having said that, however, the question is whether the board of directors should be composed of family members related to staff. The answer to this question is a bit more complicated. Personally, if you are starting a transitional facility using assets that are personal in nature, it is not unreasonable to have a family member on the board to 'protect' those personal interests while fulfilling the fiduciary responsibility to the corporation itself. But, be clear, where there is a conflict between the personal investment of the founders/staff/etc. and the rights/privileges of the corporation and the people meant to be served by the corporation, the corporation must prevail. A related problem associated with family board members is that a board member has a duty to be objective in its policy assessments and judgments. It's hard to do that when your aunt/cousin/brother/sister is on the board. Short answer: YES. Jos A. Rivera, JDPresident & CEORivera, Sierra & Company, Inc.
It appears from several posts online and off that it is important to address the issue of investment. Regardless of whether one approaches a transitional facility from the for-profit or nonprofit perspective, the issue of investment rears its head. It appears simple in a for-profit setup: if you want to make the profit, you have to make the investment. The problem is more complex in the nonprofit field.
Contrary to popular belief, there is very, very little money for start-up. Funding sources generally expect you to be magically set and functioning before finding that you deserve to get money.
So, it is not unusual, in a nonprofit setup, that someone serves as the 'investor' (sometimes called an angel or angel investor). As angel and founder, you are challenged to lend funds to your organization with only a nominal profit off of the loan because, ultimately, you have a greater duty to the corporation than you do to yourself.
On the other hand, you can be legally and appropriately repaid provided that you do so at a 'reasonable and prudent' rate of interest.
So, consider investing in yourself but be careful or send a note in to our blog so we can help you to avoid the obvious pitfalls.
Jos A. Rivera, JD
President & CEO
Rivera, Sierra & Company, Inc.
jrivera@riverasierra.com
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?
Hi Kray,
I just read all the threads and I think you have provided very good information. I also trying to start a transitional home for federal inmate and I am having problems finding a property. What should I be looking for in terms of the building ? How many rooms ? What type of property will be suitable for this kind of business ? Any information will be helpful.
I would also like to network with folks that are already in this businss or are trying to and anybody that works in related fields. Also, does any body know of any good realtors with relevant experience. ? I can be reached via email at barakatbaks@yahoo.com and live in
Houston, TX.
Thanks,
Lola
--
This post was edited to remove a hyperlink.
I am trying to start a halfway house in Alabama or a surrounding state. Wherever its most needed.Please share what you have learned with me and I will do the same with you as I move along.I am a General Contractor and will build my own and will build yours for you if you wish. I already have the rough plans done with shower stalls, toilets, etc, andbunk bed area for 140 men and 40 women. Eating area that turns into a meeting room,a walking track, library, meeting rooms for classes, etc.
Hello I need as much help with my two transitional housing I just got donated in Memphis, TN. I own my ministry 'Sobriety Rocks' that is poor. I need advice, help & direction. One is occupied and one is boarded up, and needs lots of repairs. Thanks in advance.
Hello,
I am ao in the process of doing the same. I bought a book online from HalfwayHouse Guidebook and i have being using this. I am right now looking for non restricted properties but i am having difficulties finding buildings with lots of rooms and bathrooms. Any information will help and i am also very willing to share any resources and information.
Thanks,
Lola
BARAKATBAKS@YAHOO.COM
This post was edited to remove a hyperlink.
Hello I need as much help with my two transitional housing I just got donated in Memphis, TN. I own my ministry 'Sobriety Rocks' that is poor. I need advice, help & direction. One is occupied and one is boarded up, and needs lots of repairs. Thanks in advance.
Dear Lynordb,
Where to start? First, the Sobriety Ministry needs funding. Funding for the work that you do is provided by SAMHSA (the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Take a look at the SAMHSA funded grants at http://rcsp.samhsa.gov/_pubs/ProjectProfiles.pdf and go to rcsp.samhsa.gov for further information. Their RFP generally comes out in January/February.
Now, regarding the two facilities recently donated to you, I would have to ask you some personal questions so the best thing to do is contact me offline at jrivera@riverasierra.com.
Jos A. Rivera, JD
Presiden & CEO
Rivera, Sierra & Company, Inc.
I would love to be of assistance to you regarding the starting of a foundation or nonprofit to fund a transition house. First, you have to realize that there are two steps to the process. You have to create the paperwork infrastructure and then you have to go after the revenue stream.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me on my cell at 917-769-7021.Jos A. Rivera, J.D.President & CEORivera, Sierra & Company, Inc.
An SBA Certified Small Disadvantaged, Veteran Owned Business
jrivera@riverasierra.com
In starting a transitional home or Halfway House, please consider the following, the people you are asking to take care of have customs, traditions and a culture all their own because of the social culture that has treated them for the years they have been incarcerated. It isn't the brawn nor the brains, but the manipulative psychological effects of their position that society is going to force upon them. You will deal with rejection, denials, domination, and control aspects from vigilanties to politicians. Special Interests will have greater clout in the public realms, image, reputaion and policy in the political realm and people just don't care about their neighbors.
Respectfully,
BruceRPK
StuartR | Former Moderator | 8/3/2010 - 10:37 am
riverasierra | Window Shopper | 12/22/2010 - 8:59 am
NicoleD | Former Moderator | 3/12/2010 - 10:44 am
riverasierra | Window Shopper | 8/3/2010 - 4:54 pm
lola | Window Shopper | 3/20/2010 - 9:17 pm
lynordb | Performer | 8/14/2010 - 4:21 am
lola | Window Shopper | 3/20/2010 - 9:35 pm
riverasierra | Window Shopper | 8/15/2010 - 10:57 pm
riverasierra | Window Shopper | 3/23/2010 - 8:04 pm
BruceRPK | Window Shopper | 8/25/2010 - 10:19 am
Join The Discussion
You must be logged in to join the discussion. If you already have an SBA Community account, Log In to join the discussion.
New users, Register for a new account and join the conversation today!