Partnerships

Tips for collaborating with local organizations for additional support and resources.

There is a stigma to homelessness that we deal with on a regular basis. The daily work we do is not easy. The challenges of running our daily programs compete with the daily hardships our members face on the streets. Depending on your particular community, and how accepting people, officials and philanthropists are to your organization, will determine your rate of positivity going forward on this project or any other related projects. Building relationships has always been a strong suit for us, and even with that said, we have had our challenges! Our passion, tenacity and resilience help to recharge us every day.

SUPPORTERS:

Our ability to nurture relationships in many different areas of the community where we serve has allowed us positive results. We have found that fundraising for this project has been very favorable, and in the end we have learned who in the community are our supporters.

We receive donations of equipment from vendors who we have resourced with over time that we can use for replacement parts when necessary.

Local companies donate pillows, sheets and blankets under their business foundation arm or will donate promotional products with their logo on the items.

In addition to the philanthropic community, we have found non-denominational and non-profit organizations are supportive and continually show interest in our pursuits.

Our on-going high visibility in the media has allowed us numerous opportunities to speak about Dignity Bus® through radio interviews, print or website feature stories and TV coverage. Also, we are frequently asked to speak at national conventions or local organizations and invited to write columns for a variety of magazines.

DETRACTORS:

Who are your Detractors? No one has specifically stood in the way of our getting Dignity Bus® operational, but that’s not to say that we haven’t had some challenges along the way. Some community members and local politicians have fears about our program and the people we serve. We have learned that we cannot win them all over, however we continue to rally support from the most crucial supporters of our operation…our partners, neighbors, key city/county officials and donors.