In todays economy we see more and more foreclosures and layoffs. People moving out of the area and those that are turning to their parents for help. With all that said there are still many people through no fault of their own finding themselves without shelter. This problem is probably going to grow over the next year and a few churches have now started to look into creating homeless shelters. Churches are in a way geared up to the challenge because they have built in support systems and usually ample space and kitchens. A few I know of are St.Johns and St.Pauls that are either in the process or have established a shelter already. They are usually ran by volunteers and need donations of food, clothing and those necessities of life.
Be aware of the dangers
It is easy to give a donation from your heart but it is also important that you know who you are giving that money to. There are rules and regulations governing charities and they need to be followed to the letter. A case in point is ’steps of hope’ and their total refusal to follow the rules governing such donations. Here is what we have found out about that individual.
- The name ’steps for hope’is actually the name used by the Autism Group in Minneapolis and has no association with this individual
- Andy Elmhorst is not a charity and therefore has no 501(c)(3) which he would have to have for donations to be tax deductible.
- The City of Wisconsin Rapids has not issued a license and at last input from them are very upset as to his methods.
- You truly don’t need to be a charity to take donations nor do you rely have to follow any plan BUT you do need the City’s approval and any zoning waivers which doesn’t sound like he will get.
- You can’t be housing 50 people in a single family dwelling or think you can bring homeless people from other areas into Wisconsin Rapids without the general public getting aggravated.
- Shelters require a great deal of support and that has to be in place prior to building or purchasing a building for a shelter.
- It is HIGHLY recommended that you give NO FUNDS to this individual until he can supply the necessary forms and documents. We are talking about a great deal of money and at this time you need to be aware.
In closing, homelessness is a growing concern and just opens the door for scams and anyone looking to make a quick buck.. but don’t let it deter you from donating to bona fide groups and charities to help our neighbors in need.
Tags: elmhorst, homeless, wisconsin rapids