pan6467

On August 8th, 2009 I will be having a fundraiser at the Today Club II, in Akron, Ohio, for the sober house I plan to buy.

This is the plan:

The 10 bedroom old group home was built in 2001 and is equipped with everything (sprinkler system, cameras in hallways, full basement, huge kitchen without a stove or fridge though).

The house next door that comes with it has 4 bedrooms: 3 upstairs, one down, and while built in like the 1920's, has been updated and is in good shape. It also has a nice sized garage.

My plan is to use both houses at first as sober houses, the 10 bedroom would be male the older one female and house manager. Eventually, I plan to turn the older one into a coffeehouse, where clients will be able to sell art work from art therapy and work to pay rent.

The garage will be remodeled to have a stage and sound system so that there can be meetings, classes, open mike nights (where clients whose art maybe music, poetry, monologues or short stories will have a place to show off their works).

The only thing I truly am wanting is help getting the money to buy it. The market is there for this and once a good reputation is built the rooms will be in demand and thus I should be able to be self sufficient and never again look for funding outside.

The reasons for buying it outright and not by loan are very simple, at $500 a room I'm looking at $7,000 a month, minus say $2000 for taxes, utilities, etc.... I'll have a $5000 profit per month. From there I can save a portion for those that may need help with rent and for the growth of the house.

The reason for not going after government funding is simple, I don't want the government to dictate to me how to run my business. I know this sounds egotistical and self righteous but I connect with those needing help to find recovery and have a way of helping them find it. The more interference I have from government, banks, business types wanting only to see profit and not success, the less efficient I'll be.

I want to be able to hire the help I need without being told who I can hire what credentials they will have to have and so on. My experiences have shown credentials and education don't mean squat when it comes down to helping these people. If anything it hurts. I don't want these clients to be a number, I want them to be the individuals they are and to feel respected, cared for and to know that the staff will understand where they are coming from and to show an empathy that is not taught in a class but by listening to one's heart and soul. I want staff that understands every person we treat can be as successful as anyone else out there and shows the clients they believe in the person.

I won't get that through government/bank/business capital people. They will only care about bottom line and not the people we help.

I believe that by helping the people regain control of their life and returning to society clean, sober and bet free, a reputation will build and "business" will grow so long as we maintain and believe in the above core elements.

Non profit? I don't know.... yeah, it's a tax write off for donors, but how much does that open the door for the government to walk in on?

So there you have it. I appreciate any help you wish to give.... just send me a PM and I'll give any further details you would like.

Thanks, for any support, the moral support means more than financial... wow what a business guy I am..... lol.

__________________
I just love people who use the excuse "I use/do this because I LOVE the feeling/joy/happiness it brings me" and expect you to be ok with that as you watch them destroy their life blindly following. My response is, "I like to put forks in an eletrical socket, just LOVE that feeling, can't ever get enough of it, so will you let me put this copper fork in that electric socket?"

Shell

...wow, what a way to make a difference in this world! Is there some way you can structure your plan to be non-profit in the beginning until your foundation is solid and then become independent later if you feel the need?

...there are so many benefits from doing it that way...yes, there are gov't rules and regulations and loads of paperwork that go along with a non-profit status but the benefits would far outweigh any unwanted interference.

...like you mentioned, benefits include increased donorship because of tax-write-offs, your business would be tax-exempt, you would have flexibility due to not having shareholders, and the concept of Debt Offerings would be available to you...only available to nonprofit corporations (a debt offering is a way to raise capital for nonprofits unable to do so through the sale of shares)

...but, at any rate, Pan, i have confidence in you because you show a great passion for your cause...and that's most of what's needed for success right there! Never lose that passion and you will achieve your dream!

__________________
..."Say what you think. Those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" ~ Dr. Seuss

Jinn

This is cool as hell.

__________________
"I'm typing on a computer of science, which is being sent by science wires to a little science server where you can access it. I'm not typing on a computer of philosophy or religion or whatever other thing you think can be used to understand the universe because they're a poor substitute in the role of understanding the universe which exists independent from ourselves." - Willravel

pan6467

Thanks for the support. Yes, the idea and plan are cool and the reality when it is up and running hopefully will show that the idea not only works but the people thrive with the concept of being treated with respect and caring and not as numbers.

__________________
I just love people who use the excuse "I use/do this because I LOVE the feeling/joy/happiness it brings me" and expect you to be ok with that as you watch them destroy their life blindly following. My response is, "I like to put forks in an eletrical socket, just LOVE that feeling, can't ever get enough of it, so will you let me put this copper fork in that electric socket?"

ratbastid

Just awesome, man. I think I remember you talking about this a long time ago? Congrats being in action about it. Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and all that.

Wish I had a couple grand to pump your way. In the meantime, I'll pump a few thousand good wishes toward it. I could sling you a few bucks too, if it would help. Got a paypal account?

The_Jazz

Congrats on the huge step forward with your dream, Pan. It's a good one.

__________________
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - B. Franklin
"There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush
"We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo

pan6467

Thanks man, I deeply appreciate the kind words.

A couple grand isn't needed, just moral support and anything you want and can afford to send.

No paypal... but I'll IM you with an address. Deeply appreciated and it feels so good to make this a reality.

__________________
I just love people who use the excuse "I use/do this because I LOVE the feeling/joy/happiness it brings me" and expect you to be ok with that as you watch them destroy their life blindly following. My response is, "I like to put forks in an eletrical socket, just LOVE that feeling, can't ever get enough of it, so will you let me put this copper fork in that electric socket?"

percy

Depending on your setup, you may need a Board of Directors. Good for keeping things on the up and up not to mention the experience, skills and profile they may bring along in growing your business.

jewels

I knew it was just a matter of time.

Very proud of you, pan. Mega congrats!

__________________
We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess.
Mark Twain

wooÐs

If I could afford it, I'd donate np. If you lived closer, I'd want a job there. I know what you mean about connecting. And imo, it takes someone who's been through it to 'teach' the program / act of recovery in general, to others. My dream job has always been to work closely with addicts in recovery. But you can't really do such a thing unless you have a degree. Plus in all honesty, I'm not completely sober lol.

You will probably receive a lot of criticism. This will come in the way of getting donations and finding sponsors or what not. Are you limiting your sober house to alcoholics only or will it be available to all who are recovering from any sort of substance? How much are you charging / week? ---Considering many addicts in recovery are broke, etc. You're essentially taking people's lives in your own hands. What if someone relapses and od's there? I dunno - I think it's fantastic and I would love to be a part of what you're doing but I'm not sure what to suggest to you regarding getting started financially.

I'll just wish you luck and would love it if you used the thread to post updates.

Oh, and one measly suggestion would be to have a 'donate' option on your website, linking to PayPal. But you won't get thousands. Maybe not even hundreds starting out. Dunno.

eribrav

Couple of quick thoughts:

What are the laws like in Ohio?
If you wanted to open that kind of place in NY you would be facing an avalanche of regulations and paperwork, from the local Planning and Zoning Boards, all the way up to state bureaucracy ad infinitum. Hopefully Ohio isn't so hostile to new business and initiatives like NY is.

Second, while you don't like banks and lenders you will still want to incorporate sound business practices in your work, so don't completely turn your back on those with business expertise. A local lender could turn out to be very helpful in numerous ways.

Anormalguy

While I sincerely admire your enthusiasm for helping the addicted and wish you the very best, I do hope that you've done all (and I mean all) of your research. Bypassing government funding and traditional loans doesn't mean that you won't be required to deal many levels of bureaucracy.

One area of concern that comes to mind is what stage of recovery will the folks be in when you take them in?

__________________
In a society where the individual is not free to pursue the truth...there is neither progress, stability nor security.--Edward R. Murrow

Blue Fish

I agree that this is a great idea. I could use a place like this. BUT, insurance? Are you only taking in recovered addicts? If anyone has any form of medical problem in your house you will have to face the reality of bills/parents/siblings/sig others/lawyers/government or any other people that will sue you. I wish you well but the USA might not be the best place to do this. Maybe focus your energy into something like the Peace Core or any other similar organizations.

thingstodo

Congrats!

I do agree with the previous three posters. There are still many regulations and legal considerations, not to mention the medical aspect. You will also need professsional connections to shrinks and rehab centers for some of your customer base as well as hiring additional staff and everything that goes with that. Plus an accountant because you just won't have time for everything.

__________________
If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves.

Stangers have the best candy.

pan6467

In the state of Ohio all that is required is, that like, any rental property the property be zoned properly (multi family, etc) and to meet safety codes, which it does.

So long as I do not advertise nor consider myself "treatment" but just a sober house, I require no other license.

Basically, what it boils down to is I will be considered a rooming house with rules. Such as required 12 step meeting attendance, house meetings maintaining a clean and sober environment and so on.

Now, I can request that they attend off property counseling sessions and so on, so long as they pay for the separate service and it is not a requirement to their housing.

It is pretty much an unregulated business in Ohio and may very well be one of the very few.

---------- Post added at 12:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:05 PM ----------

If I were a "treatment" facility this could come into play. As I will be just a rooming house with rules, it'd be like getting sick in your apartment complex. Can you sue the apartment complex because you relapsed and did not obey the rules of the complex? Nope.

I will in no way be considered a medical treatment facility.

---------- Post added at 12:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:10 PM ----------

As I have been in the profession I have made many contacts who would be willing to work with the residents at a lower cost, again I can in no way mandate this to the residents.

There is a room on the first floor for a manager's office and sleeping quarters. He'd stay rent free and take care of the property and residents while I was not there.

In the women's house there is a similar area, not as nice but for a resident manager getting free rent it wouldn't be bad.

And yes, I agree about getting a good accountant.

__________________
I just love people who use the excuse "I use/do this because I LOVE the feeling/joy/happiness it brings me" and expect you to be ok with that as you watch them destroy their life blindly following. My response is, "I like to put forks in an eletrical socket, just LOVE that feeling, can't ever get enough of it, so will you let me put this copper fork in that electric socket?"

CinnamonGirl

Wow, pan. This sounds really, really cool. Congrats on getting started, and good luck with the fundraiser!

__________________
"...for though she was ordinary, she possessed health, wit, courage, charm, and cheerfulness. But because she was not beautiful, no one ever seemed to notice these other qualities, which is so often the way of the world."


"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

pan6467

Huge news...... another benefit (this time done right), scheduled October 3rd.

It has a facebook group page UNITY HOUSE FOR SOBER LIVING (CANTON, OHIO) | Facebook

Is listed on the Canto Repository's calendar of events Benefit for Unity House for Sober Living | Calendar of Ohio - Canton, OH - CantonRep.com

And while interviewed to get on the calander, I was given the Repository city editor's name and number for a possible story.

And finally, I am in the process of solidifying some area businesses to volunteer to put up signs and have fliers put up, along with services/goods/gift certificates to be donated for raffle and silent auctions.

The first benefit did not go so well, as I never ran one and had no idea how hard it can be to get one going. I learned from my mistakes, have friends helping and the October 3rd benefit seems to be taking on a life of it's own.

I have a feeling not only will Unity House for Sober Living, become a reality, but it will be everything I dreamed it would be.

I hope some of you will join the group page and maybe even make the trek to the Today Club II in Akron on October 3rd.

__________________
I just love people who use the excuse "I use/do this because I LOVE the feeling/joy/happiness it brings me" and expect you to be ok with that as you watch them destroy their life blindly following. My response is, "I like to put forks in an eletrical socket, just LOVE that feeling, can't ever get enough of it, so will you let me put this copper fork in that electric socket?"

ametc

Sounds really cool!