Donate to Shelter Network

"For those of us blessed with abundance, it is tremendously gratifying to share with those whose need is abundant." - Raydean R.

There is a solution to homelessness - Shelter Network's programs succeed, year after year, in helping homeless families and single adults get back on their feet and return to permanent housing - a place they can call "home". Your generous support makes it possible for us to provide services that break the cycle of homelessness.

How to Give

• Donate online. Click here to donate.
• Write a check. Make checks payable to "Shelter Network" and mail to:
  Shelter Network, 1450 Chapin Avenue, 2nd Floor, Burlingame CA 94010
• Give over the phone. Call us at 650-685-5880 ext 123 to give us your donation information.

Give with Confidence

Shelter Network is proud to have received the highest four-star rating from Charity Navigator for operating effectively and efficiently.

Tax Information

Shelter Network is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) California corporation, Tax I.D. number: 77-0160469.

Individual Giving

Thank you for considering a contribution to Shelter Network. There are a range of ways for you to support our services and the 4,000 homeless men, women and children that we impact every year.

Make a Cash Donation

• Donate online. Click here to donate.
• Write a check. Make checks payable to "Shelter Network" and mail to:
  Shelter Network, 1450 Chapin Avenue, 2nd Floor, Burlingame CA 94010
• Give over the phone. Call us at 650-685-5880 ext 123 to give us your donation information.

Attend or Sponsor our Annual Benefit Breakfast

It is never to early to sponsor a table or purchase tickets to for the Annual Benefit Breakfast.  Tickets start at $100 with tables and sponsorships levels available from $1,500 - $30,000. To reserve your space or for more information, please contact Chris Canter at ccanter@shelternetwork.org or 650-685-5880 ext. 115.

Make a Gift in Honor of a Loved One

Looking for the perfect gift for a friend or family member? Donate in honor of a loved one for their birthday, anniversary, graduation, wedding, or other special occasion. The honoree will receive a card from Shelter Network notifying them of your thoughtfulness and generosity. Click here to donate, and in the comments section please write "gift in honor" with the honoree's name and address.

Join the Monthly Giving Club

Sign up for our Monthly Giving Club and commit to an automatic monthly donation to Shelter Network for a set amount of your choosing. Have the amount deducted automatically from your credit card or checking account, or send us a monthly check. Click here for more information.

Party with a Purpose

Turn your next event or party into a fundraiser for Shelter Network. Raise money and awareness for homeless families and individuals. Click here for more information, or contact Chris Canter at ccanter@shelternetwork.org or 650-685-5880 ext. 115.

Donate Appreciated Securities

Often, the most mutually beneficial way to support Shelter Network is by contributing appreciated securities. Shelter Network also accepts gifts of real estate and other property. To transfer appreciated stock/securities, please print and complete the Stock Transfer FORM. Once completed, fax to your broker and to Shelter Network at 650-685-5881, or email to ccanter@shelternetwork.org. For more information, contact Chris Canter at ccanter@shelternetwork.org or 650-685-5880 ext. 115.

Employee Matching Gifts

Many companies and government agencies enable their employees to make donations through payroll deductions or to match employees' gifts. If you would like to support Shelter Network through your workplace giving program, please look for "Shelter Network" in your workplace giving campaign brochure; or check to see if your workplace is on this list of employers who make matching gifts. Note the corresponding designation code number, and fill it in on your pledge card. If you do not find a listing, then simply write "Shelter Network: 1450 Chapin Avenue, Burlingame, CA 94010" on your pledge card.

Give Monthly through SwipeGood

Donate your “spare change” to Shelter Network through SwipeGood. Every time you make a charge with your credit card, SwipeGood will round up your transaction to the nearest dollar and donate the difference to Shelter Network. The average monthly donation adds up to around $15. It's fun, easy, and secure. Visit www.swipegood.com to sign up.

Make a Tax-Free IRA Gift

If you are age 70½ or older, you may qualify for an important incentive for charitable giving. Congress recently passed legislation which allows you to make a tax-free gift to Shelter Network through a direct transfer from a traditional Individual Retirement Account. More Information.

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Downloads

Donor Bill of Rights
Holiday, In-Kind, and Financial (<$99) Donors 2010

CORPORATE SUPPORT

Shelter Network offers a range of support and participation opportunities for companies and groups. The following are just a few:

Shelter Network Corporate Partners

The Shelter Network Corporate Partner program is for companies who support Shelter Network’s efforts financially as well as with in-kind support and/or human capital provided through their employees and/or customers or clients. Corporate Partners are recognized for their involvement throughout the year. Recognition plans vary depending on the partnership level but could include recognition at Shelter Network’s Annual Benefit Breakfast, signage at Shelter Network facilities, company logo and/or profile on website, company logo, listing or a story in Shelter Network’s quarterly newsletter and/or the company’s logo in Corporate Partner acknowledgement ads in local media.

For more information about the Corporate Partners program, please contact Chris Canter at ccanter@shelternetwork.org or 650-685-5880 ext. 115.

Annual Benefit Breakfast Sponsorship

Shelter Network’s Annual Breakfast is the talk of the entire Peninsula and attracts about 1,200 guests annually. The 2009 Speaker was long-time newsman Dan Rather who is himself a homeless advocate. The 2010 Speaker was actor Helen Hunt, also an advocate for the homeless. Companies of all sizes can sponsor the event at a range of levels. To reserve your space or for more information, please contact Chris Canter at ccanter@shelternetwork.org or 650-685-5880 ext. 115.

Employee Matching Gifts

Encourage your employees to support Shelter Network's services for homeless families. Sign up for an employee matching gift program and multiply the impact of your employees' donations. Contact Rachael Brown at rbrown@shelternetwork.org or 650-685-5880 ext. 136. View all current employee matching partners

Sponsor a Drive

Another way for companies to support Shelter Network is to sponsor a drive to raise funds for much needed in-kind donations, such business clothing, diapers, formula (and other supplies for children and infants), household items, back-to-school supplies, and more. Drive sponsors are needed year round but especially during the holidays. 

• View some ideas for donation drives.
  
• Download the Needs List for our family shelters.
• Download the Needs List for single adult shelter programs (Maple Street Shelter and the Vendome Hotel program).
• Sign up to host a drive.

Current Partners

View a list of Shelter Network's Corporate and Foundation Partners.

For more information on any of these opportunities or to suggest your own idea, please contact Chris Canter in Shelter Network’s Development Office at ccanter@shelternetwork.org or 650-685-5880 ext. 113.

PLANNED GIVING

Thank you for considering a planned gift to Shelter Network.  A planned gift is any gift given for any amount, given for any purpose...operations, capital expansion, or endowment...whether for current or deferred use by Shelter Network, which requires the assistance of a professional staff person, a qualified volunteer, or the donor's advisors to complete. In addition, it includes any gift which is carefully considered by a donor in light of estate and financial plans.

While the most common planned gift is typically made through a bequest in a person's will or living trust, there are a range of other vehicles for you to consider as well. The following are six of the ways to make a Planned Gift to Shelter Network:

A gift in your will or living trust

A simple charitable bequest can provide very meaningful support for our mission as well as reduce the amount of estate and inheritance taxes paid. Bequests may be specific assets or amounts, or they may be proportional or residual in nature.

A gift of a new or existing life insurance policy

Many people have life insurance policies that are no longer needed for their original purposes. Such policies can be given to Shelter Network and an income tax deduction can be taken for the cash surrender value. Plus, the annual premiums on a new or existing policy given to the organization irrevocably may also be tax-deductible.

A beneficiary designation on your life insurance policy

Without giving up ownership of your life insurance policy, you can still designate Shelter Network as a whole or partial death beneficiary. Contact your insurance company for a Change of Beneficiary form.

A gift of financial accounts

Most checking, savings and brokerage accounts can be bequeathed to Shelter Network through a simple “payable on death” designation with your financial institution.

A gift of retirement benefits

Naming Shelter Network as primary, partial or contingent beneficiary of your retirement plan is a simple, practical gift idea. Contact your plan custodian for the proper beneficiary change forms.

A gift of savings bonds

Many people have fully appreciated savings bonds. These assets cannot be donated during your lifetime without first being converted to cash and, therefore, generating taxable income. By making a gift of savings bonds through your will, you can avoid this tax and support Shelter Network’s continuing efforts.

More Information

Thank you for considering making a Planned Gift to Shelter Network. For additional information or to arrange a confidential gift planning consultation without obligation, please contact Chris Canter in Shelter Network’s Development Office at ccanter@shelternetwork.org or 650-685-5880 ext. 115.

The information above is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting or other professional advice.

Gifts & Goals Chart

Not sure what or how you should give? Review options and potential benefits on our Gifts & Goals Chart.

Donate Goods, Food and Other Necessities

Most families and individuals at Shelter Network arrive with almost nothing and depend on donations for household goods, food and other necessities. Your donation will make a real difference in the everyday lives of homeless children, parents, and single adults.

There is a particular need for department store or grocery gift certificates, kitchenware, and disposable items and toiletries such as soap, toothpaste and paper products.

• Download and print the Needs List for our family shelters.
• Download and print the Needs List for single adult shelter programs (Maple Street Shelter and the Vendome Hotel program).
• Host a drive to collect items that are needed.

Where to Donate

Donations can be dropped off at any of our shelter locations.

For more information on donating household goods, food, or other items, please contact the Shelter Network Communications Assistant at donating@shelternetwork.org or 650-685-5880 x114.

Program-Specific Needs

Family Shelter Program Needs Children's Supplies disposable diapers (especially large sizes) - buy online! school supplies, arts & crafts supplies educational toys that are like-new Kitchen Items can-openers, pots, pans paper plates, bowls, cups plastic and silver utensils paper towels, napkins aluminum foil, plastic wrap toasters, coffee makers, microwaves All Toiletries and Feminine Hygiene Products Cleaning Supplies Office Supplies copy paper (white and colored), file folders envelopes, labels, binder tab dividers writing pads, scotch tape & dispensers Clothing (must be clean and folded) MOST NEEDED: sweaters, coats, large-size business-attire for men and women children's clothing if it is like-new NEW underwear and socks Household Items sheets, pillows, blankets towels and washcloths trash cans and liners lamps, TVs, alarm clocks (working only) flashlights, batteries extension cords, tool kits picture frames Gift Certificates to grocery stores, department stores, shoe stores, pharmacies, gas stations

Single Adults Shelter Program Needs All Toiletries and Feminine Hygiene Products Kitchen Items can-openers paper plates, bowls, cups, plastic utensils paper towels, napkins aluminum foil, plastic wrap coffee makers, microwaves Cleaning Supplies Office Supplies copy paper - white and colored envelopes, labels, binder tab dividers file folders, pens writing pads, scotch tape & dispensers Clothing (must be clean and folded) business-attire for men and women large-size men's clothing NEW underwear and socks Flip flops / shower shoes Household Items twin-size sheets, pillows, blankets plastic mattress covers (twin size) towels and washcloths lamps, small TVs, alarm clocks (working only) flashlights, batteries (AA, AA, 9V) reading glasses

Items We Do Not Accept

Our free services are possible because of the community's generous in-kind donations and financial support. Because we have limited storage space, and in order to minimize disposal costs and overhead, we can only accept items our residents can use immediately in the shelter or in their apartments once they graduate from our programs. Regrettably, we cannot accept:

• Dirty, torn, or broken items
• Car seats or Cribs (for safety reasons)
• Desktop computers (over 3 yrs old)
• Any item in need of repair
• Knick-knacks
• Carpeting
• Candles
• Wine glasses or any alcohol-related items

Furniture

Download our furniture needs list for a list of furniture we accept.

We can only accept furniture donations if they can be immediately used in our facilities. Please contact the Communications Assistant at donating@shelternetwork.org or 650-685-5880 x114 to discuss if your donations would be of use to our programs right now. We do pick-ups of furniture items from locations in San Mateo County about twice a month.

Thank you for understanding our limited resources and storage space. We have partnerships with other organizations that specialize in receiving certain donations, storage, and distribution to people in need, including:

• St. Vincent de Paul (650-343-4405)
• The Salvation Army (800-95-TRUCK)
• Goodwill (888-446-6394)
• Ecumenical Hunger Program (650-323-7781)

Purchase In-Kind Donations Online

Thanks to the support of our community partners, you can now purchase new diapers and baby items online and have them shipped directly to our family shelters.

• Buy compostable diapers and wipes from Earth Baby Diapers (click "Make a Donation" on the left-hand side)
• Purchase diapers and needed baby items from our Amazon.com Wish Lists and have them shipped directly to the shelters:
  • Purchase items for First Step for Families, San Mateo click here
  • Purchase items for Haven Family House, Menlo Park click here
  • Purchase items for Redwood Family House, Redwood City click here
  • Purchase items for Family Crossroads, Daly City click here

If you would like to purchase other in-kind items online, please contact the Communications Assistant at donating@shelternetwork.org or 650-685-5880 x114 to discuss your donation item and delivery location.

Donate your Vehicle to Shelter network

Shelter Network welcomes donations of cars (as well as vans, boats, snowmobiles, personal watercrafts, trailers, or RVs) to aid our programs and services. We accept vehicles in any condition, running or not. All donations will go directly to benefitting the homeless families and individuals in our programs.

Donate a vehicle in working condition

Working vehicles donated to Shelter Network may be utilize directly by our staff to serve the clients in our programs. At times, Shelter Network is in need of vehicles to transport clients, donations, or facilities equipment. These vehicles provide critical, long-term benefit to the agency and the homeless families and individuals we serve.

Donate a vehicle in non-running condition

Shelter Network partners with Cars With Heart to manage donations of non-working vehicles. Cars With Heart schedules pick-ups, makes minor repairs, and auctions the vehicle, donating the proceeds to Shelter Network. The services provided by Cars With Heart incur no cost to the donor or non-profit, and ensure that the donation is maximized to the greatest extent possible.

Contact

Interested in donating a vehicle? Contact Rachael Brown, Annual Giving Manager, at rbrown@shelternetwork.org or 650-685-5880 ext 136.