SUPPORT Shelter Network

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 programs that really work to break the cycle of homelessness.

Our programs provide safe housing, all basic necessities, and vital support services for homeless children, parents, and single men and women - all free of charge. Over 80% of the donations we receive go toward direct program costs. Your financial gift or donation of goods will make a real impact on the lives of the families and individuals who seek our help. Thank you for choosing to be part of the solution!

Shelter Network has Met the Challenge!

Shelter Network has qualified to receive a generous $50,000 matching grant from The Grove Foundation. Earlier this year, we were asked to raise $50,000 from new or lapsed donors by September 2010. If we met the challenge, the Foundation would match the funds dollar-for-dollar with a $50,000 grant. We are pleased to have met the challenge and are turning the $50,000 raised in donations to $100,000! Special thanks our donors who contributed and The Grove Foundation for their generous support.

Gifts & Goals Chart

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

Tax Information

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

Give with confidence

Shelter Network is proud to have received the top Four Star Rating from Charity Navigator for operating effectively and efficiently

 

 

Individual Giving

Thank you again for considering a contribution to Shelter Network. There are a range of ways for you to support our work and - most importantly - the over 4,000 men, women and children that we reach each year. The following are just some of the ways:

Make a Cash Donation
You can do this by simply writing a check and mailing it to us or by calling us at 650-685-5880 and providing the information by phone. If donating by check, please make checks payable to Shelter Network and mail to the address below.

Shelter Network
Administrative Office
1450 Chapin Avenue, Second Floor
Burlingame, CA 94010

DONATE ONLINE - It is safe and secure
Donations may also be made on-line using VISA, MasterCard or American Express through Shelter Network’s website. To make your gift online, simply click on the button below.

Make a Tribute Gift
Is there someone you think is GREAT? If so, make a donation to commemorate their birthday, anniversary, graduation, wedding or other special occasion. The person you honor or their family will receive a card from Shelter Network notifying them of your thoughtfulness and generosity.

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, please fax to your broker as well as to the Shelter Network Development Office at 650-685-5881.  For more information - please contact Judy Wong at jwong@shelternetwork.org or 650-685-5880 ext. 113.

Sponsor a Table or Attend our annual "Leading the Way Back Home" Benefit Breakfast

This year's key note speaker is award winning actor and advocate for the homeless Greg Kinnear. 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 Erin Johnston at ejohnston@shelternetwork.org or 650-685-5880 ext. 123.

Party with a Purpose

Turn your next event or party into a fundraiser for Shelter Network. Raise money and awareness for homeless families and children. Click here for more information, please contact Erin Johnston at ejohnston@shelternetwork.org or 650-685-5880 ext. 123.

Join the S³ Club and be an On-going Supporter
Become Shelter Network's newest superhero by joining our S³ Club! "S³ " stands for Self-Sufficiency Sustainer. When you sign up, you commit to a monthly donation of a set amount of your choosing. You can send a monthly check to Shelter Network, or have the amount deducted automatically from either your credit card or checking account. Your monthly contribution will help sustain Shelter Network so we can help more families and individuals get back to self-sufficiency and market-rate housing all year round.  Click here for more information.

Download our enrollment form today and return it via mail or fax at 650-685-5881.

Workplace Giving
Many companies and governmental agencies have programs that enable their employees to make donations through payroll deductions. 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 simple write Shelter Network 1450 Chapin Avenue, Burlingame, CA 94010 on your pledge card.

Thank you once again for considering a gift to Shelter Network. If you should ever have any questions, comments or like to visit, please call us at 650-685-5880 or email us at info@shelternetwork.org.

 

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 “Leading the Way Back Home” Benefit Breakfast Sponsorship
Shelter Network’s annual “Leading the Way Back Home” 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 is actor Greg Kinnear, 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 Erin Johnston at ejohnston@shelternetwork.org or 650-685-5880 ext. 123.

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 Judy Wong in Shelter Network’s Development Office at jwong@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.

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.

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 once 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 Wish List through a partner agency Help A Mother Out.

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.

 

Other Ways

There are endless ways that you can help Shelter Network and in turn help homeless families and individuals return to homes of their own. Do you have an idea? We'd love to hear about it. To explore your idea with us, please call or email Erin Johnston at 650-685-5880 ext. 123.