CHR stays on track, eyes fundraising effort
For the last several consecutive months, the Community Housing & Resources (CHR) board of directors was informed that 100 percent of rent payments were collected in September and the organization is on track to do so for October.
At Monday’s monthly meting, the board also was delighted by the report from board treasurer Melissa Rice of a positive balance in the operating account at the end of last month.
The board also addressed progress toward completing its five-year plan, future fundraising efforts, a marketing strategy and rental property issues.
CHR executive director Kelly Collini reported a number of items, including a grant submission to the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, a donation from Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club and a site visit by a Sanibel religious community interested in supporting CHR’s efforts.
“A lot of exciting things are happening,” said Collini.
Board member Tim Garmager, who heads up the development committee, outlined a plan for 2013 fundraising strategies.
“Our goal for fiscal year 2013 is $75,000, but we’d like to stretch that to $200,000,” said Garmager. “That’s a bullish goal. “
Garmager listed four areas from which the funds will come. Major gifts from two donors totaling $5,000, $35,000 from private foundations, $25,000 from direct mail campaigns and $10,000 to $20,000 from fundraising events. He would like to stretch those goals to reach the $200,000 target.
“I hope we will get to our $75,000 goal, but I believe we can get a lot more,” Garmager said. “We do not have a marketing campaign going right now and we need one. It will help us inform people in the community and our tenants and dispel rumors about CHR. We’ve got to juice that up and we will do our best to bring the marketing campaign together.”
Currently, CHR has three vacant units with one application waiting for approval. Board member Robyn Moran reported having started annual inspections of rental properties and finding both minor and major repair needs. Tenants often are reluctant to report “the little things” that need repair and the number of requests for repairs has been shrinking in recent months, which concerns the board.
“We’re coming off a period of just hanging on by the edge,” said board president Richard Johnson. “We’re moving beyond that now. As we are getting caught up on repairs we need to work with tenants to encourage them to call so we can deal with repairs.”
The last remaining candidate for a Limited Equity Ownership (LEO) property has withdrawn, according to board member Ray Pavelka, who added there is no activity on a second available LEO unit.
Pavelka also reported that negotiations for a new contract are ongoing with the private owner for the Rabbit Road property lease.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 19.