Next Steps

1.1 Define the “who / what / where”

• Primary mission (1 sentence): Provide street outreach + resource navigation + basic survival support for people experiencing homelessness in DFW.
• Primary geography: Dallas/Fort Worth + prioritized neighborhoods/areas.
• Target population: unsheltered individuals, families, youth, veterans (pick initial focus).
• What we do (initial services):
  • Street outreach (conversation, needs assessment, referral)
  • Resource navigation (ID, benefits, shelter, medical, mental health, detox, employment)
  • Distribution (water, hygiene kits, socks, blankets, etc.)
  • Follow-up check-ins (repeat contacts)
• What we don't do (for now): e.g., long-term housing placement, medical care, shelter operations.

1.2 Create 3–6 measurable outcomes (simple, trackable)

Pick a small set you can report monthly:

• # outreach contacts (unique people + total interactions)
• # successful referrals (shelter/clinic/ID/benefits)
• # follow-ups completed (2nd contact)
• # kits distributed
• # volunteers active / hours served

1.3 Minimum operating model

• Weekly outreach cadence (e.g., Tue/Thu evenings + Sat morning)
• Coverage plan (where, when, team size)
• Define “intake” info you record consistently (first name/alias, location, needs, referral, follow-up date)

2.1 Build a repeatable outreach playbook

• Safety guidelines (pairing, de-escalation, boundaries)
• Standard outreach script (intro, consent, needs, next steps)
• Resource map (most-used shelters, clinics, ID help, food, showers, case managers)
• “Referral pathway” cheat sheet: who to call, hours, what documents needed

2.2 Volunteer management

Define roles:

• Outreach lead
• Navigator (resource referral)
• Logistics (supplies)
• Intake note-taker
• Driver

Onboarding: background check policy (if needed), training module, code of conduct. Scheduling + attendance (simple sign-up tool).

2.3 Partnerships (high leverage)

Target 5–10 local partners:

• Shelters + day centers
• Community clinics
• ID/benefits assistance orgs
• Faith/community orgs already doing distribution
• Local businesses for in-kind donations

3.1 Donation infrastructure (simple + credible)

Add to website:

• Donate button (Stripe, PayPal, or platform like Givebutter)
• In-kind wish list (Amazon or curated list)
• “Where does money go?” transparency page
• Receipt/ack email

Create donation tiers: $25 = 10 hygiene kits, $50 = 25 pairs of socks, $100 = 2–3 outreach packs, etc. (adjust to real costs)

3.2 Local donor channels

• Small business sponsor program (monthly)
• Community drives (schools, gyms, churches)
• “Supply drop” events (1x/month)

3.3 Story + proof (without exploiting clients)

• Monthly impact report (numbers + anonymized stories)
• Photo policy (consent-first; avoid identifiable images unless explicit)
• Short “why we exist” narrative on the homepage

4.1 Decide legal structure + governance

Choose initial path: Fiscal sponsorship (fastest to accept tax-deductible donations) vs. Form Texas nonprofit + apply for 501(c)(3).

Draft board structure (at least 3 directors): Chair/President, Treasurer, Secretary, plus 1–3 at-large. Board responsibilities: approve budget, ensure compliance, fundraising participation, policy approvals.

4.2 Core paperwork/policies (start simple)

• Articles of Incorporation (TX)
• Bylaws
• Conflict of interest policy
• Recordkeeping policy
• Volunteer waiver + code of conduct
• Financial controls: two-person approval for spend above threshold, receipts required, dedicated bank account

4.3 Admin stack

• Nonprofit bank account
• Accounting (basic: Wave/QuickBooks)
• Donation platform + receipts
• Insurance (general liability; consider volunteer accident)

5.1 Website must-haves for credibility

• Clear mission + what services you provide
• “Get Help” page (resource navigation steps + hotline numbers + hours)
• “Volunteer” page with next orientation date
• “Donate” page + wish list
• Contact form + email + phone (or Google Voice)

5.2 Communication rhythm

• 1 monthly newsletter
• 1–2 social posts/week (impact + needs + volunteer call)
• Quarterly community update

Phase 1

• Finalize mission, scope, and metrics
• Run 4 outreach sessions (minimum) and track outcomes
• Publish website donation + volunteer pages
• Build partner directory (top 15 resources)
• Start fiscal sponsor conversations or start TX nonprofit incorporation

Phase 2

• Formalize volunteer onboarding + training
• Launch first community supply drive
• Secure 2–3 recurring donors or small business sponsors
• Create monthly impact report #1
• Board members confirmed + first board meeting

Phase 3

• If fiscal sponsor: operating smoothly + consistent donation receipts
• If incorporating: file state nonprofit + begin 501(c)(3) process
• Set budget + basic financial controls
• Create 1–2 signature programs (e.g., “Outreach Nights” + “ID/Benefits Clinic Partner Day”)