Housing Options Made Easy. Inc.

 

Non-Profit

Housing Options Made Easy, Inc is a Non-Profit with an IRS Classification of 501-C3.  Our funding sources are mainly from County, State, and Federal Resources.   We are extremely cost effective in that we provide care the handicapped at a much lower cost then governmentally operated agencies.  Typically we provide services  to our clients at less than 1/4 the cost of those residing within state hospitals.  When a patient is ready to re-enter the community we help set them up in a healthy life style so that the can be productive members of society.  We do this in two ways.  First by assisting in finding safe affordable housing with support by Peer Advocates and secondly by hiring the handicapped.

Agency Employees

With a budget of over $2 Million a year, Housing Options Made Easy, Inc. is staffed and operated by those challenged with a mental health diagnosis.  With one or two exceptions, all the employees of our agency have an Axis I diagnosis (Depression, Manic-Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Schizophrenia, ...)  Often misunderstood, people with mental illness can and do recover.  They lead productive lives and make great contributions to the community.  Winston Churchill, one of the greatest leaders in modern history, suffered from Bi-Polar Disorder.  Mental illness does not discriminate.  It affects all levels of our society regardless of education, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.  As a result, many with mental illness have advanced degrees, or have held high paying jobs in the public and private sectors.  Housing Options seeks to provide an environment that provides jobs to those recovering from mental illness.  We want every to understand that this is real work.  Although we offer support and understanding, every one does their fare share.  The staff works hard  and they expect real results.  We provide services to our customers, like any other company, and our employees expect get paid for what they do.   Using this business model successfully, our agency has grown and prospered for over 15 years. We have very little employee turnover and our employees expect to advance within the agency and the community. 

Our people have real jobs, they are deeply committed, and they are proud of their accomplishments.  In the Housing Options environment you can expect understanding and tolerance of ones illness.  In this agency no one has to worry about stigma, but at the same time we do expect results.  Make no mistake, they hold real jobs, with the benefits and expectations of any successful company. Simple put, if you don't work, you don't have a job.

The Board

The Board of Directors at Housing Options Made Easy, Inc. do not receive any compensation for their services.  It is strictly voluntary work to promote the growth of the agency and serve the community.  The board is made up of professionals in the community.  At this time the board has directors for other agencies, bankers, lawyers, engineers, accountants, and mental health professionals.   According the by-laws, more than 50% of the board must have an Axis One diagnosis.  The meeting are scheduled so that the employees and board members can interact effectively to promote and grow the agency.   Typically there is a rotation of employees to the board meetings so that all can see how the agency is moving forward.  Employees are encouraged to  take part in the dialogue so that they can have a direct impact with the agencies progression.

Donations

As we grow and develop we seek to expand the services we provide, we always seeking new funding streams.  Currently the board would like to start a Housing Program to assist our employees and consumers in purchasing their own housing.   Again there are no free rides, people that enter this program will need to qualify for a loan like any other member of the community.  What Housing Options hopes to do is provide counseling and assistance to the disabled to make this dream possible.  If possible, this may include loan guarantees.  We would also like to create affordable housing by managing projects such as building condominiums.  We will need additional resources to accomplish this goal. The more funding, the more people we will be able to serve, the more jobs we create.  One concept is to create Support Groups to teach people how to manage their credit and create a path to home ownership.  These groups would include those seeking housing, successful homeowners, and community professionals working towards a common goal. 

Checks

Donation Form
If you would like to send a check, please make it out to Housing Options Made Easy, Inc. and send it with attention to the Executive Director, Housing Options Made Easy, Inc. 75 Jamestown St. Gowanda, NY 14075.

Corporate Donations

Housing Options Made Easy, Inc. is a 501-C3 foundation and therefore fully tax deductible.  For large donations, we will provide a letter of acceptance to meet you needs for the IRS.  Please contact our Executive Director and we will set up an appointment to answer any questions.  If you have specific requirement or directions for you donation we will accommodate you.

Wills, Trusts, and Beneficiaries

Consider naming Housing Options as a beneficiary.  Many have suffered from mental illness or have had a family member that suffered a crisis.  If you goals and objectives are in line with your wishes, please consider allocating a portion of your estate to our agency.  If you have a dream, we will may be able help tailor a program or foundation in you name.  Please contact our Executive Director to discuss arrangements. 

Grants

Housing Options continually handles multiple grants.  We meet the exacting needs of governmental requirements.  We use sound accounting principals and our records are annually audited by a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).  We have a track record of success in fulfilling grant requirements and actively seek continuous improvement.  If you have a project, either public or private, that aligns with our Mission and Vision statements please contact us.  If your requirements match our skills, we will make every effort to provide additional services to the community.  Please send your Request For Proposal (RFP) and we will consider an appropriate response.  RFP's are directed to the Executive Director.