Help us to Acquire a 501 (C)3

My name is Jon Maust. I live in Tulsa, OK with my wife and four kids; and in October of 2009, I lost my job. Two days later, I was getting groceries, and I saw a homeless man, holding a sign. I felt moved to help him, so I went and brought him some food and water. The moment I got back into my car, I had an inspiring thought. So I went home, grabbed my college backpack and filled it with canned food, toiletries and other necessities. I drove downtown, and found a homeless man outside of a soup kitchen, and gave him the backpack. The other men with him asked if I had any more, so I promised them I would come back. I went to a thrift store, bought 9 more bags, filled them and took them downtown the next day; and there I found 100+ people waiting in line for the soup kitchen to open. I posted craigslist ads, talked to the people at my church, and used social media to collect more bags, clothing and other items to give to those in need. By November of 2010, myself and 26 other people were standing in a park handing out more than 10,000 items of clothing, and feeding more than 500 people a hot meal. I have continued to clothe and feed the homeless and impoverished for the past 7 years, and now I have decided that it is time to take the next step. A meal lasts until a person is hungry again. Clothing lasts until it wears out or no longer fits. Backpacks tear and wear out. All of this aid, as helpful as it is, is temporary. I want to do something more meaningful and long lasting. I believe that with the right network and the right people, we can find permanent solutions to end homelessness in my city. I believe that through partnerships with churches, small businesses, property owners, service providers and volunteers; we can give people not only a second chance, but provide the necessary education, mentoring, support and community to ensure permanent, lifelong change. My goal is not only to house, feed and clothe the homeless; my goal is to enable them to house, feed and clothe themselves. After 7 years working within my cities homeless community, I understand the challenges, and I know what needs to be done in order to accomplish complete reintegration. I need your help. I need to raise the funds to start a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, so that we can establish this network of support and aid. We need to raise $1600 to cover the cost and fees associated with incorporating and filing. Once we have received our non-profit status, we will begin building this network and identifying those individuals who desire to move past their life on the streets - and we will guide them through the process of reintegration. If you would like to see homelessness end in the city of Tulsa, please consider giving to this cause; and if you would like more information about the program and how you could be involved, please contact me for additional information. Thank you from myself, and the entire homeless community of Tulsa; we are truly grateful.