Help our team raise the money needed to obtain our permits and start construction soon.

The permits are ready! We need to raise funds through GoFundMe to pay for them. $9,500 will allow us to pull the permits and start construction. Any extra funds will go towards the actual construction costs. Our general contractor believes in our vision and is asking for any subcontractors, donors, and companies that may be willing to assist with supplies and skilled trades that can help make this project a reality. But the biggest help we need right now is funds.

Since 2004, international houses in Reno have impacted over 1,000 international students and immigrants. We have a unique opportunity to open a coffee shop in one of the houses located directly next to the main entrance of the University of Nevada, Reno.

In January 2025, after 3 years of planning, reviews, and prayer, officials at the City of Reno finally approved our unique request to build a coffee shop in the garage at 1110 Evans Ave., Reno, NV 89512.

We will be partnering with an operator of a local coffee shop chain, Lighthouse Coffee, who believes in the vision of reaching university students and the Reno International House.

We seek to build a coffee shop that is designed specifically for students and faculty of the university, along with residents in the adjacent neighborhood, many of whom are immigrants, families, and students related to the university.

About the Reno International House

Motivated by Jesus' love for the nations, we seek to welcome international students, immigrants, and refugees to the Reno area, with social activities, housing resources, and care. A business-as-mission organization that seeks to advocate and care for the foreigner here in Reno. In addition to rooming houses and apartment finder service, our semester welcome activities, furniture help, connections through local Christian churches, International Friends of Reno, and training services for several hundred international newcomers to our region every year.

Donate today.

Be a part of our early donors. Upon opening, we will have an honor plaque recognizing all of the donors that made this possible. Any donation amount is welcome. Suggested donations of $25, $50, $100, $250, $1,000 and more will help to make this project possible. Follow the steps on this page to make your donation today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are donations tax deductible?

As a business-as-mission initiative, this project uses for-profit enterprise to help further a social cause and connect with the university campus. Donations for this specific project are not tax deducible. If you require tax deductible giving receipts, we have another related opportunity, that can help, just ask us personally.

What are the fees GoFundMe charges? GoFundMe charges an approximately 2.9% fee, which is similar to nearly any other payment processor. That is it. Nearly the entire donation goes directly to this project.

What are the total project costs? It is estimated that the total construction costs will likely be $100k-$150k. We are open and willing to work with subcontractors to assist us to bring that total cost down.

What does the building permits pay for? The building permits is a cost that is paid to the local government, to start construction. It helps contribute to a shared municipal fund to share costs of traffic, roads, sewer, school impact and other fees. These building permits are required to do virtually any major building addition, new construction and tenant improvements.

How will this coffee shop be operated? We are currently in negotiations with the owner of a local chain of coffee shops (Lighthouse Coffee) to lease this space and operate it under their brand. We are working on an operation plan to have some university students and interact, train and work, along with use of the space for events and outreach on off-hours.

Can I give to specific construction activities? Yes. Here is a timeline, in order, of estimated costs.

Can I give items or material? Right now the biggest need is for money to purchase permits and start early construction activity. Items and material, such as construction material, commercial machinery and landscape items and furniture may be accepted later as construction progresses.

What happens if not enough money is raised? We have made this project into smaller, achievable doable goals. The first threshold is for permits. This GoFundMe campaign allows us to use the money towards the project, even if it is not fully raised. Through a combination of fundraisers, our own personal funds, and perhaps some amount of bank financing, this project will proceed quickly. We are trusting God, that not only those initial funds, but much more will eventually be raised, going towards construction.

What is the first step in construction? Besides preparing the space through demo and cleaning, a grease interceptor and underground plumbing tie-ins will likely be installed first.

Can I give directly, off of GoFundMe? Yes. While through GoFundMe will help this page to obtain more visibility and possible donations through the greater community and on the internet, we will gladly accept donations directly as well. You can mail a check to Reno International House, 1110 Evans Ave. Reno, NV 89512. Or contact us directly of other digital ways to pay.

Are there rewards for donations? While this campaign is purely for donations out of generous goodwill, we will be designing a gratitude plaque, to be prominently displayed in the coffee shop. And, stay in contact with us. When you are in Reno, and we are available, we will treat you to a time in the shop, that you helped contribute to build.

How will the permits funds be used?

Once we have raised the funds for permits, we will pay the fees for the several permits and impact fees to the City of Reno. This pays for several city, county and state fees needed to start the project. At that point, our general contractor can officially and immediately start construction.

When will this shop open? If funds are raised by March 31 for the permits and early construction activities, we will be able to start construction in early May. With proper construction financing in-place, this shop may open up by November 2025.