Danielle Washington

Hello, I am a service disabled woman veteran entrepreneur with a vision of providing housing and mental health services for veteran women and their children seeking solace from domestic violence. I am raising money for the fees to file for 501(c)(19)exemption. My Sisters House Inc is for my fellow veteran women and their families transition from domestic violence and intimate partner abuse into productive and stable lives. This money will be used for legal fees to obtain 501(c)(19)status. I am personally a domestic violence survivor and I have seen firsthand the shortage of accessible housing and mental health services. My organization will even provide childcare to assist with the difficulty in finding affordable childcare so our veteran mothers will be able to focus on their treatment. The Problem: When a Hero Needs a Safe Home Our nation’s women veterans face a crisis that is often invisible: they are 1.6 times more likely to experience Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) than their civilian counterparts. For those who escape this trauma, finding a safe, specialized shelter is a matter of life or death. The available resources in Georgia—general domestic violence shelters or typical veteran housing—fail to meet this dual need for high security and trauma-informed care specific to military veterans. Many survivors, often with children, remain vulnerable and unserved. The Solution: A Secure Sanctuary and a Path Forward My Sisters House Inc is the specialized, permanent solution. We are a 501(c)(3) dedicated to providing a secure, transitional home for women veterans and their children who are DV/IPA survivors. Our approach is unique: • Specialized Focus: We combine military-specific trauma expertise (including MST) with family-focused transitional services. • Trauma-Informed Care: Every facet of our model, from the soundproofing in the walls to the on-site Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), is designed for healing and stability. • The "My Way Home" Program: A 9–12 month, multi-phase program focused on clinical stabilization, skill-building, and direct placement into permanent housing (e.g., HUD-VASH). Support Required: Fund Our Foundation for $1.5 Million To launch safely and ensure permanence, we are seeking $1,500,000 in foundational startup capital. This is not an ask for short-term rent; it is an investment in a permanent community asset. Where Your Investment Goes: • Property Acquisition: Securing a permanent, non-congregate facility to house 10–12 families. • Security & Renovation: Installing commercial-grade, layered security (access control, 24/7 monitoring) and vital structural upgrades. • Staff Stability: Funding 12 months of salaries for our core team: Executive Director, the critical LCSW (Clinical Director), and 24/7 Residential Support Staff. • Operational Reserve: Creating a 12-month financial buffer to guarantee uninterrupted services while we secure long-term federal grants. The Result: A $1.5 million investment doesn’t just open a door—it secures a safe haven for decades, ensuring women veterans receive the dignity, security, and specialized care they earned. Consolidated Financial Plan for My Sisters House I. Startup Capital Allocation: $1,500,000 (Year 1 Investment) The total requested startup capital is $1,500,000. This funding is strategically allocated to acquire a permanent asset, establish high-security infrastructure, and cover the first year of core operating expenses. * Initial Salaries & Benefits (12 Months): $600,000 Rationale: This is the largest operational investment, ensuring immediate, high-quality service delivery with a full core staff (Executive Director, LCSW, Program Coordinator, Child Advocate, and Residential Support Staff). * Property Acquisition (Purchase/Deposit): $300,000 Rationale: Secures a larger, non-congregate facility (private suites/apartments) essential for trauma-informed care and family capacity. * Onsite Child Care Services (Infrastructure & Reserve): $160,000 Rationale: Funds facility build-out, licensing, equipment, and a large operating reserve ($65,000) dedicated to the specialized childcare program. * Program Materials and Furnishings: $110,000 Rationale: Procures durable, safe, and family-friendly furnishings for all residential, common, and therapeutic areas. * Operational Reserve/Utilities (12 Months): $100,000 Rationale: Provides a general financial buffer for utilities, insurance, property taxes, and maintenance for the entire facility. * Renovations & Security Upgrades: $100,000 Rationale: Funds commercial-grade security systems (access control, 24/7 monitoring) and trauma-informed design elements. * Legal/501(c)(3) and Licensing Fees: $30,000 Rationale: Covers professional fees necessary for non-profit establishment, state shelter licensing, and VA GPD compliance. TOTAL STARTUP CAPITAL: $1,500,000 II. Detailed Child Care Budget The $160,000 Child Care budget is now focused on infrastructure, equipment, and reserve. * Dedicated Childcare Operating Reserve: $65,000 * Note: This substantial reserve acts as a financial placeholder and stability fund to cover unexpected costs or initial temporary staffing needs until specific grants are secured. * Facility & Licensing Setup: $50,000 1. Space Renovation ($30,000), 2. Licensing Fees/Compliance ($5,000) 3. Security Integration ($5,000) 4. Trauma-Informed Design/Sensory Setup ($10,000). * Equipment, Furnishings, & Supplies: $35,000 1. Durable furnishings/storage ($10,000) 2. Therapeutic Toys/Materials ($10,000) 3. Technology ($5,000) 4. 12-Month Consumables Reserve ($10,000). * * Program Development & Activity Fund: $10,000 1. Curriculum Acquisition/Training TOTAL CHILD CARE ALLOCATION: $160,000 III. Core Staffing & Personnel Costs (12 Months) The total estimated core salary cost is $620,000, with $600,000 covered by the dedicated startup allocation. * Residential Support Staff (8 FTEs): $360,000 ($45,000 each) * Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): $80,000 * Program/Outreach Coordinator: $70,000 * Executive Director (Founder): $65,000 * Child Advocate/Tutor: $45,000 TOTAL ESTIMATED SALARIES: $620,000 IV. Projected Funding Strategy (Post-Startup Sustainability) Long-term financial health will rely on a mixed-funding approach with a heavy reliance on institutional support. * Government Grants (VA GPD, HUD, State DV): Target 50% - 60% of annual operating budget. * Foundations/Corporate Grants: Target 20% - 30% of annual operating budget. * Individual Donors/Community Events: Target 10% - 15% of annual operating budget. This plan ensures stability by funding the core structure and operational team up front, which is necessary to apply for and secure the sustainable government per diem funding required for years two and beyond. Join us in giving these heroes the safe path home they deserve.