Wells Fargo Grant Application

 

Wells Fargo Grant Application 

Provide a brief description of how funding will be used. If there is a sponsorship package associated with this request, please upload the brochure/materials in the Detailed Project Information field below. 

Sojourners’ Alliance, the primary provider of housing to the homeless of Moscow, receives 40 50 calls a day. With 22% of the population of Moscow falling below the federal poverty line, most of those calls are from people in need. n eed. Sojourners' current phones and phone lines are insufficient to meet the needs of the homeless. The old copper lines of Sojourners' current phone system have deteriorated, causing a number of o f issues. Calls bleed in from nearby sources, interfering with effective communication; only one phone phon e can ring at a time, contributing to missed calls; and old copper lines and out of date phones produce a lot of static in Moscow’s frequently poor weather. Stephen Bonnar, Sojourners' executive director, relies on teleconference meetings to communicate with long distance associates, but static is a frequent interruption.

Grant funding would allow Sojourners' to upgrade to a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) system. VOIP creates a phone connection through the internet and is known for reliability and quality of connection. The VOIP system s ystem enables files to be shared between computers and, most importantly, it would increase the reliability of communication for Sojourners’ Alliance.  Alliance.  

The total estimated cost of the upgrade up grade is $9,000. Sojourners’ Alliance will contribute $2,400 of  the total. Therefore, Sojourners' Alliance is asking Wells Fargo for a grant of $6,600. The implementation of the program includes: installation of the new lines, an in-office server, and  purchasing new phones. Upon funding, the system will be operational within one week.

Briefly describe any tangible benefits not listed above that are associated with your funding proposal. 

The VOIP system saves money for the Sojourners’ Alliance. Alliance. Sojourners’ is currently currently paying $340/month for the current phone service. The upgraded system will cost $60/month and provide more reliable communication services.

Please list the goals and accomplishments of the organization. 

Sojourners' goals include providing quality long term housing and work opportunities oppo rtunities to their  clients. It also promotes personal growth, empowerment and self sufficiency for its clients.

 

  Sojourners' accomplishments include providing housing to an average av erage of 58 adults and 9 children a year and serving the community through programs like Sojo Dogs, a hot dog stand at community events, and its house painting service.

Briefly describe how you measure progress for this program.  

Progress will be measured by the 40-50 calls serviced each day and by building a record of  successful calls to current and future employees. Progress will also be measured by b y a lack of  dropped calls and static in calls.

How many individuals will be served by this project/program?  

It is difficult to predict how many people may ma y be helped through effective communication with Sojourners' provided by a VOIP system. But, with 40-50 calls made to Sojourners' each day, their reach is significant. More than 60 people receive help and housing from Sojourners’ S ojourners’ Alliance each year.

Describe how your project/program benefits low-and moderate-income populations in the selected Community Development category.  

The city of Moscow, where Sojourners’ Alliance is located, has a large low-income low -income population of 22%. Sojourners’ Alliance provides long-term long -term housing (90 days to two years) for homeless individuals and families. Current clients contact the Sojourners' office by b y phone and future clients often make first contact with Sojourners' by phone as well. Living at Sojourners' is a safe alternative to on thephone streetssystem in a community communit that cannotwill sustain a large homeless  population. If living the current remains y Sojourners' not be able to serve this low income population in an effective and meaningful way.

Provide a brief mission statement for your organization. 

Sojourners' Alliance is a private, nonprofit organization working toward a vision of dignity and equality for all people. Our mission is to promote the personal growth, empowerment, and self  sufficiency of people in transition by providing decent housing affordable to low income  persons, basic services, education in life and interpersonal skills, counseling, and opportunities for integration into the community.