New Endeavors by Women

NEW gives homeless women a place to live and the supportive services they need to regain control of their lives, to find employment, save their money and say goodbye to homelessness. WSteptoe@NewEndeavorsByWomen.org

How do you help people in my community?

NEW’s mission is to provide a caring and supportive environment residential setting for the homeless women of the District of Columbia who are committed to moving toward self-sufficiency; in this setting, NEW offers comprehensive services that assist women in their efforts to move into independent living. The women that come to NEW are from the community and are referred to NEW by the community-based service providers, such as staff at drug treatment programs, emergency shelters, hospitals, community mental health centers, or halfway houses in the District. In assisting these women in their journey out of homelessness, NEW makes a difference in these women’s lives and in the lives of their families. The women assume responsible positions in their families and contribute to the wider community, neighborhood, and city.

Why do you need my support?

NEW receives funding from the District of Columbia through The Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness. This funding is precarious and does not cover all of NEW’s costs. The challenge is to raise money from foundations, corporations, religious organizations and individuals to fully fund NEW’s program. Every contribution to NEW makes a difference. NEW needs money to cover small costs and big ones. A subscription to the Washington Post gives the residents access to employment notices and keeps them current on life in the city, country and world. If a woman is not working, she may request personal care items, laundry detergent and bus tokens to enable her to get to a job interview, a doctor’s appointment or AA/NA meeting. Staff salaries, health benefits and insurance are NEW’s largest expenses.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

NEW has a bare bones budget. Because of NEW’s emphasis on supportive services for the residents, much of the budget is spent on staff salaries, with salaries being on the low end when compared with most non-profit service agencies in the District. NEW has a bare bones budget. Because of NEW’s emphasis on supportive services for the residents, much of the budget is spent on staff salaries, with salaries being on the low end when compared with most non-profit service agencies in the District. About 55% of NEW’s operating budget is spent on salaries for staff who provide direct service to the homeless women; these include two case managers, an education/employment specialist, a housing specialist, and the support staff who manage NEW at night and on weekends. The other staff members whose salaries comprise 20% of the budget provide some direct service in addition to their administrative duties as executive director, program director, facility manager and receptionist. Taxes on staff salaries and health insurance make up 10.5% of the budget. Client costs cover money for food, transportation, phone calls, drug testing and personal items. Much of the food is purchased at the Capitol Area Food Bank where most items cost $.14 per pound! Other general expenses include gas and insurance for a van, household supplies, phone and xerox maintenance, phone service, payroll processing and liability insurance. Each line of the budget is scrutinized to keep expenses to a minimum and to obtain the best price for each purchase.

Can I Volunteer? How?

Volunteers who would be able to provide computer training, parenting skills, and tutoring would be greatly appreciated. women. Someone who could help organize and coordinate offer educational or recreational outings to the women would be a welcome volunteer. NEW is looking for corporate offices willing to provide internships for qualified residents, as well as working women who would act as mentors for these interns. NEW could use volunteers to support and expand our fundraising efforts. A volunteer that could give several hours each week as a receptionist during the 4 to 8 p.m. time period would be very welcome. In giving a list of volunteer possibilities, one runs the risk of people limiting their sights to those mentioned. NEW gladly receives all people who would like to share their time and talents with the program!