How Best to Help Those Homeless: Annual Forum Dec. 8, 2011 6:30-7:30 pm

Cambridge Action Fund, Inc. Presents

How Best to Help Those Homeless
Experts in helping homeless will share the best ways to help the homeless this year given the increasing cost of housing and the increased demands on charity and government funds. Rather than walking by a homeless person, learn what you can do to help make a difference this year. What works? What doesn’t work? What is most important THIS year? Light refreshments. http://www.cambridgeactionfund.org

Thursday Dec. 8, 2011 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Zero Garden Street, Harvard Square, At Christ Church
You are cordially invited to join Harvard Square Churches’ Meal Program before the forum at 6:30 pm. Help prepare the meal served every Thursday to homeless 3:30pm+ Help serve & share meal 5pm+. Then join the forum 6:30-7:30 pm. Come when you can!
100% of your donations to Cambridge Action Fund, Inc. go directly to care for the homeless since all costs of operation are donated. Cambridge Action Fund, Inc. is a collaborative of businesses and citizens committed to sharing a portion of our income to improve the quality of life in our community for all citizens. CAF is a non-profit corporation with 501c3 status under IRS code, and all contributions are tax deductible. We have been donating since 1995. 100% of your donations to Cambridge Action Fund, Inc. go directly to care for the homeless. All costs of operation are donated.

Our web site is http://www.cambridgeactionfund.org Join us. You may send contributions to 1657 Cambridge St. #3, Cambridge MA 02138-4316, 617-547-1413, Fax: 617-876-8991 or contribute online through Network for Good or Guidestar by clicking on our website.

Annual Forum: Dec. 10 6:30-7:30 pm

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Cambridge Action Fund, Inc. Presents

How Best to Help the Homeless

Experts in helping homeless will share the best ways to help the homeless this year given the increasing cost of housing and the increased demands on charity and government funds.  Rather than walking by a homeless person, learn what you can do to help make a difference this year. What works? What doesn’t work? What is most important THIS year?  Light refreshments. www.cambridgeactionfund.org

 

Thursday Dec. 9, 2010  6:30-7:30 p.m.

Zero Garden Street, Harvard Square, At Christ Church

You are cordially invited to join Harvard Square Churches’ Meal Program before the forum at 6:30 pm. Help prepare the meal served every Thursday to homeless 3:30pm+ Help serve & share meal 5pm+. Then join the forum 6:30-7:30 pm. Come when you can!

100% of your donations to Cambridge Action Fund, Inc. go directly to care for the homeless since all costs of operation are donated.   Cambridge Action Fund, Inc. is a collaborative of businesses and citizens committed to sharing a portion of our income to improve the quality of life in our community for all citizens. CAF is a non-profit corporation with 501c3 status under IRS code, and all contributions are tax deductible. We have been donating since 1995. 100% of your donations to Cambridge Action Fund, Inc. go directly to care for the homeless. All costs of operation are donated.

 

Our web site is www.cambridgeactionfund.org Join us. You may send contributions to 1657 Cambridge St. #3, Cambridge MA 02138-4316, 617-547-1413, Fax: 617-876-8991 or contribute online through Network for Good or Guidestar by clicking on our website.

 

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What can YOU do to help the homeless?

Contact Us

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1. Join us in contributing to improve our community.

2. Participate with our membership in the identification and support of successful social service programs.

3. Encourage friends and business associates to become involved with the Cambridge Action Fund.

4. Come to our annual forum in December to find out what the current priorities are and how you can contribute your time, skills and money to make a difference.

5. To join or for more information, please call us care of the Cambridge Action Fund 617-868-7082. Send contributions to 1657 Cambridge St. #3, Cambridge MA 02138-4316. Fax is 617-876-8991.  Our blog on wordpress is cambridgeactionfund.wordpress.org  Our website is www.cambridgeactionfund.org

 

Volunteer Opportunities with Homeless:

 

Recommendations from Annual Forum of Cambridge Action Fund, Inc. 617-547-1413 1657 Cambridge St . #3, Cambridge MA 02138-4316 https://cambridgeactionfund.wordpress.com  and www.cambridgeactionfund.org

When you meet homeless, say hello, don’t give them money [give a coupon for food or coffee or buy the newspaper Spare Change]. Know where they can eat that night and where they could stay.* Learn what resources are available .*  If you are concerned about their health or safety call First Step 617-592-6895  highlighting, the C.A.S.P.A.R, Inc. program which checks on people and offers appropriate help. It also saves our cities lots of police and hospital costs by offering appropriate help.

 

Help make dinner! Volunteer at a meal center. At Harvard Square Churches’ Meal Program on Thursday come to Zero Garden Street in Harvard Square 2:30-5:30. Or help serve the meal 5:30-6:30 and join others having a healthy meal. Orientation and training given.

Make small fundraising efforts to buy needed items. Diapers, new white socks, travel size toiletries are needed for the homeless says Gwen Pritchard of CASPAR 617-628-3850 .  Phone cards and T passes are needed says Susan Harrison of Transition House 617-868-1650

 

Identify sources of food which could be regularly collected by Food for Free. From May to October they need more help collecting food from farmers’ markets, or working on their farm which provides needed fresh vegetables. 617-868-2900

 

ON THE RISE, INC has additional suggestions:

Lunch Delivery On The Rise serves lunch daily. Deliver a home cooked meal to serve 15 women and On The Rise will dish up your tasty contribution in our safe and inviting kitchen.

 

Run a Make-It-Home Drive Help a woman make her new house feel like home. We provide a list and bio from an On The Rise woman. You collect new or gently used items that a woman will need as she moves into permanent housing. Make the delivery to On The Rise and we will transport to the woman on your behalf.

 

Support our Wellness Program Volunteer your services or special skills to keep our Wellness Program running. We offer informal classes, groups and beauty services to allow women to break from the crisis in their lives and focus on interests and special skills. Weekly sign-up dates available for arts and crafts, puzzle solving, language, beauty treatments, music, art, conversation, outings.

 

Volunteer Saturday Sign-up and bring a friend to join a volunteer day. Sort through donations, clean up the grounds, do a creative project, prep for special events. Held between 10am – 2pm on the 1^st Saturday of each month (excluding holidays).

 

Collect Toiletries Save new and unused travel sized toiletries and deliver to On The Rise. This is a year round need that greatly helps women who require smaller sized amenities from day to day.

 

Contact Marisa Curran at 617.497.7968  x 36 to participate in any of these opportunities.  These suggestions were from Martha Sandler of On The Rise, Inc.

 

Babysit when clients have doctor or counseling appointments.

 

Help move and provide furniture and storage suggests Susan Harrison of Transition House 617-868-1650 .

 

Donate clothing household items.

Donate clothes for working in business.

 

Hire people through GEAR of C.A.S.P.A.R., to shovel snow, mow lawns, pack and move. 617-591-1900

 

Volunteer at a shelter. Training may be required. Harvard Square Homeless Shelter open Nov. 15- April 15 usually needs volunteers when Harvard  is on vacation.

 

*See latest Directory of Resources for people Homeless in Cambridge .http://www.cambridgema.gov/CityOfCambridge_Content/documents/ResDirectory.pdf

 

Also see latest issue of Spare Change for list of meals, food pantries, and other concerns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do we decide where the money is going?

We first determine the criteria for selection of grantees. The criteria are developed with the help of experts who provide services to Cambridge. The criteria are reviewed yearly. The applicants are matched with the criteria and ranked and given funds. This year’s criteria are that the program must prove that it does the following things:

• Homeless helped.
• Successful program with a proven track record that works.
• Funding will go to areas that are difficult to get funding such as operating costs and administrative costs.
• Money used to leverage results.
• Program is apolitical, with a non-profit status.
• Program provides services in the Cambridge area or is Cambridge based.

2. How do programs apply for grants?

We used the forms developed by the Cambridge Community Foundation.

3. How do we make sure the programs do what they say?

Each year we ask each program to present their program at an annual forum in December. Applicants are also invited to explain their program at this symposium. The applicants are asked to define what success means to them and prove that they are successful. We asked applicants to made a three ring notebook so that they can show their program to others and we asked them to make a poster board to display and explain their program.

4. Can you give some examples of successful programs you have funded? In 1996, we ha donated moneys to the Harvard Square Churches Meals Program, and the University Lutheran Church Shelter. In 1997 we donated money to: Phillips Brooks House Assoc. for University Lutheran Shelter, Food For Free Committee, Inc., and CASPAR, Inc. In 1998 we donated to: CASPAR, Inc., Food For Free Committee, Inc., Harvard Square Homeless Shelter, and Harvard Square Churches Meals Program. In 1999 we donated to CASPAR, Inc., Solutions at Work, Community Learning Center, Food for Free, and Harvard Square Churches Meals Program. In 2000 we donated to  Food for Free, CASPAR, Harvard Square Churches Meals Program and Solutions at Work. In 2001 we donated to Food for Free, CASPAR, Harvard Square Churches Meals Program, and Harvard Square Homeless Center. In 2002 we donated to CASPAR, Adbar Ethiopian Women’s Alliance, Food for Free, Harvard Square Churches Meals Program, and Solutions at Work. In 2003 we donated to CASPAR, Food for Free, and Harvard Square Churches Meal Program. In

5. How can I get involved?

You can donate moneys to Cambridge Action Fund. You can donate time to help with events, publicity, outreach, etc. We need help with writing articles, planning and giving poetry readings and folk singing. We need help with our symposium/workshops. And we mostly need help inviting others to join us to reinvest in Cambridge. We believe in spending most of our time doing what we do best, and donating our money to programs that work. You may also volunteer at some of the homeless programs.

6. How much must I contribute?

You decide! You must publicly be willing to tell how much. Maven Realty donates 2% of gross income. A Bed & Breakfast in Cambridge donates 5% of net income using the previous years total income. Individuals and businesses can decide how much and how they determine the amount.

7. What percentage of the money actually goes to fund organizations?

We are volunteers. There are no paid staff members. We do not use professional fund-raisers nor do we have an expensive office. Currently our only expenses that are not paid by volunteers are our bank service charges and our federal and state incorporation and filing fees.

8. How long have you been in existence?

We received IRS approval in February, 1996 and had an official announcement at Cambridge City Hall in June, 1996. We have had planning meetings and been organizing for several years before that.

9. Who else is involved?

Maven Realty, Bookkeeping Plus More, Cambridge Trust Company, Murphy & Associates, First Estate Realty, Minuteman Press, A Bed & Breakfast in Cambridge, Sue Butler, Beth Cohen, Beatrice and Cleary, Prof. Kay Coleman, Lemelman & Lemelman, Cambridge Trust Company, Stone Pony Movers, and many individuals. Join US!

 

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Members and Service providers

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Members and Service Provider list

Founded in 1995 as a not-for-profit corporation, we are part of a growing movement to improve the quality of life in our communities and protect the environment we live in. We include:

Maven Realty

A Bed & Breakfast in Cambridge

Bookkeeping Plus More

Minuteman Press 617-876-3688

Dave Lewis

Sue Butler

First Estate Realty

Murphy Associates , 617-328-0111

Hickey, Beatrice and Parker, CPA

Cambridge Trust Company

Prof. Kay Coleman

Lemelman & Lemelman

Darleen and Michael Bonislawski

Carole Bellew  617-865-4430

Tony Madan

Boston Investments

Law Offices of Kathleen C. McCabe  617-576-0600

Michael W. W. Wilson

MIT/Draper Lab Bridge Club

Karen and Peter Matthews

Big Picture Framing, 2044 Mass. Ave, Cambridge

Catherine and David Rush

Save that Stuff, Inc.

Harvard Square Homeless Shelter

CASPAR, Inc.

Food For Free Committee, Inc.

Harvard Square Churches Meals Program: Volunteer!

Community Learning Center

Solutions at Work

Bill and Sally Satherthwaite

YOU!

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Application

Application

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Please attach a copy of this form to each of your proposals.

Cambridge Action Fund Application Summary:

Name of Organization:_______________________________________________

Address:__________________________________________________________

Organization Executive:___________________________Telephone:__________

Contact Person:__________________________________Telephone:__________

Purpose of Request _________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

Total Cost of Program:___________________ Amount of Request:___________

Please list other private or public funding sources for this project. What monies have been committed or received?______________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

Who will benefit? (include age group, racial or ethnic groups)_________________

______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

How many people will benefit?_________________________________________

What will the program do?____________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

What will be the results?______________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

Where and when will this happen?______________________________________

______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

Why is this program needed?__________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

Dear Potential Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in the Cambridge Action Fund application process. Enclosed please find the application summary sheet.

Application deadline is Nov. 26 for consideration.

Please be ready to present your program to our symposium on the first week of December.

Please email your application to doaneperry@yahoo.com and submit one copy of the proposal to be considered for funding.

Each copy of the proposal must include the following:

An Application Summary sheet (see attached) as the first page of the proposal. PLEASE NOTE A TOTAL OF four COPIES OF THE APPLICATION SUMMARY AND APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED Y ALL GRANT APPLICANTS.

• A statement of agency and project goals. (Please limit to one page.)
• A description of the specific project and budget for which funds are being requested.
• An agency budget for the same year.
• A list of the organization’s current Board of Directors.
  • A list of other prospective funding sources.
• In addition, Cambridge Action Fund must receive one copy of the following:
• A determination letter from the IRS confirming tax-exempt status. This can be for paper copy submission only.
• The organization’s most recent annual audit report.

Applicants are encouraged to call if you have any questions about the application process or the appropriateness of your proposal. To the forum, please bring material to explain your program: a poster board and a three ring binder so that you can use these same materials to explain your program to others. We design our application to be similar to Cambridge Community Foundation’s to make it easier for you.

Cambridge Action Fund, Inc.
1657 Cambridge St. #3, Cambridge MA 02138-4316,
Tel:617-868-7082 or 617-547-1413, Fax:617-876-8991. www.cambridgeactionfund.org

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What we have done

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Annual Reports

Highlights of 2009:

• Forum on Working with Homeless planned, Thu. Dec. 10, 2008 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Zero Garden Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge.
• Help prepare dinner for homeless and needy 3:30-5:30 pm Th. Dec. 4, and help serve and eat with them 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Article sent to Cambridge Chronicle and in Boston Globe Calendar
• Shared programs and educated others with window in Cambridge Trust, Harvard Square in October and November
• Participated in Think Local, Thank Local, Cambridge Local First’s program
• CAF Forum shown on Cambridge Community Cable Television
• Donations to Homeless Services in 2008: $3,300

• Names and Address of Officers:
• President: Karen Carmean, 1657 Cambridge St. #3, Cambridge, MA 02138-4316
• Treasurer: & Secretary: Doane Perry III, 1657 Cambridge St. #3, Cambridge, MA 02138-4316
• Board of Directors:
• David B. Lewis, Chairman, 58 Regent St., Cambridge, MA, Chairman of Board
• Carole K. Bellew, 257 Charles St., Cambridge, MA 02141
• Sue Butler, 14 Clinton St., Cambridge, MA 02139

• karen Carmean, 1657 Cambridge St. #3, Cambridge, MA 02138-4316
• Doane Perry III, 1657 Cambridge St. #3, Cambridge, MA 02138-4316

• Annual Report 2008
• Income:
• Donations to CAF 4691.
• Interest Income 0.
• Total: 4691.
• Cash, savings previous year 136.
• Assets: 4827.
• Expenses:
• Donations to Homeless Services 3300.
• Bank service charges 93.
• Licenses and fees state and federal 70.
• Cambridge Local First 150.
• Total: 3964.
• Cash, savings at year end 1214.
• Liabilities 4827.
• Annual Report 2007
• Income:
• Donations to CAF 4027.
• Interest Income 0.
• Total: 4027.
• Cash, savings previous year 73.
• Assets 4100.
• Expenses:

• Donations to Homeless Services 3650.
• Bank service charges 89.
• Licenses and fees state and federal 30.
• Cambridge Chamber of Commerce 195.
• Total: 3964.
• Cash, savings at year end 136.
• Liabilities 4100.
• Annual Report 2006
• Income:
• Donations to CAF 6541.
• Interest Income 4.
• Total: 6545.
• Cash, savings previous year 1479.
• Assets 8024.
• Expenses:
• Donations to Homeless Services 7700.
• Bank service charges 11.
• Licenses and fees state and federal 45.
• Cambridge Chamber of Commerce 195.
• Total: 7951.
• Cash, savings at year end 73.
• Liabilities 8024.

• Annual Report 2005
• Income:
• Donations to CAF 9790.
• Interest Income 11.
• Total: 9801.
• Cash, savings previous year 1184.
• Assets 10985.
• Expenses:
• Donations to Homeless Services 9500.
• Bank service charges 6.
• Total: 9506.
• Cash, savings at year end 1479.
• Liabilities 10985.
• Annual Report 2004
• Income:
• Donations to CAF 1680. *
• Interest Income 4.
• Total: 1684.
• Cash, savings from previous year 1801.
• Assets 3485.
• Expenses:
• Donations to Homeless Service Org. 2000.
• Cambridge Chamber of Commerce 195.

• Bank charges 11.
• Licenses and fees state and federal 30.
• Supplies 65.
• Total 2301.
• Cash, savings year end 1184.
• Liabilities 3485.
• *Several major contributors changed their accounting calendars and made contributions in early 2005 instead of 2004..
• Annual Report 2003
• Income:
• Donations to CAF 9256.
• Interest Income 3.
• Total: 9259.
• Cash Balance beginning of year 978.
• Assets: 10,237.
• Expenses:
• Donations to Homeless Service Org. 8250.
• Cambridge Chamber of Commerce 186.
• Total: 8435.
• Cash balance end of year 1801.
• Liabilities: 10,237.
• Annual Report 2002
• Income:
• Donations to CAF 6820.
• Interest Income 1.

• Total 6821.
• Cash balance beginning of year 983.
• Assets: 7804.
• Expenses:
• Bank charges 76.
• Donations to Homeless Service Org. 6750.
• Total: 6826.
• Cash, savings year end 978.
• Liabilities 7804.    click here to Donate Now through Network for Good

Cambridge Action Fund, Inc. Who we are



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Make a difference for the homeless! All year, despite increasing numbers of homeless, state and federal budget cuts have forced shelters to close, reduce the number of beds, and other services for the homeless. Did you know that you could give a gift that can make a difference? Join Cambridge Action Fund, Inc. and donate a portion of your income or profit. Reinvest in Cambridge, in the community where your clients come from and your friends live. All our expenses are donated –bookkeeping, printing, administration, even auditing, except for bank service fees and federal and state licenses. Every dollar is reinvested in the year it is donated to maximize its impact.

Founded in 1995 as a not-for-profit corporation, we are part of a growing movement to improve the quality of life in our communities and protect the environment we live in.

We include: Maven Realty, A Bed & Breakfast in Cambridge, Avid Management, First Estate Realty, Bookkeeping Plus More, Hickey, Beatrice and Parker, Minuteman Press, Lemelman & Lemelman, Sue Butler, Cambridge Trust Company, Boston Investments, and many individual citizens like you.

We know our hard-earned dollars are carefully used in programs proven to work. We’ve found we’re directing dollars to something more socially beneficial, while projecting a positive, ethical and socially conscious image for our business. We are a collaborative of businesses and citizens committed to sharing a portion of our income to improve the quality of life in our community for all citizens. Our efforts are directed to help Cambridge be a more attractive place for people to live, work, and do business. We are part of a growing movement to improve the quality of life in our communities and to protect the environment we live in.

Our contributions have made a big difference. In the past year because of the severe cutbacks and economic stress, our contributions were used to keep basic programs open. In previous years our contributions have been used for many different things. Harvard Square Homeless Shelter used our contribution as the basis for beginning a capital campaign, which led to the successful opening of their shelter. At our annual forum that reviewed how our monies have been spent, we were given a tour of the wonderful new shelter. CASPAR, Inc. used our contribution to pay for transportation expenses so their clients could get to needed appointments. Food For Free Committee, Inc. used our contribution to get about 38, 000 pounds of nutrition rich foods to food pantries and feeding programs. Harvard Square Churches Meals Program used the contribution to hire homeless people giving them stipends and on-the-job training. Community Learning Center purchased some current software so homeless and transitional clients can get contemporary office skills, do cover letters and resumes and get jobs by using this software at the Community Learning Center and at Cambridge Community Cable Television [http://www.cctvcambridge.org/]. CASPAR, Inc. bought new mittens and hats for new clients and furniture for its new transitional home. Solutions at Work hired a career developer to oversee their transitional employment program. With your contributions, Cambridge Action Fund, Inc. can fund these programs and others and keep programs open which might have to close. Contact us at 617-547-1413, our web site or send tax deductible contributions to Cambridge Action Fund, Inc., 1657 Cambridge St. #3, Cambridge MA 02138-4316.

Why people and businesses are currently participating:

“We know our hard earned dollars are carefully used in programs proven to work.” A Bed & Breakfast in Cambridge

“We want to make a direct impact on the quality of life in our community.” Adrian Morehouse, writer, Harvard University

“We’ve found we’re directing dollars to something socially beneficial, while projecting a positive, ethical and socially- conscious image for our business.” Dave Lewis

“I know that I am just a few mortgage payments from being homeless myself.” Anonymous

“Our employees like knowing they work for an organization that is responsive to community needs. Consequently they are more motivated and productive.”

“We have been able to collaborate with a network of like-minded entrepreneurs and professionals.”

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Mission

C.A.F., Inc. is a collaborative of businesses and citizens committed to sharing a portion of our income to improve the quality of life in our community for all citizens. It is a non-profit corporation with 501c 3 status under IRS code, and all contributions are tax deductible.

What are our goals?

• To directly impact the quality of life in our community by identifying, funding and promoting successful programs that serve the diverse needs of our citizens.
• To create a sustainable structure that will perpetuate a strong link between our membership and human service providers.
• To increase the involvement of local businesses in the C.A.F., Inc. , while maintaining a diverse membership.
• To provide a model for other communities that are similarly motivated to create social change by efficiently providing financial support and by increasing citizen participation.
• Ultimately, to change the “culture of business” so that contribution to one’s community becomes a standard accepted business practice.

Gifts qualify under Internal Revenue Service code for tax deductions under 501(c)3. All contributions are tax-deductible.

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