Homeless Enterprise Development Project

In recent years nonprofit organizations have demonstrated that they can successfully plan, launch and manage profitable, market-based enterprises while simultaneously providing employment and training opportunities for formerly unemployed individuals. Out of the Rain is committed to applying this same model to organizations that will support the employment of individuals working to move out of homelessness. 

The success of a social purpose enterprise rests largely on the provision of extensive technical support in addition to financial assistance in order to pursue both profitability and a social mission. To this end, Out of the Rain has committed to providing a portfolio of nonprofits with the necessary resources and assistance to build their capacities in order to successfully execute social purpose enterprise business strategies.

Several organizations are currently participating in extensive training that is focused on both business and leadership development. Cheryl Sesnon is conducting the training. Cheryl is the former executive director of FareStart and has extensive experience in social enterprise development. Organizations completing training will be eligible to apply for seed funding ($50,000 over three years). Local entrepreneurs will consult with start-ups on an as needed basis. 

For more information, please contact Vince Matulionis at 206.461.3785 or vmatulionis@uwkc.org.