Call for Board Members

April 17, 2023: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Haven House's Board of Directors seeks motivated community members who share our vision of a community in which all families thrive at home to join our board.  All are welcome to nominate or self-nominate prospective candidates by email to info@havenhouseel.org by noon, Monday May 8, 2023.

Haven House's Board of Directors
Our board provides guidance towards, and monitors the progress of, strategic efforts to fulfill our mission to guide and support families facing homelessness on their paths to stable homes.  Diverse individuals qualified in a range of skills are valued to represent our community and ensure the fulfillment of the board's governance and fiduciary duties.  Board member expectations include attending monthly board meetings, participating in at least one committee, actively championing Haven House in the community, and making a financial contribution of any amount at least annually.  Board members come from a range of personal and professional backgrounds.

Who are we?
Haven House was founded in 1983. We are one of the only organizations in the Lansing area focusing on families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including dads with kids and adult children with disabilities. Our vision is to assist families in preventing or ending episodes of homelessness as quickly and efficiently as possible by helping them remain in their home or transition to a new home.

What do we do?
Haven House operates a shelter with seven bedrooms that can house up to 28 people. During the pandemic we also housed people in local hotels. All basic needs are provided including food, clothing and personal care items. Clients meet daily with staff with a goal of finding safe, decent affordable housing as quickly as possible. When funding is available, we assist with rehousing costs including first month’s rent and security deposit.  While sheltering homeless families is an important focus, we also operate an Outreach, Prevention and Diversion program to assist families in resolving their housing crises prior to experiencing homelessness, mirroring the services they would receive in the shelter. Our Partners in Progress program offers rehoused families the opportunity for ongoing case management and access to items unavailable with food stamps during their first 6- 12 months in their new homes. This support helps ensure ongoing long-term stability for recently homeless families. In addition to sheltering and rehousing families, we support parents with education on managing relationships with landlords; managing anger and stress associated with parenting and long-term budgeting; school supplies and clothes; social and educational outings, and age-appropriate activities for children in the shelter.

What is the time commitment?
The Board meets the third Monday of the month from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Board members are expected to serve on at least one of the Board committees, which meet between Board meetings. Committee work varies but is normally not more than one hour per month. We guide and support families who face homelessness on their paths to stable homes.

What do we expect of Board members?
• We are looking for people who are passionate about this work.
• We ask that you serve on at least one Board committee.
• We expect you will prepare for and actively participate in Board meetings and committee meetings.
• We encourage financial contributions, but no set amount is expected.

What are the responsibilities?
• Governance: The Board is responsible for governing the organization through activities such as hiring the Executive Director, setting policies, approving the annual budget, representing the organization in the community and helping address the inevitable challenges that face the organization.
• Fiduciary: Board members have a fiduciary responsibility to the organization which includes regular review of the organization’s financial statement and reports, as well as its financial policies, practices, and internal controls. Haven House maintains Directors & Officers Insurance to protect members against alleged malfeasance.
• Fundraising: All members are asked to make at least one monetary contribution per fiscal year in addition to assisting in the fundraising and development efforts of the organization.

What are we looking for in Board members?
• The most important thing is passion for and commitment to our work.
• We look are also looking for expertise in various areas including development/ fundraising, marketing, public relations, accounting and auditing, management, finance and information technology.
• In addition, we strive to have a diverse Board which represents the Greater Lansing area and the people we serve.

Is there an orientation for new Board members?
• New members of the Board are provided a structured orientation including review of the Board Manual, budget and bylaws. There is also a tour of the facility and discussion of the expectations of Board members and the Board committee structure. 

Interested?  All are welcome to nominate or self-nominate prospective candidates by email to info@havenhouseel.org by noon, Monday May 8, 2023.