In the fall of 2007, the Board of Directors for the Beacon Light Mission made the decision to move forward with a shelter for homeless single women in the South Bay. The Mission has been in existence for over 100 years but only for homeless men. It has been open to women who can come hear the gospel and have a meal, but are then returned to the street.
The Board of Directors for some time had felt the need to build or acquire a facility to provide shelter and services to the homeless women but had not been able to garner the funds necessary for the project. Although not much had changed in 2007 it was felt that the need was strong enough that a “leap of faith” must be taken and thus….
A call went out to all those churches supporting the mission asking for nominations of women in their congregations who were willing and able to serve on a committee that would lead the process of bringing this project to fruition. In November and December of 2007 many women were interviewed and a committee was formed in December.
The Women’s committee began to meet in early January of 2008. The committee continues to meet on a monthly basis and have to date accomplished the following:
Plans have been drawn up and submitted to the County of Los Angeles for approval. (read more detail on our Progress Page)
Fundraising has begun in earnest. (See our Events Page)
YTD the project has raised over $15,976 and has spent $14,500.
The total funds currently raised for the building project are $627K.
Sub committees have been formed to handle the following areas:
Counseling/Mentoring
Budget and Staffing
Rules set-up and Intake screening (Rules and Regulations have been established)
Fundraising for the Building Project
Fundraising for ongoing expenses
Donations
Interior design
A promotional DVD has been made for distribution to anyone who wants to learn more about our project.
The women on the committee have begun to speak publicly to different women’s groups to garner financial and volunteer support for the shelter.
