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I was on the House Association for my chapter almost from it's inception when I was a new alumna. The housing situation that time fell through after a couple years and I've been trying to help a group of women get started again so that my initiation chapter can get an official house again. All of the chapters on this campus don't own property, but rent houses from local landlords. Currently, a group of women are renting a house which they call "the house", but it's not official and they don't have a resident supervisor (which we want to have). They have a lot of issues because we have no real jurisdiction over things that happen in the house/women not paying their share of bills, etc. If we can make it official, we have some say in all of that and can help urge members to pay their rent.
Our source of funding has always been members, both current and alumnae. A portion of their monthly dues, new member fee, and Initiation fee have been put into a House Association account. It has taken over 10 years to build that fund back up after the last official house didn't work out. Begging for alumnae donations is a biggie, but also for their time and talents. If you can get a group of parents and alumnae (and their spouses) together who are willing to pitch in manual labor, you'd be surprised how little budget you really need. Think.. fabric to be turned into drapes, perhaps a Pergo flooring with a donation of rugs. Seek donations, not just of money, but of supplies or time/talents. You'd be surprised what a little paint and fabric can do to a room!
When we furnished the original house, we got a lot of furniture that was solid stuff and in good shape from a hotel liquidation place.
We are able to get mass mailing labels for all alumnae in our area, from a certain chapter, etc. from our IHQ. You could check into that to start a big donations campaign. They also probably have some sort of House Assocation specialist who can help you get started. Contact them!
Good luck!
Dee
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