5 answers
Sanvhi
Student
Orlando, Florida
6
Questions
Asked
837 views
Domestic Violence and Homelessness "gaps" OR organization ideas in Florida (and later global)?
Hello, my name is Sanvhi and I am currently a student, more specifically a freshman in high school! As I have began looking towards my future and career, I realized that both architecture and business (hospitality) were ones I have always been interested in. I have been an active role in my schools SGA so far, and also have taken an architectural engineering class at my school which taught me the basics of a lot.
Aside from this, I have always been an advocate for the arts like Theatre as well as marketing, as I combined the two and now co founded a YouTube series to market the arts at my school!!
I have a lot of interests, but one that I have always wanted to do is start a project/nonprofit/initiative for domestic violence and homelessness. I am located in Florida, and not sure what to do to help. Eventually, if I can, I was to bring this to more locations than Florida. In the past I have had ideas about having a home security device that would be built into walls, some sort of new architectural material for building houses for those in need, and just fundraising. Any suggestions would be appreciated, thank you!
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5 answers
Charlie Jennings
Director of sales
19
Answers
Lexington, Kentucky
Updated
Charlie’s Answer
Sanvhi,
Pastor is Dr. Joel Hunter is the founder of the Parable Foundation in Orlando, Florida
As I recall Dr. Hunter has been an advocate for those in need. I suggest that you reach out to Dr. Hunter for his insight on your desire to make a positive difference . Dr. Hunter has been my Pastor for many years, he is one of the most intelligent people that I know, I am certain he will have an opinion on your project.
Good Luck!
Charlie
Pastor is Dr. Joel Hunter is the founder of the Parable Foundation in Orlando, Florida
As I recall Dr. Hunter has been an advocate for those in need. I suggest that you reach out to Dr. Hunter for his insight on your desire to make a positive difference . Dr. Hunter has been my Pastor for many years, he is one of the most intelligent people that I know, I am certain he will have an opinion on your project.
Good Luck!
Charlie
Michelle M.
Actress
2431
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sanvi !
All of your interests are so admirable and can be well utilized for one special career as a Program Director for clients of DV (domestic violence). You already have developed leadership skills through being involved in your high school Student Government Association and other ventures. There's really nothing you need to do right now except continue with student government and do as much volunteer work as you can until you graduate High School.
You can then enroll in a University that offers a Major for Human Services. You can take courses as electives in Psychology and Business, too, especially if you can find a course in Grant Writing.
To develop a program for clients of domestic violence, you would have to have a central office and purchase houses that the clients would be placed at. These are called safe homes. They can receive services at your central office or at the safe homes, too. I know. It sounds expensive and it is and it's very demanding work to apply for funding grants. If this is what you'd want to do, I thought I'd run it by you so you know what's involved.
I just wouldn't advise trying to create any homeless programs just because it is very, very, very difficult at this time and expensive as well as not a lot of funding. For this, I suggest volunteering at already established programs to satisfy that interest. A lot more is involved in serving the homeless than people may think. You may not be able to do it the way you prefer because funders more or less call the shots. The number of homeless shelters and supportive housing programs that have closed in the past 15 years is astronomical. There is a lot of behind the scenes factors that I just would not advise anyone to attempt starting anything big, just work or volunteer at the homeless programs that are left at this time. Things may change, however.
For a program serving domestic violence clients, research how many safe home shelters there are in your town. You can apply for grants to open a case management and activity office to serve people who are already in a safe home or have an apartment. This makes it easier because you wouldn't have to invest in purchasing houses. This advice is just a suggestion to think about.
Something to keep in mind is that it's great to have many interests but you don't have to do everything all at once. For college, your Major and Degree should be strongly connected to the career you really want to do. You have a lot of time to think about and discover this. Many people that have a lot of interests do very well in their futures. Just pace yourself and do one or two things at a time.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best ! Keep up your great work !
All of your interests are so admirable and can be well utilized for one special career as a Program Director for clients of DV (domestic violence). You already have developed leadership skills through being involved in your high school Student Government Association and other ventures. There's really nothing you need to do right now except continue with student government and do as much volunteer work as you can until you graduate High School.
You can then enroll in a University that offers a Major for Human Services. You can take courses as electives in Psychology and Business, too, especially if you can find a course in Grant Writing.
To develop a program for clients of domestic violence, you would have to have a central office and purchase houses that the clients would be placed at. These are called safe homes. They can receive services at your central office or at the safe homes, too. I know. It sounds expensive and it is and it's very demanding work to apply for funding grants. If this is what you'd want to do, I thought I'd run it by you so you know what's involved.
I just wouldn't advise trying to create any homeless programs just because it is very, very, very difficult at this time and expensive as well as not a lot of funding. For this, I suggest volunteering at already established programs to satisfy that interest. A lot more is involved in serving the homeless than people may think. You may not be able to do it the way you prefer because funders more or less call the shots. The number of homeless shelters and supportive housing programs that have closed in the past 15 years is astronomical. There is a lot of behind the scenes factors that I just would not advise anyone to attempt starting anything big, just work or volunteer at the homeless programs that are left at this time. Things may change, however.
For a program serving domestic violence clients, research how many safe home shelters there are in your town. You can apply for grants to open a case management and activity office to serve people who are already in a safe home or have an apartment. This makes it easier because you wouldn't have to invest in purchasing houses. This advice is just a suggestion to think about.
Something to keep in mind is that it's great to have many interests but you don't have to do everything all at once. For college, your Major and Degree should be strongly connected to the career you really want to do. You have a lot of time to think about and discover this. Many people that have a lot of interests do very well in their futures. Just pace yourself and do one or two things at a time.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best ! Keep up your great work !
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
395
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Sanvhi,
it is awesome that you are looking to make a positive impact on domestic violence and homelessness with your skills in architecture, business, and the arts! How about teaming up with local universities or tech companies to bring your home security device or new building materials to life? You could also use your marketing and artsy side to throw some fun events or online shows to raise awareness and funds. Do not forget to connect with local groups in Florida for possible collaborations or volunteering to get more insight. Also, use your YouTube channel to spread the word and educate folks on these issues. With your creativity and drive, you are all set to make waves and inspire change!
it is awesome that you are looking to make a positive impact on domestic violence and homelessness with your skills in architecture, business, and the arts! How about teaming up with local universities or tech companies to bring your home security device or new building materials to life? You could also use your marketing and artsy side to throw some fun events or online shows to raise awareness and funds. Do not forget to connect with local groups in Florida for possible collaborations or volunteering to get more insight. Also, use your YouTube channel to spread the word and educate folks on these issues. With your creativity and drive, you are all set to make waves and inspire change!
li xing
architectural design
1
Answer
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
li’s Answer
Hello! It's great that you're interested in using your passion for architecture to help those affected by homelessness or domestic violence. Most architectural design starts by understanding people's needs. You can explore what the homeless need to improve their lives and then come up with simple, effective solutions. For instance, a portable chair can make a big difference for someone without a home. To better understand their needs, you can do many things like observing their daily life or volunteering to support them. Your efforts can truly make a positive impact!
David Ludwick
Business Owner
67
Answers
Huntington Beach, California
Updated
David’s Answer
Hello Sanvhi
Hi Sanvhi! First of all, wow—you’ve already accomplished so much and you’re only a freshman! Your mix of creativity, leadership, and genuine care for others really shines through. It’s inspiring that you want to take action on such important issues like domestic violence and homelessness. Since you’re just getting started, here are a few practical ideas you could explore to bring your vision to life in Florida:
Project/Initiative Ideas You Can Start Now
1. **Awareness Campaign + Fundraising Series (Your YouTube Channel Can Help!)**
- Use your YouTube series to spotlight local shelters, interview advocates, or tell stories (with permission and respect).
- Combine this with small fundraisers—bake sales, art shows, or digital performances—to raise money for local organizations.
2. **Architectural Design Challenge for Good**
- Organize a design challenge at your school (maybe through SGA or your architecture class) to create tiny homes or shelters using sustainable or affordable materials.
- Partner with local shelters or Habitat for Humanity to show how student ideas can help.
3. **“Safe Room” or Security Concept Prototype**
- Sketch or 3D model your home security idea with the help of teachers or classmates.
- You could present it at a school fair, STEM competition, or pitch contest. Even basic blueprints can spark real-world interest!
4. **Care Kit Collection Drives**
- Organize a community service drive for care packages—think toiletries, socks, snacks, notes of encouragement.
- Deliver these to domestic violence shelters or transitional housing centers like **Harbor House of Central Florida** or **The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida**.
5. **Create a Club or School Chapter**
- Start a club focused on social impact and innovation. It could combine your interests in architecture, business, and advocacy.
- Focus each month on a different topic—one month housing design, the next fundraising, the next learning from experts.
Florida-Based Organizations to Connect With
- **Harbor House of Central Florida** – Focused on domestic violence prevention and shelter.
- **The Homeless Services Network of Central Florida** – A collaborative organization that works on housing and outreach.
- **Hope Helps, Inc.** – Supports families in crisis and offers volunteer opportunities for students.
- **New Hope for Kids** – If you're interested in projects that help children affected by trauma.
- **Hands On Orlando** – Great for finding volunteer projects you can join or lead.
Dream Big, Start Small
You don’t need to launch a huge nonprofit right now. Start with a project that combines your strengths:
- **Arts + Awareness**
- **Architecture + Innovation**
- **Marketing + Community Support**
And keep track of everything—colleges *love* to see sustained passion, especially when it's tied to helping others and creative problem-solving like yours.
Hi Sanvhi! First of all, wow—you’ve already accomplished so much and you’re only a freshman! Your mix of creativity, leadership, and genuine care for others really shines through. It’s inspiring that you want to take action on such important issues like domestic violence and homelessness. Since you’re just getting started, here are a few practical ideas you could explore to bring your vision to life in Florida:
Project/Initiative Ideas You Can Start Now
1. **Awareness Campaign + Fundraising Series (Your YouTube Channel Can Help!)**
- Use your YouTube series to spotlight local shelters, interview advocates, or tell stories (with permission and respect).
- Combine this with small fundraisers—bake sales, art shows, or digital performances—to raise money for local organizations.
2. **Architectural Design Challenge for Good**
- Organize a design challenge at your school (maybe through SGA or your architecture class) to create tiny homes or shelters using sustainable or affordable materials.
- Partner with local shelters or Habitat for Humanity to show how student ideas can help.
3. **“Safe Room” or Security Concept Prototype**
- Sketch or 3D model your home security idea with the help of teachers or classmates.
- You could present it at a school fair, STEM competition, or pitch contest. Even basic blueprints can spark real-world interest!
4. **Care Kit Collection Drives**
- Organize a community service drive for care packages—think toiletries, socks, snacks, notes of encouragement.
- Deliver these to domestic violence shelters or transitional housing centers like **Harbor House of Central Florida** or **The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida**.
5. **Create a Club or School Chapter**
- Start a club focused on social impact and innovation. It could combine your interests in architecture, business, and advocacy.
- Focus each month on a different topic—one month housing design, the next fundraising, the next learning from experts.
Florida-Based Organizations to Connect With
- **Harbor House of Central Florida** – Focused on domestic violence prevention and shelter.
- **The Homeless Services Network of Central Florida** – A collaborative organization that works on housing and outreach.
- **Hope Helps, Inc.** – Supports families in crisis and offers volunteer opportunities for students.
- **New Hope for Kids** – If you're interested in projects that help children affected by trauma.
- **Hands On Orlando** – Great for finding volunteer projects you can join or lead.
Dream Big, Start Small
You don’t need to launch a huge nonprofit right now. Start with a project that combines your strengths:
- **Arts + Awareness**
- **Architecture + Innovation**
- **Marketing + Community Support**
And keep track of everything—colleges *love* to see sustained passion, especially when it's tied to helping others and creative problem-solving like yours.