Maliks blankets for the homeless Business plan for 2023/2024

---

**Executive Summary:**

   - Malik's Blankets for the Homeless was founded with the desire to help my son realize a dream and touch the lives of people struggling on the streets. Our mission is to bring warmth, dignity, and love to those in need. We'll achieve this by accepting donations for new and used blankets, socks, and food, soliciting contributions from fundraising campaigns, individual donors, and corporate sponsors. We'll actively seek out individuals experiencing homelessness wherever they are.

**Mission and Vision:**

   -Our mission is to bring love, dignity, empathy, warmth, and awareness to the lives of those experiencing homelessness. We will meet them where they are, respect them, show dignity, and provide tools to help improve their lives. Through taped interviews, we aim to highlight the daily struggles faced by real-life men and women, challenging stereotypes and fostering understanding. We also seek to shed light on the numerous challenges that homelessness imposes on individuals.

 **Objectives and Goals:**

   - Our goal for the 2023/2024 winter season is to distribute 400 blankets, 300 pairs of socks, 400 sack lunches or hot meals, and raise awareness in the city of Indianapolis.

**Target Population:**

   - Our services are tailored for men and women living on the streets, those experiencing temporary homelessness, and individuals in shelters or abandoned houses.

 **Services:**

   - We will provide blankets, socks, sack lunches, emergency tents, and hot meals, adjusting our offerings based on the available budget.

**Partnerships:**

   - We will actively pursue partnerships and coordinate efforts as opportunities arise.

**Operational Plan:**

   Currently, we will operate on the first Saturday of every month throughout the year. We will adjust our offerings and services as needed to accommodate changes in the season and modifications to our services.

**Budget and Funding:**

   - In our inaugural year as a non-profit, setting a budget is challenging due to a lack of prior financial data. Fundraising will be conducted through platforms like GoFundMe, fundraising campaigns, online auctions, and individual donations from generous contributors.

**Marketing and Outreach:**

   - Our marketing strategy will involve leveraging platforms such as Facebook, NextDoor, Instagram, Google, and others as opportunities arise to raise awareness about Malik's Blankets for the Homeless.

   - Outreach efforts will be conducted through word of mouth and social media, along with other outlets as needed to reach potential volunteers..

**Monitoring and Evaluation:**

    - We will assess the success of our services by tracking the number of people helped through the use of signatures for inventory given to individuals. This includes monitoring interviews conducted, meals provided, and any other necessary means needed.

**Sustainability Plan:**

    For the first five years of Malik's Blankets for the Homeless, we will operate within a budget funded by GoFundMe donations and contributions from generous individuals. Our goal is to obtain 501c3 status in the future and actively seek grants to enhance our long-term sustainability.