A dispute over website ownership is significantly hampering fundraising efforts for HOPE Shelters, a nonprofit organization based in Pontiac, Michigan. The organization, which provides crucial support for the homeless, has been unable to access its website due to a conflict with a former employee who previously registered the domain. This situation comes at a particularly challenging time for the shelter, as it relies heavily on donations during the winter months.
Interim Director Elizabeth Kelly reported that last week, HOPE Shelters received a notification for a domain renewal fee but discovered they were not listed as the website’s owner. The former employee, who had been terminated, had originally registered the domain using their personal information during a rebranding of the site. Kelly attempted to resolve the issue by reaching out to the individual, offering to reimburse them for the renewal fee in exchange for transferring ownership back to the nonprofit.
In response, the former employee sent an email to Kelly and the nonprofit’s board of directors, expressing grievances and indicating they wanted to sell the domain back for $30,000. Kelly declined to disclose the individual’s name, citing an ongoing investigation into the matter. As a result, HOPE Shelters has filed a police report with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office to address the situation.
The inability to access the website directly affects HOPE Shelters’ fundraising capabilities, particularly as the organization is entering its peak donation season. “Now one of the main sources of fundraising that we point people to is our website, and that’s not available,” Kelly explained. She noted that the organization is now distracted from outreach efforts necessary to secure donations.
The website serves as a vital resource, providing information about shelter locations and available services, especially as temperatures continue to drop. HOPE Shelters operates two facilities in Pontiac: an emergency shelter for adults and a recuperative shelter designed for individuals discharged from hospitals who lack a place to go. The nonprofit operates as a low-barrier shelter, welcoming individuals without the need for identification or sobriety, and aims to help them secure essential documents.
Both shelters are currently at full capacity, a situation that Kelly describes as a result of rising homelessness in the area. “We’ve been at capacity all year. Right now, homelessness is increasing,” she stated. Previously, the nonprofit faced challenges accessing funds donated through the website, but as of Thursday evening, the block on donations was lifted. Nonetheless, the organization still lacks control over the website domain.
HOPE Shelters has a modest annual budget of just over $1 million, with only 44% funded through government contracts. The remainder is reliant on donations and foundation grants. The ongoing website issue, which Kelly termed “an assault on a small organization that strives to take care of the most vulnerable people,” has diverted staff resources from critical tasks, such as fundraising and winter preparations.
The nonprofit operates 24/7, relying on a small team to manage its facilities and services. In addition to its main site, HOPE Shelters maintains a separate platform for “meal hosts,” groups that organize and prepare meals for shelter guests.
As the issue unfolds, HOPE Shelters continues to seek resolution and support from the community to ensure its vital services remain available to those in need. For further information, interested parties can contact reporter Nushrat Rahman at [email protected].
