A critical dispute over website ownership is jeopardizing fundraising efforts for HOPE Shelters, a nonprofit organization based in Pontiac that provides essential services to the homeless. The organization’s domain is currently held by a disgruntled former employee, complicating their ability to secure donations during an already challenging time.
On November 6, 2023, Interim Director Elizabeth Kelly informed local media that the nonprofit received a notice to renew their website domain but encountered significant obstacles. The organization discovered that it was not listed as the owner of the domain, a situation stemming from a previous rebranding, during which the former employee had registered the domain under their personal information.
In an effort to resolve the issue, Kelly reached out to the former worker, who had been terminated from their position. She offered to reimburse them for the domain renewal fee if they assisted in transferring ownership back to the nonprofit. Instead, the former employee responded by sending an email to the nonprofit’s board of directors, expressing grievances and indicating their desire to sell the domain for $30,000.
Kelly declined to disclose the former employee’s identity, citing an ongoing investigation. The nonprofit has since filed a report with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office regarding the situation. This incident has disrupted HOPE Shelters’ ability to fundraise, impacting their operational effectiveness during a crucial period for donations.
“Our website is one of our main fundraising tools, and without access, we are struggling to engage with potential donors,” Kelly stated. The timing is particularly precarious as winter approaches, and temperatures begin to drop. The organization operates two shelters in Pontiac, accommodating adults in need of emergency and recuperative support year-round.
Both shelters are currently at full capacity, providing vital services in an area identified as “ground zero” for opioid use in Oakland County, according to Kelly. “Homelessness has been on the rise, and we have been consistently operating at capacity,” she noted.
While the website had previously blocked donations, Kelly reported that as of the evening of November 6, the block had been lifted, allowing some funds to be processed. Nevertheless, HOPE Shelters still lacks control over the domain itself. “We are entering a critical fundraising period, as only 44% of our budget is supported by government contracts. The rest comes from donations and foundation grants,” Kelly explained.
With a yearly budget slightly exceeding $1 million, the nonprofit employs a small staff and operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The domain issue has diverted staff resources away from essential operations, including fundraising efforts and preparation for the winter months. Kelly described the situation as “an assault on a small organization that strives to take care of the most vulnerable people.”
HOPE Shelters also maintains a separate website for its “meal hosts,” who volunteer to plan, purchase, and prepare meals for shelter guests. As the organization works to navigate this challenging situation, their commitment to serving the community remains steadfast.
For further updates, reporter Nushrat Rahman can be reached at [email protected].