Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about our Organization:
How do we get our initial funding?
We're receiving funding via a private humanitarian grant from anonymous donors, utilizing a third party's connections.
Is our goal to diversify communities?
We are not trying to diversify communities, our focus is on providing resources and support for for existing members in the communities we operate.
Are we a part of BLM?
Hope 929 Inc is not part of the BLM organization. We have a different mission centered around provided support tools for those in need.
Is the Gateway a halfway house?
The Gateway Project is not a halfway house, but rather, it is the next step in creating a new life after utilizing emergency resource services. (homeless shelters, women’s shelters, etc.)
Please contrast between equality and equity. Is equity part of the communist doctrine?
Equality and equity are two concepts that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences. Equality refers to treating individuals in the same manner, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. On the other hand, equity takes into account the unique needs and challenges of individuals, and aims to provide them with the necessary support and resources to achieve the same level of success as others. In essence, equality ensures everyone is treated equally, while equity ensures everyone has access to the same opportunities.
Are we bringing in members from other communities?
No, we are providing affordable housing, creating 50+ jobs, and connecting support resources to the members of the communities in the area we serve.
Why did you start in Harrison?
We picked Harrison as our starting location because our founder, Elizabeth Darden, has chosen to raise her family in Harrison; she saw a need in the community and wanted to make a difference.
Questions about our Call Center at the Gateway Harrison:
What kind of calls will take place at the call center?
We will be taking Inbound customer service and reservation calls for Fortune 500 companies. It is important to note that none of the calls we handle will be political in nature.
What company or organization will utilize the call center?
We anticipate acquiring contracts with nationally recognized companies for inbound customer service and/or reservation calls.
Is rent deducted from the call center payroll if they work there?
That option hasn’t been discussed at this time.
What is the purpose of the call center? Who will be calling?
The purpose of the call center is to provide more jobs for the economic growth of the community as well as provide opportunities for the employees to acquire skill sets. We will be taking inbound calls such as customer service, reservations, etc.
At this time, we are unable to provide information on our client base due to non-disclosure agreements (NDA). They have to be certified to speak as a representative of the client after the certification classes.
What are the requirements to be employed at the call center?
High School Diploma or equivalent is required; each skill set will be dependent on the scope of support required by the client.
How much revenue will this generate for the community? How much is taxable?
This will be determined by our client base.
Who will the call center be hiring, & with what qualifications?
We will hire local people from our community. We will promote jobs to the local workforce. We will provide training at these entry-level positions with the opportunity for advancement.
Will the call center operate 24 /7?
Initially, the call center will not operate 24/7. This is subject to change as the client base grows. Based on each individual client’s need, shifts will be determined.
What is the base pay of the call center employees?
It will be contingent upon our client's employment needs.
What kind of calls will take place at the call center?
We will be taking Inbound customer service and reservation calls for Fortune 500 companies. It is important to note that none of the calls we handle will be political in nature.
Will the development of AI apps like Chat GPT make a call center irrelevant?
There’s a different element when speaking to someone directly through a phone call with accurate and current information that current AI development can not compete with. The development of AI is something that we will keep on our radar but is not a concern for the call center relevance at this time.
What kind of calls will take place at the call center?
We will be taking Inbound customer service and reservation calls for Fortune 500 companies. It is important to note that none of the calls we handle will be political in nature.
Is there a Phase 1,2,3 of the overall project?
For The Gateway Harrison, there are no additional phases put in place. Our plan is to have the call center completed prior to the housing complex and the resource center. There are no plans at this time for any additional phases to The Gateway Harrison.
Where are these people going to work?
Residents will have the opportunity to apply at The Gateway Call Center as well as other businesses in our community if they don’t currently have a position in our regional workforce.
Will the employee’s income be tax deductible to them and the Hope 929 or just the individual?
We are currently working with our clients and what their employment needs are.
Will there be background checks and drug testing administered to potential housing residents and call center employees?
There will be extensive background checks for those who live and work in the Gateway and drug testing for all looking to work at the Gateway; we want to uplift members in our community.
Questions about Housing at the Gateway Harrison:
Are utilities included?
Utilities will not be included. They will be the responsibility of the tenant.
What are your rental rates?
The rental rates will be determined by HUD Fair Market Rental Prices for the current year.
How long is housing determined?
There is no time frame for residency. With the resources available to them, we are trying to build the home-owner mindset where they no longer need to rely on our assistance. The timeline for each individual household will vary depending on their needs.
How will this economically benefit Harrison’s economy?
Through the call center we will be providing jobs not only to residents of The Gateway Harrison but also to the community at large. By doing this, we are helping them learn skills to assist them in becoming economically sound. They will need to purchase cars, car insurance, hair cuts, groceries, etc. and by purchasing these items, they are feeding into Harrison’s local economy.
Will you turn down applicants with bad backgrounds?
There will be Nationwide Background checks completed, National Sex Offender checks completed, and local Harrison Police Department criminal background checks completed for all applicants. Anyone on the sex offender list will not be allowed as well as anyone who has been convicted of distributing or manufacturing methamphetamines. Any other offenses will be evaluated and a possible letter of good standing will be required.
Who gets the voucher? What company?
The resident will receive the voucher from the respective Housing Authority.
What type of ownership is on the land at Coweeta Falls Rd? Is there a land contract, and if so, is it a lease or land contract?
We currently have a written Offer and Acceptance Agreement with the current land owner. The property will be owned by Hope 929.
How many people would the project be able to house?
There will be 30 units available to house 30 households. 6 efficiencies/studios, 7 one bedrooms, 10 two bedrooms, 7 three bedrooms
Why do we need more housing for those who are careless about taking care of themselves and where they live? We have many places of low income housing already here that are not taken care of.
The need for more housing was recognized due to the number of voucher holders and applicants at both HUD Housing Authorities in Harrison. There are 410 families on the waiting list in our area.
The Gateway Harrison will be modern housing that will be well maintained and will include monthly inspections to ensure the property is safe.
How many homeless or housing-insecure are there in Harrison?
Currently, there are 121 people in Harrison alone. There are 76 people with vouchers waiting on an available/approved unit. There are 45 people going through the application process for approval to obtain a voucher. This does not include the number of households seeking an affordable place to live in the surrounding counties.
How are residents going to be chosen? What is that procedure?
We will abide by the Fair Housing Act as well as a screening process during the intake / application process. The Case Manager will evaluate each applicant and assess their needs. The specific procedures are currently in the preliminary planning stages.
Since you are within 2.5 miles of the city, I thought you had to be approved and follow the City Building Codes?
The state building requirements will be followed. We have met with The City of Harrison Public Works and have been told that the City Planning Commission will not be involved as this is in Boone County.
How does this help Harrison?
It will elevate lives by delivering employment opportunities, affordable housing, and essential resources to those in the greatest need, all within a reimagined, modernized, and accessible community.
Every apartment complex ends up with “problem tenants”. What procedures do you have in place for handling residents who are disruptive?
We will follow the HUD rules and regulations regarding peaceful living for all who live in the complex. We will provide security cameras and a property manager on site to handle any issues that may arise. We will not tolerate any disruption to others. We are currently working on a pledge to the city that we will have in place to ensure our accountability in keeping this a safe and secure environment.
Who pays for the deposit?
The deposit is the responsibility of the tenant.
Questions about Community Resources at the Gateway Harrison:
What is the Case Worker’s educational and professional background and are they from the community?
We are currently in conversation with applicants for the hiring process. We have guidelines we will follow during the process.
How is the case worker going to work with our community regarding the children of Boone County?
The caseworker will ensure they are connected with the resources regarding child wellness and other domains. We will partner with other agencies to provide a wholistic approach.
What other agencies will provide resources for tenants after leaving The Gateway?
The purpose of The Gateway is to build the home-owner mindset so residents no longer need assistance. We are currently building out the off-boarding process.
Will you provide mental health and substance abuse counseling?
We are currently discussing collaborating with a local mental health office to incorporate their services into our program. We are in the process of defining the specifics of how this partnership will work for our initiative.
Is there an app for Doc Dash and how do we get this product?
There is currently not a digital app for Doc Dash. It is a physical unit that is put into your vehicle to utilize. This is not a product that is sold individually. When it is distributed, it will be accompanied with the curriculum through partnered organizations.
What relationship will The Gateway have with local parole and probation offices?
We don’t have a relationship with those entities.
Is there a screening process for residents at intake?
The caseworker will assess the needs of each resident; we are currently building out the screening process and how intake will look.
Will you provide parenting and economics such as job skills?
We plan to connect the residents with local resources available in our community.
Questions about our funding for the Gateway Harrison:
Will any of this be paid for by the government (taxes) or is it all covered by the sponsors/partners?
The Gateway is and always will be funded by our anonymous private donors. We are not a government-backed nonprofit; therefore, each project will be funded by private grants. We've developed a business model designed to generate a positive cash flow, ensuring self-sustainability without relying on government or taxpayer dollars for assistance.
Who are the board of directors and who determines who they are?
Please refer to the Our Team for the Board of Directors. Our officers determine who the board of directors are by way of the quorum.
Where specifically is your funding coming from? BLM? George Floyd Foundation? Other justice organizations?
We are not financially backed by the above-mentioned entities and are not associated with them.
How many millions are going to be spent in total?
This is a $10 million project.
Is there a legal way to stop this project?
No.
Do your funds come from in-state or out-of-state?
Our donors choose to remain anonymous, therefore we are unaware of what state the funds are coming from. That is why we have a third-party grant team in place.
Can Harrison have a vote on this to decide if they want this or not?
No.