HOPE Relaunches Planned Giving Program and Legacy Society to Provide Donors with Option to Balance Financial, Tax, and Estate Planning Goals
HOPE housing in Long Beach. (HOPE, Inc.)
by Ian Nevarez
What we create together at HOPE is meant to last, to stand the test of time. Our collective purpose is to create housing that serves as a foundational element for the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs). Our mission is not a short term objective. Our staff, board, volunteers, and donors recognize that this work must be sustained for generations to come. That is why we are proud to announce the relaunch of our Planned Giving Program and Legacy Society. HOPE invites our supporters to consider making a planned gift that will help to ensure the long-term expansion of our mission.
This program is simple; donors who pledge to include a gift to HOPE in their will or trust (bequest intention) are automatically enrolled in our Legacy Society. Members receive special recognition throughout the year, unique naming opportunities, and invitations to exclusive HOPE activities and events. Leaving a planned gift through a charitable bequest is an excellent way to combine a donor's desire to support our mission and their overall financial, tax, and estate planning goals. PLEDGE YOUR BEQUEST TODAY
As we relaunch our Planned Giving Program this year, we cannot thank our four inaugural members enough for including HOPE in their will or estate plan. We recognize Barbara Robinson, Mercedes Lowery, Pam Muir, and Thomas Coroneos and welcome them into our Legacy Society. There is so much meaningful progress being made in the lives of those HOPE serves, and their gifts will ensure that this critical work continues well into the future.
HOPE resident, Eddie, giving a tour of his new home.
For example, Eddie's parents always dreamed of their child living independently and enjoying all that life has to offer. However, for many parents who are caring for their aging adult children with I/DD at home, the idea of them living independently comes with several challenges, including the price of rent far exceeding their child's fixed income and long-term supports being needed to assist them with daily living activities. HOPE addresses both of these concerns for parents, and Eddie has now been successfully living in his HOPE home for several years with drop-in Supported Living Services and rent capped at no more than 30% of his income.
Our Legacy Society members ensure that Eddie's home remains a stable aspect of his life for as long as he desires to live in it. Another HOPE resident, Kevin, was thrilled to see his newly renovated HOPE home after moving from a lonely studio apartment with no kitchen and no laundry facility in an unsafe neighborhood. At his old home he paid more than 60% of his income per month on rent and could barely afford other expenses, especially after losing his job. He now spends only 30% of his income per month to live in his HOPE home that is located in a safe neighborhood with a kitchen, laundry, and a private back yard.
Legacy Society Member, Mercedes Lowery, honored in 2019 with naming of HOPE housing location in Long Beach.
The HOPE team is dedicated to ensuring that our housing today, remains open for those we serve indefinitely. Donors who make planned gifts and join our Legacy Society are ensuring that these homes are never at risk of being lost to the real estate market. Each year in our state, though, there are hundreds of reported group homes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities that are sold and lost as affordable housing for this population. Your planned gifts position us to acquire and preserve those closing homes across the state while safeguarding our existing portfolio of homes for generations to come.
Join us today with a simple pledge, and thank you for allowing HOPE to carry your legacy into the future.
Upon pledging a bequest, HOPE donors are automatically enrolled in our Legacy Society. Make your pledge and join today by filling out this quick online form.