An Argumentative Essay on Set Free Services
Charline Hughes
M. Mitchell
March 14, 2023
Set Free Services: Relieving the Sufferings of Poverty
Charline is an average middle class American citizen who grew up in the Rogue Valley. She works hard and has always had a home, plenty of food and clothes, and people who love her. In the fall of 2021, she and her husband came down with Covid 19, and they both ended up in the hospital with Covid pneumonia. While she was fighting for her life, her husband and provider of 28 years lost his. Because her illness was so severe, it took months to recover, and she had no way to support herself and her two daughters. Due to the generous support of her community, this family was able to survive financially. So many in similar circumstances are not so fortunate, and they can no longer afford housing, so they end up on the streets!
Homelessness has become an epidemic in the United States. Jackson County has witnessed an increase in the low-income and homeless populations. With so many individuals and families becoming homeless a question is raised. How will these unhoused people get their basic needs met? By supporting the charity Set Free Services, a nonprofit organization, many people suffering from poverty will find relief.
Stigmas associated with homelessness abound, and many believe that people are on the streets because they are lazy, on drugs, or just have mental health issues. But the truth is that people become homeless in a variety of ways including family breakdown, evictions, an injury or illness, economic problems, job loss, rent increases, divorce, death of a family member and many other reasons. Many lost their homes to the Alameda fire that swept through our community in 2020. Life can be unpredictable, and tragedy can leave an individual or family with reduced income or without a home and without hope.
No matter the cause, there are many common problems associated with homelessness. Absolute necessities such as clean water, shelter, food, and safety become a serious concern that is challenging for them to address because their resources are so limited. There are not any drinking fountains, public restrooms are scarce, there are very few showering facilities and food availability is limited to what one can carry. Those who drink from someone’s hose or plug into an electrical outlet risk an arrest for theft of services. When a person spends all of their time and energy seeking to meet their physiological needs they have little left to focus on higher needs such as employment and health. If one wanted to find an opportunity to provide for themselves by seeking employment, their circumstances would make it very difficult to do so. Who is going to hire someone who does not have a permanent address or reliable transportation, and who has no way to clean up their appearance? Once someone falls into the “well” of homelessness they can never escape without someone giving them a hand-up. Hardship is especially severe for those who do not have any family or friends to turn to. Alan Graham CEO of Mobile Loaves and Fishes says: most homeless people are there as a result of “A profound, catastrophic loss of family” (Community). People without “family” are marginalized in most every community; they are most likely to be lonely, vulnerable, and seen as expendable.
The importance of community involvement in rallying around and helping to alleviate the ever-increasing homelessness dilemma cannot be underestimated. A good place to start is by supplying basic human needs such as water, food, clothing, a place to shower and wash clothes, and education regarding social services available to address individual and family needs. When this problem is not addressed the community experiences a rise in crime, vandalism, drug and alcohol use, camping in unauthorized places, an inability to use public facilities and/or the inability to feel safe in their own neighborhoods. These problems fester and cause greater problems. Yes, homelessness must be addressed by the community at large. There are problems associated with poverty, especially among the homeless, and Set Free services is effectively addressing these problems. Pastor Chad McComas, the organization’s co-founder and CEO, said this, “Set Free Services exists to help those who can’t help themselves or who have come on hard times and need a helping hand”
This charity has been getting involved within our community and making a difference for many years now, as they started serving with a food pantry in 1997. They were officially established in 2017 as Set Free Services with a 501c3 status and have since developed many more programs in order to provide relief for those suffering from poverty. They have become one of the largest food pantries in Jackson County according to Jo Walch, Set Free’s food pantry administrator. The Pantry is open for distribution weekly, serving 1000 to 1500 individuals monthly without regard to demographic considerations. They serve any and all who come to them for help. There is an emergency food supply for anyone coming with an immediate need for food. Additionally, Set Free Services prepares and serves hot lunches to 200+ individuals each week. They also distribute donated clothing to 100 - 150 people each week. The co-founder, administrator and finance director for Set Free Services, Pastor Charlie Hale stated that, “one bag of clothing is valued at approximately $15 per bag. Set Free handed out just under $32,000 worth of clothing in 2022.” Amenities such as soap, toothpaste, razors, first aid kits, shampoo, etc., are distributed in conjunction with the clothes. Laundry and shower services are made available each week at no cost for those in need. If there are needs that Set Free is unable to meet, they refer to other agencies that may be able to help. These agencies are welcome to set up booths on the distribution service days. These include Max’s Mission to offer a harm reduction approach to those on drugs, La Clinica who provides medical and dental assistance and offers help in applying for the Oregon health plan, Street Dogs which help supply pet needs, Rogue Retreat, which helps with housing and sheltering those living on the streets, Veterans Outreach, Care Oregon, All Care, and other agencies who help those in need with a means to help them become, once again, productive members of the Community.
Pastor Hale, the Financial Director, disclosed a breakdown of the budget, income and expenditures for 2022. The Budget for 2022 was $100,000. $99,299 of that was procured last year. $86,410 was used for their two expense categories, Operations and Program expenses. Operational expenses included building rent, utilities, insurance, licenses, permits, and other operational expenses while program expenses included food costs, pantry costs, costs incurred by the shower/ laundry program and the clothing program. 33% of the utilized income was expended on Operational expenses while 56.5% of the expended money covered program expenses. There was 11.5% of the total income that was unused which will be applied to the 2023 budget.
The belief of those who work hard at Set Free Services is that by helping the needy get their basic human needs met, the recipients are then empowered to seek higher goals such as seeking employment, mental health services when needed, health insurance, and other necessary services needed to move out of poverty and into a lifestyle characterized by self-sufficiency. Pastor Chad McComas reports that 30 to 50 percent of those seeking services at Set Free are referred to agencies who have partnered with Set Free and of those 25% rise above the poverty level of income and continue on to become housed, employed and self sustaining. However, there is a school of thought that says contributing to the needy is defeating their ambition to achieve independence and security or to rise above the poverty level. Some people may be more inclined to recieve benefits and remain poor than to work hard to gain enough to make up for the loss of those benefits. The Pastor concedes that there is a portion of the homeless or working poor that choose to remain below the poverty median income range in order to continue receiving government assistance, such as food stamps and/or health insurance. Cindy Van Camp, a case manager at Rogue Retreat, a partner of Set Free Services, reports that once her clients determine to rise above the poverty line, they become empowered and find their lives get better when they become productive members of society. She states their self-esteem overtakes their fear of failure or of losing government benefits. They become productive members of society which all started with the help of Set Free Services in getting their basic needs met and exposing them to services available to address their individual needs.
The organization has recently discovered that there is a segment of the population that is “slipping through the cracks.” These people are the senior citizens living right here in Medford as well as across the country. This population is made up of widows, widowers, the disabled and those depending on Social Security for survival. The government website for Social Security states that the monthly income for an individual is only $914 per month. A couple would make $1371, which would still not be sufficient to pay rent, utilities, and other expenses. According to a website advertising current availability of housing, called apartmentfinder.com, the average cost of a 1-bedroom apartment in our area is $1050 to $1410 per month. These prices and incomes do not allow the recipients to adequately support themselves. The following is a true story, shared by Pastor Hale, of a classical example of what the senior population is experiencing.
Tom is in his 90’s. He lives in a mobile home that he purchased 40 years ago. His modest income has been able to cover the space rent over the years but increases have Tom paying 80% of his monthly income on the rent. He will not be able to continue to cover the cost of space rent. He called Department of Human Services (DHS) asking for help and the DHS worker had very few options for him. She encouraged him to sign up with Housing for Urban Development (HUD) for housing even though this is a 4-5 year wait. He may not live that long. She truly had few other options. Tom is without family, and there is no one to support him or rescue him, so he will soon lose his home and end up on the streets.
Chad McComas stated, “We need to create a village for these Seniors to live in for the rest of their lives.” Thus the plans for Joy Community were developed and approved by the Board of Directors of Set Free Services. The plan is to create a community of safety, opportunity for independence and self-sufficiency, and to create dignity and self-confidence. The following excerpt is from a supporter and donor to this project.
“This is an amazing concept that will allow those without family, to create and build upon their own. As I read through this, tears come to my eyes and my heart hurts for all of the elderly I have met over the years, who have NO ONE. This will give them such an amazing family and support network that is so needed! I will be setting up a reoccurring donation as I want to support this wonderful solution.”
Sincerely, Dianna Sealy-Gipner, CIC
Phase 1 of Joy Community will consist of 10 Pallet homes, restrooms, showers, a kitchen, and community space. To build this community, Set Free is relying on funding provided by individuals, churches, businesses and foundations. A total of $400,000 is needed for its development. Once the neighborhood is built and occupied, they will depend on donations, grants, rents, and potential contracts for the operational expenses.
The community at large needs to help our less fortunate brothers and sisters. How? Supporting Set Free Services is a tangible way to make a real difference in the lives of those less fortunate. They are a credible and established charity that has many successful programs that are effectively meeting the needs here in the Rogue Valley, and they continue to strive to develop more programs to meet the needs that have not been addressed effectively. There are easy ways to get involved and support them in their efforts through donating or volunteering. Donations of money, clothing, food supplies, canned food, laundry detergent, body wash, and time to volunteer and serve. Some examples of tasks that volunteers can help with are to register those who come for help, assist at the different stations such as clothing, set up the packaged food products so that they can be distributed, pack grocery boxes to hand out, help prepare meals in the kitchen, or serve the meals to the visitors. Each Friday Set Free needs 50 to 75 volunteers to help serve. The hours that they are serving is from 9 am to 3 pm. Any amount of time can be given within these hours, whether an hour or the day. They are located at 1032 W Main St, and they may be reached via phone at 541-773-4004 with any questions.
References
“Community First! Village A New Movement.” YouTube, Uploaded by Mobile Loaves and
Fishes, 2017, Community First! Village - A New Movement
CoStar Group, ApartmentFinder, 27 Feb. 2023,
https://www.apartmentfinder.com/Oregon/Medford-Apartments/1-Bedroom
Hale, Charlie, Personal interview, 20 Feb. 2023
McComas, Chad, Personal interview, 20 Feb. 2023
Sealy-Gipner, Dianna, Email to [email protected], 09 Jan. 2023
Social Security Administration, SSI Federal Payment Amounts For 2023, 27 Feb. 2023,
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/SSI.html
Van Camp, Cindy, Personal interview, 20 Feb. 2023
Walch, Jo, Personal interview, 26 Feb. 2023
M. Mitchell
March 14, 2023
Set Free Services: Relieving the Sufferings of Poverty
Charline is an average middle class American citizen who grew up in the Rogue Valley. She works hard and has always had a home, plenty of food and clothes, and people who love her. In the fall of 2021, she and her husband came down with Covid 19, and they both ended up in the hospital with Covid pneumonia. While she was fighting for her life, her husband and provider of 28 years lost his. Because her illness was so severe, it took months to recover, and she had no way to support herself and her two daughters. Due to the generous support of her community, this family was able to survive financially. So many in similar circumstances are not so fortunate, and they can no longer afford housing, so they end up on the streets!
Homelessness has become an epidemic in the United States. Jackson County has witnessed an increase in the low-income and homeless populations. With so many individuals and families becoming homeless a question is raised. How will these unhoused people get their basic needs met? By supporting the charity Set Free Services, a nonprofit organization, many people suffering from poverty will find relief.
Stigmas associated with homelessness abound, and many believe that people are on the streets because they are lazy, on drugs, or just have mental health issues. But the truth is that people become homeless in a variety of ways including family breakdown, evictions, an injury or illness, economic problems, job loss, rent increases, divorce, death of a family member and many other reasons. Many lost their homes to the Alameda fire that swept through our community in 2020. Life can be unpredictable, and tragedy can leave an individual or family with reduced income or without a home and without hope.
No matter the cause, there are many common problems associated with homelessness. Absolute necessities such as clean water, shelter, food, and safety become a serious concern that is challenging for them to address because their resources are so limited. There are not any drinking fountains, public restrooms are scarce, there are very few showering facilities and food availability is limited to what one can carry. Those who drink from someone’s hose or plug into an electrical outlet risk an arrest for theft of services. When a person spends all of their time and energy seeking to meet their physiological needs they have little left to focus on higher needs such as employment and health. If one wanted to find an opportunity to provide for themselves by seeking employment, their circumstances would make it very difficult to do so. Who is going to hire someone who does not have a permanent address or reliable transportation, and who has no way to clean up their appearance? Once someone falls into the “well” of homelessness they can never escape without someone giving them a hand-up. Hardship is especially severe for those who do not have any family or friends to turn to. Alan Graham CEO of Mobile Loaves and Fishes says: most homeless people are there as a result of “A profound, catastrophic loss of family” (Community). People without “family” are marginalized in most every community; they are most likely to be lonely, vulnerable, and seen as expendable.
The importance of community involvement in rallying around and helping to alleviate the ever-increasing homelessness dilemma cannot be underestimated. A good place to start is by supplying basic human needs such as water, food, clothing, a place to shower and wash clothes, and education regarding social services available to address individual and family needs. When this problem is not addressed the community experiences a rise in crime, vandalism, drug and alcohol use, camping in unauthorized places, an inability to use public facilities and/or the inability to feel safe in their own neighborhoods. These problems fester and cause greater problems. Yes, homelessness must be addressed by the community at large. There are problems associated with poverty, especially among the homeless, and Set Free services is effectively addressing these problems. Pastor Chad McComas, the organization’s co-founder and CEO, said this, “Set Free Services exists to help those who can’t help themselves or who have come on hard times and need a helping hand”
This charity has been getting involved within our community and making a difference for many years now, as they started serving with a food pantry in 1997. They were officially established in 2017 as Set Free Services with a 501c3 status and have since developed many more programs in order to provide relief for those suffering from poverty. They have become one of the largest food pantries in Jackson County according to Jo Walch, Set Free’s food pantry administrator. The Pantry is open for distribution weekly, serving 1000 to 1500 individuals monthly without regard to demographic considerations. They serve any and all who come to them for help. There is an emergency food supply for anyone coming with an immediate need for food. Additionally, Set Free Services prepares and serves hot lunches to 200+ individuals each week. They also distribute donated clothing to 100 - 150 people each week. The co-founder, administrator and finance director for Set Free Services, Pastor Charlie Hale stated that, “one bag of clothing is valued at approximately $15 per bag. Set Free handed out just under $32,000 worth of clothing in 2022.” Amenities such as soap, toothpaste, razors, first aid kits, shampoo, etc., are distributed in conjunction with the clothes. Laundry and shower services are made available each week at no cost for those in need. If there are needs that Set Free is unable to meet, they refer to other agencies that may be able to help. These agencies are welcome to set up booths on the distribution service days. These include Max’s Mission to offer a harm reduction approach to those on drugs, La Clinica who provides medical and dental assistance and offers help in applying for the Oregon health plan, Street Dogs which help supply pet needs, Rogue Retreat, which helps with housing and sheltering those living on the streets, Veterans Outreach, Care Oregon, All Care, and other agencies who help those in need with a means to help them become, once again, productive members of the Community.
Pastor Hale, the Financial Director, disclosed a breakdown of the budget, income and expenditures for 2022. The Budget for 2022 was $100,000. $99,299 of that was procured last year. $86,410 was used for their two expense categories, Operations and Program expenses. Operational expenses included building rent, utilities, insurance, licenses, permits, and other operational expenses while program expenses included food costs, pantry costs, costs incurred by the shower/ laundry program and the clothing program. 33% of the utilized income was expended on Operational expenses while 56.5% of the expended money covered program expenses. There was 11.5% of the total income that was unused which will be applied to the 2023 budget.
The belief of those who work hard at Set Free Services is that by helping the needy get their basic human needs met, the recipients are then empowered to seek higher goals such as seeking employment, mental health services when needed, health insurance, and other necessary services needed to move out of poverty and into a lifestyle characterized by self-sufficiency. Pastor Chad McComas reports that 30 to 50 percent of those seeking services at Set Free are referred to agencies who have partnered with Set Free and of those 25% rise above the poverty level of income and continue on to become housed, employed and self sustaining. However, there is a school of thought that says contributing to the needy is defeating their ambition to achieve independence and security or to rise above the poverty level. Some people may be more inclined to recieve benefits and remain poor than to work hard to gain enough to make up for the loss of those benefits. The Pastor concedes that there is a portion of the homeless or working poor that choose to remain below the poverty median income range in order to continue receiving government assistance, such as food stamps and/or health insurance. Cindy Van Camp, a case manager at Rogue Retreat, a partner of Set Free Services, reports that once her clients determine to rise above the poverty line, they become empowered and find their lives get better when they become productive members of society. She states their self-esteem overtakes their fear of failure or of losing government benefits. They become productive members of society which all started with the help of Set Free Services in getting their basic needs met and exposing them to services available to address their individual needs.
The organization has recently discovered that there is a segment of the population that is “slipping through the cracks.” These people are the senior citizens living right here in Medford as well as across the country. This population is made up of widows, widowers, the disabled and those depending on Social Security for survival. The government website for Social Security states that the monthly income for an individual is only $914 per month. A couple would make $1371, which would still not be sufficient to pay rent, utilities, and other expenses. According to a website advertising current availability of housing, called apartmentfinder.com, the average cost of a 1-bedroom apartment in our area is $1050 to $1410 per month. These prices and incomes do not allow the recipients to adequately support themselves. The following is a true story, shared by Pastor Hale, of a classical example of what the senior population is experiencing.
Tom is in his 90’s. He lives in a mobile home that he purchased 40 years ago. His modest income has been able to cover the space rent over the years but increases have Tom paying 80% of his monthly income on the rent. He will not be able to continue to cover the cost of space rent. He called Department of Human Services (DHS) asking for help and the DHS worker had very few options for him. She encouraged him to sign up with Housing for Urban Development (HUD) for housing even though this is a 4-5 year wait. He may not live that long. She truly had few other options. Tom is without family, and there is no one to support him or rescue him, so he will soon lose his home and end up on the streets.
Chad McComas stated, “We need to create a village for these Seniors to live in for the rest of their lives.” Thus the plans for Joy Community were developed and approved by the Board of Directors of Set Free Services. The plan is to create a community of safety, opportunity for independence and self-sufficiency, and to create dignity and self-confidence. The following excerpt is from a supporter and donor to this project.
“This is an amazing concept that will allow those without family, to create and build upon their own. As I read through this, tears come to my eyes and my heart hurts for all of the elderly I have met over the years, who have NO ONE. This will give them such an amazing family and support network that is so needed! I will be setting up a reoccurring donation as I want to support this wonderful solution.”
Sincerely, Dianna Sealy-Gipner, CIC
Phase 1 of Joy Community will consist of 10 Pallet homes, restrooms, showers, a kitchen, and community space. To build this community, Set Free is relying on funding provided by individuals, churches, businesses and foundations. A total of $400,000 is needed for its development. Once the neighborhood is built and occupied, they will depend on donations, grants, rents, and potential contracts for the operational expenses.
The community at large needs to help our less fortunate brothers and sisters. How? Supporting Set Free Services is a tangible way to make a real difference in the lives of those less fortunate. They are a credible and established charity that has many successful programs that are effectively meeting the needs here in the Rogue Valley, and they continue to strive to develop more programs to meet the needs that have not been addressed effectively. There are easy ways to get involved and support them in their efforts through donating or volunteering. Donations of money, clothing, food supplies, canned food, laundry detergent, body wash, and time to volunteer and serve. Some examples of tasks that volunteers can help with are to register those who come for help, assist at the different stations such as clothing, set up the packaged food products so that they can be distributed, pack grocery boxes to hand out, help prepare meals in the kitchen, or serve the meals to the visitors. Each Friday Set Free needs 50 to 75 volunteers to help serve. The hours that they are serving is from 9 am to 3 pm. Any amount of time can be given within these hours, whether an hour or the day. They are located at 1032 W Main St, and they may be reached via phone at 541-773-4004 with any questions.
References
“Community First! Village A New Movement.” YouTube, Uploaded by Mobile Loaves and
Fishes, 2017, Community First! Village - A New Movement
CoStar Group, ApartmentFinder, 27 Feb. 2023,
https://www.apartmentfinder.com/Oregon/Medford-Apartments/1-Bedroom
Hale, Charlie, Personal interview, 20 Feb. 2023
McComas, Chad, Personal interview, 20 Feb. 2023
Sealy-Gipner, Dianna, Email to [email protected], 09 Jan. 2023
Social Security Administration, SSI Federal Payment Amounts For 2023, 27 Feb. 2023,
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/SSI.html
Van Camp, Cindy, Personal interview, 20 Feb. 2023
Walch, Jo, Personal interview, 26 Feb. 2023
Operational Principles and Guidelines
Set Free Services is a community non-profit designed to create and oversee community projects to service the homeless and working poor. It operates under time-tested principles of ethics and morality coming from historical teaching including the Bible. These include:
Set Free Services is not a faith-based organization designed to propagate any one certain religion, sect or group, but is designed to be faith inspired and faith friendly.
FAITH INSPIRED suggests the creators and leadership of Set Free Services recognize the role of inspiration that not only creates an organization, but inspires it to become more than just another for profit business. The organization exists for a higher purpose and stays humble recognizing the leading of God.
FAITH FRIENDLY suggests the organization is open to working not only with other organizations, foundations and supporters in the community, but with faith-based organizations. It is part of the common desire to have diversion, equity and inclusion to all peoples in the community including faith.
The operational principles and guidelines of Set Free Services cannot be changed except by unanimous vote by the current board and surviving founders.
- Acceptance
- Forgiveness
- Second Chances
- Encouragement
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Open Communication
- Loving all equally
Set Free Services is not a faith-based organization designed to propagate any one certain religion, sect or group, but is designed to be faith inspired and faith friendly.
FAITH INSPIRED suggests the creators and leadership of Set Free Services recognize the role of inspiration that not only creates an organization, but inspires it to become more than just another for profit business. The organization exists for a higher purpose and stays humble recognizing the leading of God.
FAITH FRIENDLY suggests the organization is open to working not only with other organizations, foundations and supporters in the community, but with faith-based organizations. It is part of the common desire to have diversion, equity and inclusion to all peoples in the community including faith.
The operational principles and guidelines of Set Free Services cannot be changed except by unanimous vote by the current board and surviving founders.
Fact Sheet
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Set Free Services is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which specializes in serving the local community through food, clothing, water, and vital services. This is a short fact-sheet on the work Set Free Services provides and the need for that work.
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HOMELESS AND WORKING POOR
The homeless population in Jackson County continues to climb. Due to low income, low availability of living units and the high cost of rentals more people are finding themselves without a home. Other factors like the high misuse of drugs and alcohol in Jackson County also grows the number of homeless on the streets. The working poor find themselves using more and more of their paychecks to cover the cost of housing and therefore must find supplemental ways to feed themselves. More are turning to area food pantries and the numbers being served are climbing each month.
FOOD
Set Free Services operates God’s Food Pantry one of the largest of the ACCESS food pantries in Jackson County. The pantry serves between 80-100 families every week with a supply of 3-5 days of food. The food consists of canned, dry, frozen meats, fresh dairy and salads, vegetables, breads and pastries. Food pantry participants shop in a grocery type setting where they get to make choices.
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MEALS
Set Free Services provides free lunches for homeless and poor residents of the community on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Those served range from 30-100 per meal.
WATER
Set Free Services provides free water to those on the streets to fight dehydration. We hand out bottled water as needed during our meals and on our Friday outreach day. During the rest of the week we provide a 27/7 drinking fountain that people come to fill up their water bottles.
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CLOTHING
Set Free Services provides free clothing to those in the community in need of clothing. Our main distribution is on Friday when the clothing trailer is open from 9:30-12:30 pm. During the week those coming to Set Free’s location can get some items of clothing, blankets and more. Clothing is donated to Set Free and volunteers sort and distribute the clothing.
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SHOWER/LAUNDRY SERVICES
Set Free Services has a shower and a laundry trailer to provide free showers and laundry services during the week. We average just over 90 showers and 45 loads of laundry a week.
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INCOME
Set Free Services depends on the generosity of individuals, churches and businesses in the community who provide food, clothing and personal toiletry items to share with those whom SFS serves. SFS partners with ACCESS for food pantry items, but there is a cost to the monthly supply. Some grants are passed through ACCESS to SFS. Set Free Christian Fellowship provides the use their facility for the various services. Grants from foundations help cover much of the cost of serving the community along with financial donations from individuals in the community.
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By Laws of Set Free Services
Article I | Purpose
Set Free Services is organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. Subject to the limitations stated in the Articles of Incorporation, the purposes of this Corporation shall be to engage in any lawful activities, none of which are for profit, for which corporations may be organized under Chapter 65 of the Oregon Revised Statutes (or its corresponding future provisions) and Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or its corresponding future provisions).
This Corporation’s primary purpose shall be to provide compassion to the local community through food, clothing, water, and other supportive services for chronically homeless, low-income families and individuals.
The Corporation shall not carry on propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation. The Corporation shall not engage in any transaction or permit any act or omission which shall operate to deprive it of its tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code. The Corporation shall not in any manner or to any extent participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office; nor shall it engage in any “prohibited transaction” as defined in Section 503(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. In the event of dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation, any assets then remaining shall be distributed to a qualified, tax-exempt organization as described in Code Section 501 (c) (3).
This Corporation’s primary purpose shall be to provide compassion to the local community through food, clothing, water, and other supportive services for chronically homeless, low-income families and individuals.
The Corporation shall not carry on propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation. The Corporation shall not engage in any transaction or permit any act or omission which shall operate to deprive it of its tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code. The Corporation shall not in any manner or to any extent participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office; nor shall it engage in any “prohibited transaction” as defined in Section 503(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. In the event of dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation, any assets then remaining shall be distributed to a qualified, tax-exempt organization as described in Code Section 501 (c) (3).
Article II | Non-membership
This Corporation shall have no members.
Article III | Board of Directors
Section 1: Duties
The affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by a Board of Directors.
Section 2: Number and Qualifications
The number of Directors may vary between a minimum of five and a maximum of fifteen.
Section 3: Terms and Election
Directors will be elected annually.
The Board shall elect its own members, except that a Director shall not vote on that member's own position. Each Director shall hold office for a calendar year and shall be reelected upon director’s choice and ability to carry forth the duties of a director.
Section 4: Removal
Any Director may be removed, with or without cause, by a vote of two-thirds of the Directors then in office.
Section 5: Vacancies
Vacancies on the Board of Directors and newly created Board positions shall be filled by a majority vote of the Directors then on the Board of Directors. A vacancy will be filled no later than the first regular meeting of the Board following the vacancy.
Section 6: Resignations
Director resignations must be in writing and addressed to the Chairperson of the Board.
Missing three consecutive Board meetings or missing four within a fiscal year may disqualify any Director from exercising their duties of due care and be deemed a resignation, which may or may not be accepted by the Board.
Section : No Salary
Directors shall not receive salaries for their Board services but may be reimbursed for pre-approved expenses related to Board service.
Section 8: Diversity and Inclusion
Set Free Services is committed to providing services with compassion to the local community through food, clothing, water, and other supportive services for chronically homeless, low-income families and individuals, regardless of differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or socio-economic status.
The affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by a Board of Directors.
Section 2: Number and Qualifications
The number of Directors may vary between a minimum of five and a maximum of fifteen.
Section 3: Terms and Election
Directors will be elected annually.
The Board shall elect its own members, except that a Director shall not vote on that member's own position. Each Director shall hold office for a calendar year and shall be reelected upon director’s choice and ability to carry forth the duties of a director.
Section 4: Removal
Any Director may be removed, with or without cause, by a vote of two-thirds of the Directors then in office.
Section 5: Vacancies
Vacancies on the Board of Directors and newly created Board positions shall be filled by a majority vote of the Directors then on the Board of Directors. A vacancy will be filled no later than the first regular meeting of the Board following the vacancy.
Section 6: Resignations
Director resignations must be in writing and addressed to the Chairperson of the Board.
Missing three consecutive Board meetings or missing four within a fiscal year may disqualify any Director from exercising their duties of due care and be deemed a resignation, which may or may not be accepted by the Board.
Section : No Salary
Directors shall not receive salaries for their Board services but may be reimbursed for pre-approved expenses related to Board service.
Section 8: Diversity and Inclusion
Set Free Services is committed to providing services with compassion to the local community through food, clothing, water, and other supportive services for chronically homeless, low-income families and individuals, regardless of differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or socio-economic status.
Article IV | Meetings
Section 1: Regular Meetings
Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at the time and place to be determined by the Board of Directors. No other notice of the date, time or place, or purpose of these meetings is required.
Section 2: Annual Meeting
An Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held each year in January for the purposes of planning, elections, Board development and related activities to support the health of the organization.
Section 3: Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairperson, by the Executive Committee, or by three or more Directors in office.
Notice of Special Meetings: Advance notice of the time and place of any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be required. Notice of time and place of any special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be given by the Secretary, or by the person or persons calling the meeting to each of the Board of Directors by mail, email, personal communication, telephone or FAX, at least three days prior to the date on which the meeting will be held. Notice of any special meetings shall include a description of any of the following matters: if the Directors will be asked to approve the matter or matters at the meetings; amendment to the By Laws or Articles of Incorporation; merger; sales of assets other than in the ordinary course of business; or dissolution.
Section 4: Alternatives to Regular Meeting
Any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors may be conducted through the use of any means of communication by which all Directors participating may simultaneously hear each other during the meeting.
Section 5: Quorum and Action
A majority, 51%, of the duly elected Board of Directors at the time of the meeting shall constitute a quorum. The act of the majority of the Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors. At any meeting of the Board of Directors at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted, and the Board may exercise all of its powers. The Board requires a majority vote of the Directors in office to establish committees to exercise Board functions, to amend the Articles of Incorporation, to sell assets not in the regular course of business, to merge, or to dissolve, or for other matters, such as action taken by that majority as required by law.
Section 6: Action by Consent
Any action required or permitted by law to be taken at a meeting of the Board may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action to be taken or so taken, shall be signed by all the Directors. The writing or writings are filed with the minutes of the proceedings. Such consent shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous vote of the Board.
Section 7: Waiver of Notice
Whenever notice is required to be given to any Director of the Corporation by the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, or laws of the State of Oregon, a waiver provided in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to such a notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be equivalent to giving of such a notice. The waiver must be delivered to the corporation for inclusion in the minutes or filing with the corporate records.
Additionally, a member’s attendance at a meeting waives objection to:
Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at the time and place to be determined by the Board of Directors. No other notice of the date, time or place, or purpose of these meetings is required.
Section 2: Annual Meeting
An Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held each year in January for the purposes of planning, elections, Board development and related activities to support the health of the organization.
Section 3: Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairperson, by the Executive Committee, or by three or more Directors in office.
Notice of Special Meetings: Advance notice of the time and place of any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be required. Notice of time and place of any special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be given by the Secretary, or by the person or persons calling the meeting to each of the Board of Directors by mail, email, personal communication, telephone or FAX, at least three days prior to the date on which the meeting will be held. Notice of any special meetings shall include a description of any of the following matters: if the Directors will be asked to approve the matter or matters at the meetings; amendment to the By Laws or Articles of Incorporation; merger; sales of assets other than in the ordinary course of business; or dissolution.
Section 4: Alternatives to Regular Meeting
Any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors may be conducted through the use of any means of communication by which all Directors participating may simultaneously hear each other during the meeting.
Section 5: Quorum and Action
A majority, 51%, of the duly elected Board of Directors at the time of the meeting shall constitute a quorum. The act of the majority of the Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors. At any meeting of the Board of Directors at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted, and the Board may exercise all of its powers. The Board requires a majority vote of the Directors in office to establish committees to exercise Board functions, to amend the Articles of Incorporation, to sell assets not in the regular course of business, to merge, or to dissolve, or for other matters, such as action taken by that majority as required by law.
Section 6: Action by Consent
Any action required or permitted by law to be taken at a meeting of the Board may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action to be taken or so taken, shall be signed by all the Directors. The writing or writings are filed with the minutes of the proceedings. Such consent shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous vote of the Board.
Section 7: Waiver of Notice
Whenever notice is required to be given to any Director of the Corporation by the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, or laws of the State of Oregon, a waiver provided in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to such a notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be equivalent to giving of such a notice. The waiver must be delivered to the corporation for inclusion in the minutes or filing with the corporate records.
Additionally, a member’s attendance at a meeting waives objection to:
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(a) Lack of notice or defective notice of the meeting, unless the member at the beginning of the meeting objects to holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting; and
(b) Consideration of a particular matter at the meeting that is not within the purpose or purposes described in the meeting notice, unless the member objects to considering the matter when it is presented. |
Section 8: Conflicts of Interest
Disclosure of financial interest and withdrawal from discussion and voting by interested directors when there is an established conflict of interest. Transactions benefiting a director may be approved only by a greater than majority vote.
Disclosure of financial interest and withdrawal from discussion and voting by interested directors when there is an established conflict of interest. Transactions benefiting a director may be approved only by a greater than majority vote.
Article V | Committees
Section 1: Executive Committee
The Board of Directors may elect an Executive Committee. The Executive Committee (Chair person, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer) shall have the authority to make ongoing decisions between Board meetings and shall have the authority to make financial and budgetary decisions except as limited in the remainder of this section. The Executive Committee shall not have and exercise such authority to amend, alter, or repeal any By Laws or Articles of Incorporation; to elect, appoint, or remove any committee member, Director or officer; to merge, consolidate, liquidate or otherwise reorganize the Corporation; to sell, lease, exchange or encumber all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation or amend or repeal any resolution of the Board of Directors unless expressly authorized to do so by such a resolution. The designation and authority shall not operate to relieve the Board of Directors or any individual Director of any responsibility imposed upon it or him/her by law. Actions of the Executive Committee shall be recorded in minutes which shall be distributed promptly to all members of the Board.
Section 2: Other Committees
The Board of Directors, by resolution adopted by a majority of Directors in office, may designate or appoint one or more committees, in addition to the Executive Committee. Each committee shall consist of one or more Directors, and shall, to the extent provided in said resolution, have and exercise the authority of the Board of Directors in the management of Set Free Services. The designation and appointment of any such committees and the delegation thereto of authority shall not operate to relieve the Board of Directors, or any individual Director, of any responsibility imposed upon them by law.
Section 3: Committee Quorum and Action
A quorum at a Committee meeting exercising Board authority shall be a majority of all Committee members in office immediately before the meeting begins. If a quorum is present, action is taken by a consensus vote of Directors present. If after discussion a consensus vote cannot be attained, action will be determined by a majority vote.
Section 4: Limitations on the Powers of Committees
No committee may authorize payment of a dividend or any part of the income or profit of the Corporation to its Directors or officers; may approve dissolution, merger, or the sale, pledge, or transfer of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets; may elect, appoint, or remove Directors or fill vacancies on the Board or on any of its committees; nor may adopt, amend, or repeal the Articles, By Laws, or any resolution by the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors may elect an Executive Committee. The Executive Committee (Chair person, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer) shall have the authority to make ongoing decisions between Board meetings and shall have the authority to make financial and budgetary decisions except as limited in the remainder of this section. The Executive Committee shall not have and exercise such authority to amend, alter, or repeal any By Laws or Articles of Incorporation; to elect, appoint, or remove any committee member, Director or officer; to merge, consolidate, liquidate or otherwise reorganize the Corporation; to sell, lease, exchange or encumber all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation or amend or repeal any resolution of the Board of Directors unless expressly authorized to do so by such a resolution. The designation and authority shall not operate to relieve the Board of Directors or any individual Director of any responsibility imposed upon it or him/her by law. Actions of the Executive Committee shall be recorded in minutes which shall be distributed promptly to all members of the Board.
Section 2: Other Committees
The Board of Directors, by resolution adopted by a majority of Directors in office, may designate or appoint one or more committees, in addition to the Executive Committee. Each committee shall consist of one or more Directors, and shall, to the extent provided in said resolution, have and exercise the authority of the Board of Directors in the management of Set Free Services. The designation and appointment of any such committees and the delegation thereto of authority shall not operate to relieve the Board of Directors, or any individual Director, of any responsibility imposed upon them by law.
Section 3: Committee Quorum and Action
A quorum at a Committee meeting exercising Board authority shall be a majority of all Committee members in office immediately before the meeting begins. If a quorum is present, action is taken by a consensus vote of Directors present. If after discussion a consensus vote cannot be attained, action will be determined by a majority vote.
Section 4: Limitations on the Powers of Committees
No committee may authorize payment of a dividend or any part of the income or profit of the Corporation to its Directors or officers; may approve dissolution, merger, or the sale, pledge, or transfer of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets; may elect, appoint, or remove Directors or fill vacancies on the Board or on any of its committees; nor may adopt, amend, or repeal the Articles, By Laws, or any resolution by the Board of Directors.
Article VI | Officers
Section 1: Titles
The officers of this Corporation may be the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer. All officers of this Corporation shall be members of the Board of Directors.
Section 2: Election
The Board of Directors shall elect the officers to serve a one year term. All officers are eligible to serve four consecutive terms and may serve longer at the Board’s request. The officers of the Corporation shall be elected by the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting of the Board. Each officer shall hold office until the successor has been elected.
Section 3: Vacancy
A vacancy in any office shall be filled not later than the first regular meeting of the Board of Directors following the vacancy.
Section 4: Other Officers
The Board of Directors may elect or appoint other officers, agents and employees as it shall deem necessary and desirable. They shall hold their offices for such terms and have such authority and perform such duties as shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
Section 5: Chairperson
The Chairperson is the senior volunteer leader of the organization and presides at all meetings of the Board, the Executive Committee, and other meetings as required. The Chairperson oversees implementation of corporate policies and ensures that appropriate administrative systems are established and maintained.
Section 6: Vice Chairperson
In the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson shall act as Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson shall also have other duties as designated by the Chairperson and the Board and shall serve in this position as Chairperson-Elect.
Section 7: Secretary
The Secretary shall have overall responsibility for all recordkeeping and shall perform, or cause to be performed, the following duties: (a) official recording of the minutes of all proceedings of the Board of Directors meetings and actions; (b) provision for notice of all meetings of the Board of Directors; (c) keep an updated roster of board member names (d) any other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors.
Section 8: Treasurer
The Treasurer shall maintain the financial records and report to the Board. The Treasurer, jointly with the Board Chair and Finance Committee Chair (should you have a Finance Committee in place), ensures that current records are maintained, reflecting the financial condition of Set Free Services. The Treasurer participates in the preparation of the budget and ensures that accurate books and records on financial condition are maintained and that the assets of the organization are protected and invested according to corporate policy. The Treasurer ensures compliance with corporate and statutory reporting requirements, and the authentication of the records of the Corporation.
The Treasurer ensures that comprehensive financial reports to the Board are prepared in a timely and accurate manner and performs all duties incident to the office of the Treasurer.
The officers of this Corporation may be the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer. All officers of this Corporation shall be members of the Board of Directors.
Section 2: Election
The Board of Directors shall elect the officers to serve a one year term. All officers are eligible to serve four consecutive terms and may serve longer at the Board’s request. The officers of the Corporation shall be elected by the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting of the Board. Each officer shall hold office until the successor has been elected.
Section 3: Vacancy
A vacancy in any office shall be filled not later than the first regular meeting of the Board of Directors following the vacancy.
Section 4: Other Officers
The Board of Directors may elect or appoint other officers, agents and employees as it shall deem necessary and desirable. They shall hold their offices for such terms and have such authority and perform such duties as shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
Section 5: Chairperson
The Chairperson is the senior volunteer leader of the organization and presides at all meetings of the Board, the Executive Committee, and other meetings as required. The Chairperson oversees implementation of corporate policies and ensures that appropriate administrative systems are established and maintained.
Section 6: Vice Chairperson
In the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson shall act as Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson shall also have other duties as designated by the Chairperson and the Board and shall serve in this position as Chairperson-Elect.
Section 7: Secretary
The Secretary shall have overall responsibility for all recordkeeping and shall perform, or cause to be performed, the following duties: (a) official recording of the minutes of all proceedings of the Board of Directors meetings and actions; (b) provision for notice of all meetings of the Board of Directors; (c) keep an updated roster of board member names (d) any other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors.
Section 8: Treasurer
The Treasurer shall maintain the financial records and report to the Board. The Treasurer, jointly with the Board Chair and Finance Committee Chair (should you have a Finance Committee in place), ensures that current records are maintained, reflecting the financial condition of Set Free Services. The Treasurer participates in the preparation of the budget and ensures that accurate books and records on financial condition are maintained and that the assets of the organization are protected and invested according to corporate policy. The Treasurer ensures compliance with corporate and statutory reporting requirements, and the authentication of the records of the Corporation.
The Treasurer ensures that comprehensive financial reports to the Board are prepared in a timely and accurate manner and performs all duties incident to the office of the Treasurer.
ARTICLE VII | Fiscal Provisions
Section 1: Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be the calendar year January 1 to December 31.
Section 2: Approval of the Annual Budget
At least 30 days prior to the start of the new fiscal year (October/November) the Board shall approve Set Free Services’ budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The approved budget may be reviewed and revised periodically as deemed necessary by the Board.
Section 3: Summary of Fiscal Year
Not later than two months after (January/February) the close of each fiscal year Set Free Services shall prepare a balance sheet showing in reasonable detail the financial condition of the Set Free Services at the close of the fiscal year.
Section 4: Loans Prohibited
No loans shall be made by the Corporation to any Officer or Director. No Officer or Director may make any loans to the Corporation.
Section 5: Deposit of Funds
All funds of Set Free Services shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of Set Free Services in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Board of Directors may select.
Section 6: Accepting Gifts, Bequests, etc.
The Board of Directors may accept on behalf of Set Free Services any contribution, gift, bequest, or device for the general purposes or for any special purpose of Set Free Services.
The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be the calendar year January 1 to December 31.
Section 2: Approval of the Annual Budget
At least 30 days prior to the start of the new fiscal year (October/November) the Board shall approve Set Free Services’ budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The approved budget may be reviewed and revised periodically as deemed necessary by the Board.
Section 3: Summary of Fiscal Year
Not later than two months after (January/February) the close of each fiscal year Set Free Services shall prepare a balance sheet showing in reasonable detail the financial condition of the Set Free Services at the close of the fiscal year.
Section 4: Loans Prohibited
No loans shall be made by the Corporation to any Officer or Director. No Officer or Director may make any loans to the Corporation.
Section 5: Deposit of Funds
All funds of Set Free Services shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of Set Free Services in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Board of Directors may select.
Section 6: Accepting Gifts, Bequests, etc.
The Board of Directors may accept on behalf of Set Free Services any contribution, gift, bequest, or device for the general purposes or for any special purpose of Set Free Services.
Article VIII | Corporate Indemnity
This Corporation will indemnify to the fullest extent not prohibited by law any person who is made or threatened to be made a party to an action, suit, or other proceeding, by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or a fiduciary within the meaning of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (or its corresponding future provisions) with respect to any employee benefit plan of the Corporation. No amendment to this Article that limits the Corporation’s obligation to indemnify any person shall have any effect on such obligation for any act or omission that occurs prior to the later of the effective date of the amendment or the date notice of the amendment is given to the person. The Corporation shall interpret this indemnification provision to extend to all persons covered by its provisions the most liberal possible indemnification – substantively, procedurally, and otherwise.
Article IX | Amendments to Bylaws
These Bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors at any annual, regular or special meeting of the Board. All amendments shall be effective when adopted.
Prior to the adoption of the amendment, each Director shall be given at least three days’ notice of the date, time, and place of the meeting at which the proposed amendment is to be considered, and the notice shall state that one of the purposes of the meeting is to consider a proposed amendment to the By Laws and shall contain a copy of the proposed amendment.
Prior to the adoption of the amendment, each Director shall be given at least three days’ notice of the date, time, and place of the meeting at which the proposed amendment is to be considered, and the notice shall state that one of the purposes of the meeting is to consider a proposed amendment to the By Laws and shall contain a copy of the proposed amendment.