A dispute over website ownership is significantly impacting fundraising efforts for HOPE Shelters, a nonprofit organization in Pontiac, Michigan. The shelter, which supports the local homeless population, found itself in a precarious situation when it learned it was not listed as the owner of its website domain, according to interim director Elizabeth Kelly. This issue arose during a critical period for the organization, which relies heavily on donations as temperatures drop and homelessness rates rise.
On November 6, 2023, Kelly informed the Free Press that the nonprofit received a notification regarding the renewal fee for the domain. The challenge emerged when they discovered a former employee, who had previously provided their personal information during a rebranding process, retained ownership of the domain. After being let go, this individual expressed grievances and indicated a desire to sell the website back to the organization for $30,000.
Kelly declined to disclose the name of the former employee, citing an ongoing investigation. The nonprofit has filed a police report with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office in response to the situation.
The disruption comes at a time when HOPE Shelters typically ramps up its fundraising efforts. “Now one of the main sources of fundraising that we point people to is our website and that’s not available,” Kelly stated. The organization’s ability to reach out to potential donors has been hampered, as staff members are preoccupied with resolving the domain issue rather than focusing on outreach.
HOPE Shelters operates two facilities in Pontiac: an emergency shelter and a recuperative shelter for adults. The latter serves as a transitional space for those discharged from hospitals without a place to go. Both facilities are considered low-barrier, meaning they do not require identification or sobriety from the individuals they serve. This policy is particularly critical in a community identified as “ground zero” for opioid use in Oakland County, which also struggles with high poverty rates.
“Homelessness is increasing,” Kelly remarked, noting that the shelter has been operating at full capacity throughout the year. As the nonprofit approaches the winter months, the urgency for funding becomes even more pressing. Currently, 44% of the organization’s budget is covered by government contracts, with the remaining funding sourced from donations and foundation grants.
While a block on donations through the website was lifted by Thursday evening, HOPE Shelters remains without ownership or control of the domain. “We depend on fundraising, especially during this time of year,” Kelly emphasized. The organization operates 24 hours a day with a small staff and an annual budget of just over $1 million to support its two shelters.
Kelly characterized the website issue as “an assault on a small organization that strives to take care of the most vulnerable people.” The situation has diverted staff resources away from regular operations, including fundraising and preparing for the winter season.
In addition to the main website, HOPE Shelters manages a separate site for “meal hosts,” groups that provide meals for shelter guests. As the organization navigates this challenging period, its leadership remains committed to serving the community’s needs and overcoming the obstacles posed by the website dispute.
