While I have great empathy for their current plight, and great amount of respect for the services they offer, I do find it a little unnerving that the board members have just now
"realized that if they don't raise $25,000 by July 16.....they will be forced to dissolve the organization."

I've been working with non-profits over the past 2 1/2 years, and while the non-profit sector does not/should have an emphasis on making large profits (duh), it is rather startling to realize how many non-profits fail to take note from successful for-profit entities.

Things such as, oh say, a strategic plan. And, what the heck, maybe a board comprised of diverse people who bring to the table a variety of skills and strengths. For instance maybe one board member is skilled at bookkeeping and accounting (aka a bookkeeper/accountant), and maybe having at least two board members who are skilled grant writers.

Like I said, I think the organization offers a very worthy service, a lot of non-profits do, but it seems time after time lack of planning and foresight (did they not realize that when they got the money they did, they would have to be looking forward toward the next quarter or two for future funds?!?!) is the downfall of many non-profits.

Being passionate about a cause is great, but I don't think that that quality alone should be a qualifier for board participation.

Just wanted to add, it seems like their board member who has volunteer coordination skills (if they had one) dropped the ball in there somewhere, as well.

There is money out there. There are people with time on their hands, as well.

Is the board dedicated enough to find the money and people to continue their services?

@1, 2:

Since you're such an expert on nonprofit operations & fundraising, why don't YOU join their board instead of armchair quarterbacking?

The King County Bar Association funds The Housing Justice Project, a volunteer-based program composed primarily of lawyers. They operate Monday-Friday 8am-10:30am (and maybe Wed afternoon) on the third floor of the King County Courthouse (Room W-314.) The lawyers at the clinic will be more than happy to answer landlord-tenant related questions, particularly as they relate to evictions. Unfortunately, as the clinic cannot answer questions over the phone, you must visit in person. I believe that the Housing Justice Project also has an office at the Kent-Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center (and a separate Snohomish Housing Justice Project at the Snohomish County Courthouse.) I used to be a regular volunteer at the KCC HJP. I thought we did good work. Kept the Landlords and their attorneys honest. Please be aware that the Project's primary mission is defending evictions, so if your question is not eviction related you be low priority (highest priority are people being evicted that day.)

http://www.kcba.org/legalhelp/hjp/client…

p.s., If you are facing eviction, please visit the clinic ASAP. The earlier we speak the better your potential options.

The loss of the Tenants Union would be unfortunate but there are other organizations providing services to tenants. The Legal Action Center not only provides advice to tenants but has three attorneys on staff who can provide representation in eviction cases. They have a full time staff that answers the phone every day of the week and can provide advice from lawyers who specialize in landlord tenant law. The King County Bar Association also conducts drop in clinics for tenants on Monday and Thursday evenings.

Tenants need as much help as they can get so it is important that the public be made aware of all these other resources available to them.