We have prepared this list of Frequently Asked Questions to make the process of adopting a family a little easier. If you have any questions or need clarification on any of the responses below, please feel free to call or email Maxine Moshay at (213) 252-0772 or mmoshay@beyondshelter.org.

The Adopt-A-Family Program connects sponsors with families to "adopt" by providing them with a family profile and wish list. Sponsors buy presents for their specific families and deliver them wrapped to Beyond Shelter. Case Managers then deliver the presents to the families.

[Please note: This program serves homeless families in Los Angeles County.]

The families that get adopted are homeless families enrolled in Beyond Shelter's "Housing First" Program (also families who have recently moved into housing). This program helps homeless families move out of shelters and into permanent housing as quickly as possible. Once back in housing, each family is provided with home-based case management giving them opportunities to improve and rebuild their lives.

Yes, in this program, both the parents and the children get adopted. Remember, to help children we must also help the parents who are raising them.

Once you decide to adopt a family, please email Maxine Moshay at mmoshay@beyondshelter.org to request a sponsor form. (you can also download the form on our website: www.beyondshelter.org). On the sponsor form, in addition to providing basic contact information, you will need to specify your preference in the size of the family you adopt. Once you submit your sponsor form, we will send you a family profile via email or fax.

[Please note: Profiles will be available beginning in November 2011.]

A family will be assigned to you based on the information you provide on your sponsor form, such as preference in family size.

The cost of adopting a family varies. Obviously adopting a larger family (i.e. two parents with five children) will cost more than adopting a smaller family (single parent with one child). However, while there is no set amount, previous sponsors have spent an average of approximately $100 - $150 per family member and some people choose to go beyond that. Oftentimes individuals who would like to adopt a family invite their friends or family members to adopt a family with them, which helps to off-set the cost to any one individual.

Smaller groups or groups with less financial resources usually opt to adopt a smaller family whereas larger groups or groups with more financial resources tend to adopt larger families or several families. The number of families you adopt should be based on the amount of money you are able to raise/spend as a group rather than on the amount of people who participate in the adoption.

The types of gifts requested by families varies, however some examples include: clothing, shoes, toys, baby items, games, educational toys, bedding, towels, sheets, small kitchen appliances (i.e. blenders, toasters, pot & pans), movie tickets or tickets to the zoo or theme parks.

Each family member has the opportunity to indicate 3 items he/she most needs and 3 items he/she most wants.

Ideally, each family member would receive at least 3 substantial gifts. However, there is no maximum amount of gifts that you can give to each family.

You are definitely not obligated to get everything on a family's wish list. The wish list is just a guide and a helpful tool to use while shopping for a family.

Yes. All toys and gifts for the families need to be new. No used clothes, toys or household items are accepted. However, the only exception is for items such as computers or video game systems (Wii, Playstation, Gamecube, etc.).

Yes, but please do not only do gift cards. Part of the fun in this program is that families and children have presents to unwrap and open for the Holidays. Please do not include gift cards in gift bags or packages. It's greatly appreciated if you place gift cards in an envelope marked for the recipient and let us know that there are gift cards when delivering your gifts.

Yes. Gift cards for food are a great idea for the families. In general, the most convenient grocery stores are Ralph's and Food for Less. (Again, please put gift cards in a separate envelope and let us know there are gift cards.)

Yes, you can definitely write a card to the family.

Yes, but gifts cards are preferred.

Yes

All presents should be wrapped & labeled.

Each wrapped present should be labeled clearly with the recipient's first and last name. Some sponsors choose to sign the tag "From Santa" or a variation thereof. Others choose to sign their own names (i.e. "From the Smith Family"). You can decide how you would like to sign the tags. We leave that up to you.

After your gifts are wrapped & labeled, please deliver them to Beyond Shelter no later than Sunday, December 11, 2011 at Beyond Shelter's Administrative Offices at:

We are located in Downtown Los Angeles, at 2nd & Broadway, kitty-corner from the LA Times Building. We are in the process of moving our administrative offices. Parking and delivery information will be emailed to sponsors.

There will be helpers on Friday - December 9, Saturday - December 10, and Sunday - December 11 only. There is NO STAFF AVAILABLE TO HELP except on the dates above. If you are going to need help bringing gifts from your car up to our office, please bring a friend to help.

Yes, early deliveries are very much appreciated, but please let us know when you are coming in advance.

Yes, you can definitely mail your gifts if it is easier for you to do so, but keep in mind that all gifts need to be at Beyond Shelter by December 11, 2011.

We are not equipped to do pick-ups. All gifts need to be delivered to Beyond Shelter.

No, all wrapped gifts are delivered to the families by each family's case manager.

All in-kind donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor for further information.

Yes, upon delivery of items, you can request an in-kind donation tax receipt form for your tax records. Please note that all forms must be signed and a copy mailed/faxed/emailed back to Beyond Shelter.

The last day to sign up for the Adopt-A-Family Program is Monday, December 5, 2011, unless all the families are already adopted by that time. However, please keep in mind that the deadline to deliver your gifts is Sunday, December 11, 2011.

Before submitting your sponsor form, please consider deeply if you are able to commit to the family you adopt.

Yes, there are definitely ways to help from afar. If you do not find a local organization and would like to be involved with Beyond Shelter, you can either send toys & gifts for a family via mail, send a donation to help purchase gifts for a family, or send a general donation to help Beyond Shelter run its programs for homeless families. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

No.

Unfortunately not, but perhaps you could try Google or another search engine for a more local program.

There are many ways to stay involved throughout the year, including:

• Make a donation or hold a fundraiser to help support Beyond Shelter’s programs and end homelessness for families with children. You can also click here to find out how you can help
• Collect new items for the families we serve
• Hold a food drive, school supplies drive, or household items drive
• Attend our annual fundraising celebration and other events held throughout the year
• Donate tickets to events or theme parks for families to have a field trip