The Nudge Report (9/24/2021)
Initial Home Visits
This week I’d like to review a process we call, “Initial Home Visit.”
We have been working diligently to create, document and implement an efficient process - from cradle to grave - if you will… for everything that happens here at RTKC. Whether it’s creating a post for our Facebook page, interacting with our neighbors, writing a grant, engaging volunteers, hiring contractors or simply balancing our checkbook… we want to be intentional about HOW all these things happen. It’s a process. It’s a continuing process. We just learned we need to keep copies of employment applications that people submit to us! From now on, we’ll scan these documents and keep them!
As we move forward, we’re taking a closer look at HOW we do & document Initial Home Visits. Getter better at this one task will enable us to process neighbor’s applications more quickly, allow us to train volunteers on the appropriate aspects and make it easier for us to gauge outcomes!
So, here goes…
After we receive a neighbor’s application, and we ensure all appropriate documentation is included, we schedule an Initial Home Visit (IHV) with the neighbor.
We meet the neighbor and begin to make some initial determinations about the scope of the work being requested. We review the application with the neighbor to ensure we understand the various repair requests. We complete the “25 Health and Safety Priorities” checklist. We endeavor to create an initial scope of work and identify repairs that may be completed by volunteers.
This entire process takes about 60 minutes.
After the IHV…
Now that we have a more complete understanding of the repairs and possible scope of work, we’re able to make the determination if we will proceed with the project. If we decide to proceed, we identify possible contractors and request a “formal” estimate of repairs based upon our IHV.
We’re also able to begin to assemble a volunteer team to perform the repairs identified as volunteer-friendly.
Additionally, the 25 Priorities, the initial scope, and any other vital information is documented in SalesForce.
We then communicate with the neighbor and let them know what the next steps will be - either that we may be able to help or we won’t be able to do the repairs.
THAT’s IT!
In the ideal world, this is the way our IHV process works. I’ve been on several IHV’s this week and have already identified several potential repairs for volunteers.
I continue to learn and grow in this nonprofit construction world. I may not always get it right, but I’d like to think I’m always willing to listen and get just a little bit better. I always appreciate feedback on what I’m doing, and what the staff is doing.
Thanks,
- Wayne
Rebuilding Together Kent County is the most impactful nonprofit in Kent County!
Repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives. Safe homes and communities for everyone.
…ending substandard housing in our community!