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There are over 10 million single mothers raising more than 20
million children on their own in the United States alone. I was one of them - feeling
powerless, lonely, and doubtful about everything, while raising my
little boy. Then, I had a moment of
clarity and started looking for other single moms who might want to pool
their resources and share a home. Eighteen interviews later, but I had not only met
another mom with similar philosophies and priorities, I was able to put some of
the other single moms in contact with one another. CoAbode® was born.
It is an online house sharing service currently designed for single moms and soon to be expanded to single dads and senior citizens.
EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS
… I never dreamed sharing a home would be this amazing. Simpler. Better. Happier. Easier. Cheaper. DANIELLE
... Economically,
we are able to share half the costs of gas, electric, phone and rent, so we can
provide a better life for our children and ourselves. LATISHA
SINGLE MOMS NEED YOUR HELP
Did you know that 1/3 of single moms don't get any child support? And that 40% live below the poverty level? Another 80% of single moms make only about $24,000 a year and almost half of them have to work 2 jobs. That's why CoAbode needs your help!
Our service gives relief and guidance through house sharing opportunities, specialized support groups, affordable housing, and vital resources designed to make parenting alone easier, healthier, and more secure.
The CoAbode® website allows users to register via an online application, search the member database for others in their preferred region, and contact potential roommates through anonymous email. Once matched, the moms can access better and safer homes and school districts.
Since most single moms are in desperate situations, they can’t afford to pay for this service. So CoAbode offers all its services for FREE with your help! When you contribute $25 to our campaign, it pays for 1 single mother to be sponsored.
Stressed, overburdened, and overworked single moms, who are searching for a better way of life rely on us to help them. Please contribute today.
CoAbode® has resonated among single families and the media, the demand for our service is growing exponentially. We have proved how house sharing helps female-headed households. Being overburdened affects a single mom’s health, job performance, and her ability to focus on parenting.
MEDIA
CoAbode
has been featured in Time Magazine, USA Today, Diane Sawyer with Good Morning
America, NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw,
Christian Science Monitor, Fox’s Inside
Edition, CNN and many
other media outlets.
CoAbode’s system fuels economic self-sufficiency and emotional wellness, revolutionizing what constitutes a thriving family.
Besides the shared services network, other CoAbode® benefits include specialized support groups for childcare, babysitting co-ops, and access to vital community resources.
Social entrepreneur Carmel Sullivan-Boss, founder of CoAbode®, leads and manages all aspects of the organization. She has 20+ years of experience in both for-profit and non-profit sectors. Her support team includes local women leaders in their professional fields, some of whom were CoAbode® members and successfully established house sharing through CoAbode®. They contribute as paid professional consultants in the areas of web technology, business development, strategic planning, and financial management.
I applaud you on your service. It is a need long awaited to be filled. ANGELA
“It’s
a necessity. If it weren’t for sharing the care of my kids with another
mom, I wouldn’t have a life” KAREN
WHAT WE NEED/WHY WE NEED FUNDING
We need to rebuild the website and expand the CoAbode house share service for increased service availability in 2016 and beyond.
It’s time for CoAbode® to build on its successes so that we can meet the growing demand for the service. Our goal for this campaign is to raise capital for the following:
1. We need to expand the CoAbode® website.
The site is currently not able to handle the amount of traffic we get and becomes overloaded and keeps crashing. We have to rebuild and improve the site's stability while making additional services (Friend Circle, Affordable Housing Access, Collaborative Partners Program, Single Mother’s Resources) more interactive for shared housing members
2. Hire staff (Dedicated team members to accomplish CoAbode's® goals)
We need staff to:
a) Develop and update program systems and processes.
b) Create a marketing strategy to expand our resources for women and children, locally, regionally and globally.
c) Develop a monetization strategy for self sustainability.
When we speak to women with children, their primary focuses are housing, safety, education, medical, and environmental issues. These are also community issues.
CoAbode® believes that when we make the right tools available to single mothers, we are in fact supporting the well-being of our communities and country at large.
When you contribute to this campaign, you’re helping to expand the service with advanced technological infrastructure and program development.
I think it is one of the best ideas I've seen on the
Internet. I am facing an upcoming divorce and one of my biggest worries were :
1. finding affordable housing 2. Being totally alone (all my family live in
Europe). Your website offers a simple solution to both! RENATA
CoAbode makes a difference and you can too. When you contribute to our campaign you are helping in all these ways:
1. Enhanced financial conditions
· Single moms can create and maintain more affordable living arrangements and ultimately a healthier, happier lifestyle.
· Some divorced mothers can keep the family home by having another single mom roommate halve maintenance costs.
· With resources less strained, moms with lower paying jobs don’t need to depend on government assistance.
· Mothers can manage their finances more effectively, and have more discretionary funds to pursue activities that add quality to their own and their children’s lives.
2. Promote domestic abuse/violence prevention
· With another housing alternative, single moms are empowered to escape abusive situations
· Roommates have often provided emotional support in an abused single mom’s situation.
· Our data reveals that many women have indeed successfully left a violent household through CoAbode® house sharing.
3. Enhanced quality of life
· Splitting household responsibilities alleviates fatigue and stress, improves time management, and therefore makes for a healthier relationship with the children and perhaps increases private time for themselves.
· Women have reported that through house sharing, they have gained an additional 56 hours a month on average.
We know that there are millions of single moms who probably aren’t aware of the shared housing opportunity because they’ve not yet heard of us. And even still, some who have, may discover that there are no other potential housing matches in her locale.
In each of these cases, matches are not immediate, may take longer than a member desires, or may not happen at all. Many single mothers like to be able to act and see results according to her personal situation. Our worst risk is a discouraged single mother still without viable housing.
However, this is precisely why CoAbode® has launched this campaign. It is our mission to upgrade to a more powerful website and recruit paid staff to begin fully developing programs in response to single mothers’ feedback about their experiences before getting matched, and while and after settling into a house share. We are here to continuously close the gap for single mothers who need CoAbode® but have not yet secured shared housing. CoAbode® will continue to help as long as there are single mothers.
We all deeply appreciate your contributions!
OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP
· Help us make some noise about our campaign! Please use the tools [below] to share this campaign with others you believe also want to make remarkable differences in the lives of our members and their children.
· Are you a business owner or organization that wants to partner with CoAbode® to enhance single mothers’ resources? Please contact us!
· Do you know a struggling single mom? Tell her about CoAbode® or remember us when you do meet one.
· Help make new single mom connections in your city. Contact the CoAbode® team via the website to find out how.
TESTIMONIALS
"we're here to support one another as much as we can."
"Because our sons are both only children, it's been good for them to have brotherly attention and learn that they are not the center of the universe, And we're here to support one another as much as we can." For example, recently when Allen had a late class, Shawn picked up my son from school, fed and bathed him and put him to bed. And we trade off like that constantly, which makes life less stressful for both of us. Shawn and Darcie in Washington, DC
“Sometimes you just get tired. And having a friend nearby and having support has, you know, made it easier”
CoAbode is the greatest and I would be honored to further the cause We are now coaboding , after knowing each other's families for a year. We are starting to build a business together as well, helping women in creative businesses... Cynthia and Lili in NY
"Well, I'm just going to make him my brother!" insisted 4-year-old Reagan after her mother explained that she and Dorian were not related.
We met through CoAbode, the four of us became house mates. Now we eat breakfast as a family together every morning. A few nights a week after the kids are put to bed we can hang out in the den and chat or watch TV. Occasionally, one of us can go out with friends, leaving the other mom in charge of the sleeping kids. That's the main thing you need most as a single parent. Sometimes, you just need a break. Despite age and gender differences, Dorian and Reagan have bonded. They are very sibling-like. Alison and Sheila in Atlanta GA
“I’m a far better mother because I'm less stressed." In a town outside of Minneapolis, Jennifer and
Simone came to each others economic rescue. The single mothers, were
desperate. Jennifer had two children, ages 4 and 3 months; a house; and a
mortgage way beyond her means.
Jennifer and Simone in MN
“I would definitely recommend the
service to anyone” Had it not been for CoAbode I never would have pursued a home share
situation. I would definitely recommend the service to
anyone (and have) I think CoAbode is great it gave me the support I needed to
seek what I believe is the best possible living arrangement for my son being a
single mom and not having the support of the other parent. I thank you for creating this service that helped me find
this great opportunity that we both have now. Stacey
Michelle in Brooklyn “she was a godsend” I mean she was a godsend, I just couldn't figure out how I was going to do it alone. Now we are looking for a third housemate.
Christeen in California“it is really wonderful” I recently hooked up with a single mother from CoAbode for shared housing and she moved in with me at the beginning of August - it is really wonderful to create 'family' in that way.
Katie in Texas “It is a fantastic way for single mothers to find compatible living situations and create alternative 'family” I met a mother of a young girl thru your website who lived with me for over a year. We became good friends and her daughter is the flower girl in my upcoming wedding. It is a fantastic way for single mothers to find compatible living situations and create alternative 'family'.
Kathy “We are very much a family and my son refers to her kids as his brother and his sister! have been house sharing with another single mom successfully for one year. My son is 4 1/2 and her children are 3 1/2 and 6.We are very much a "family "and my son refers to her kids as his brother and his sister! I love your service. Sincerely
Danielle in Washington "But I never dreamed it would be this amazing. Simpler. Better. Happier. Easier. Cheaper.” I feel I owe a lot to CoAbode. My life is definitely better because of your efforts, and I am grateful every day for how your idea has changed my life. Thank you for all you have done.
Anonymous “This is a valuable service I believe it can save moms and children from abusive situation” I would still be living with an abusive husband if I did not find another single mom to share a house with. I know there are a lot of other moms who feel trapped in bad situations who would move in a heartbeat if they knew that they did have options. My ex tried to convince me that there was no way I could make it on my own. I almost believed him. But I am able to with the help of another single mom. This is a valuable service that I believe can save moms and children from abusive situations.
Star “It’s a necessity. If it weren’t for sharing the care of my kids with another mom, I wouldn’t have a life” As a mom you want help, you don’t yearn to be alone. There needs to be financial and emotional support, and we’re finding creative ways of giving it to each other. House sharing holds a deep meaning for me that’s about women starting to parent together again. ”
Audrey, CA “We’ve got a much better house than either of us could have afforded alone” I joined CoAbode with very low expectations. I really didn’t believe that I would make a connection there that would result in sharing a house but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to give it a shot. It seemed that working through personal connections was a better place to start. I was totally wrong. CoAbode is great because it’s a central point for single mums who are looking to accomplish the exact same thing… a better living situation for themselves and their kids. My roommate and I met on CoAbode. We’ve been living together with our combined three children for a year and it is really fantastic. Because we’re pooling finances we’ve got a much better house than either of us could have afforded alone. We share chores like cooking and shopping so our stress factors have gone down. It really has improved my life immensely. I feel extremely grateful to CoAbode for making something very difficult so much easier, and I recommend this kind of choice to any single mum who finds it tough going alone.
Stephanie, Atlanta GA “Your program worked perfectly” I have recently moved in with
a woman that I met through your program.
I have two daughters and she has one.
When we met, it was great because we were actually friends when we were
younger. It worked out perfectly!
Barbara, San Diego, CA “It’s
sheer heaven” I have found a tremendous
sense of relief in house sharing. My kids have also seen the
positive results of house sharing. They
enjoy having playmates, and mom being able to spend more time and money on
them. The greatest benefit of all is
noticing my kids have more respect for me as they see I am making an effort to
make their lives and mine better!”
Freya, CA I've been able to save through house sharing (rent, utilities, childcare, etc.)? $500 I've
started taking classes towards a degree and my daughter is in a better daycare.
PARTNER COLLABORATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
These are just some of the agencies that seek our program
as a valuable final step for single moms seeking stable independence.
The Orthodox Congregational Church (Mansfield, MA) Child and Family Guidance Center (Northridge, CA) Raise the Nation (Albuquerque, NM) Loving Arms Program (Santa Paula, CA) Glendale YWCA Domestic Violence Project Heart of Florida United Way (Florida) Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota (Saint Paul, MN) Virginia Beach Dept. of Human Services (VA) Homeless Advocacy Project (San Francisco, CA) Family and Home Network (Fairfax, VA) Adams County Social Services Department (CO) Commuter Services and Housing Resource Center at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst (Amherst, MA) Brea Family Resource Center (Brea, CA)
By enabling single moms to connect with like minded single moms for house sharing CoAbode offers a solid, ALTERNATIVE solution to serious problems. The majority of our single mom participants say they would NEVER have considered pooling resources with another single mom were it not for hearing or reading about the service we provide. Just by existing, we provide a bright light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
OMG, I just need to say a huge thank you and send you a humongous virtual hug. I'm recently divorced myself and I've dreamed of a service just like this. What a wonderful wonderful community..I was in tears reading through it and of course signed up immediately. Wendei
It was a breath of fresh air to see your ad, inviting single moms, (Me and Mine!!!) Your website and mission moved me greatly. Why? Because for the last several months, I've been thinking, and hoping, that there existed a group of women that share my difficult and awkward situation. Actually, it's not even a bad or unhealthy place to be... We've taken our power, our kids, our freedom, walked away from physical, mental and emotional abuse, (A healthy message and example for our kids) and we need to collaborate with other women who have had the courage to do the same thing... When I get soooo overwhelmed being the perfect mother, the chauffeur, the cook, the masseuse, the tutor and homework person, the financial provider, the social secretary, the shopper for cloths, food, extra accessories for trips, the Dad, the disciplinarian, etc., etc., I often say to myself, there must be a family, an organization, a group of single parents, men a/or women, with great kids who would love to live together and share responsibilities. Not based on a romantic relationship, but simply on a practical opportunity to co-exist.... and give our children the best environment possible. I think you have a brilliant idea, and a wonderful opportunity to uplift and support thousands of women who are suffering and need help... Karen, Los Angeles
Brilliant! Brilliant!
Dear CoAbode: You have no idea how grateful I am that you exist, because the services you
offer are SO NECESSARY in this world! I find it truly remarkable
what you are doing for woman in our society! Malka
I think the program you are providing is a valuable support system for women and their children. Congratulations on your work! Mary
I have just
found your website and I LOVE IT!!!! I am a single mom with SIX children!!! I
have been divorced officially for a few months now- but my ex- husband chose to
leave us almost 2 years ago...
I live in Dallas, Texas and am very interested to meet other single parents-
and would love to begin a single moms group and facilitate it!!!
I would appreciate any info... Thanks so much for all that you all do...
Renee, Dallas, TX
I'm so moved by your generosity toward single mothers and their families, and toward me and mine in particular. I hardly can find words to thank you, because "thank you" doesn't feel like enough.
Your service is exactly what I need! congratulations on a wonderful idea. Beth, Glendale
You instituted a great idea with this. Lyn, New Jersey
This is a great idea - rent in Toronto has gone crazy. The price for a decent apartment is a lot more than one income can afford. Do you know of any similar service in Canada? Sarah, Canada
What a beautiful effort - you are making the world a better place. Michelle, LA, CA
Nikki, Scotland. On a web site search for single parents in Edinburgh Scotland I came across your site - do you have any members in Scotland.
I am a former single mom and would like to share your site! Great Idea!
I am so excited and happy that I found you ladies, it is a WONDERFUL thing what you are doing and the service you provide, God knows we MOM's need all the help we can get. Cynthia, Pasadena, Ca
I am the Health Education Program Coordinator at Dallas Healthy Start. I would love to be able to pass it on to our outreach workers. Thank you, Charlotte, Dallas, TX
On a more personal note, I am a single mom of three (including twins), and I know that my roommates have proven invaluable. It was difficult to find them, however, and I think that your service answers a very real need with a very real solution. Thank you for taking the time and energy to do this thing for the moms and their children. Christina. PA
Parent Partner, Even Start Hello - I was excited to see the ad for this program. Christine San Francisco, CA
I read about your website in the December issue of Fit Pregnancy and had to see it. It's a terrific idea, congratulations! Fiona Hudson Valley
What a BRILLIANT idea! What a great idea! Lisa, FL.
Hi, I've joined CoAbode to build a circle of friends in my area. I think this is a terrific idea and a valuable service. Thanks! Kirst WA
Your web-site is a hope for single mothers that there are others out there in similar situations who just need a little help to get ahead. Thank You, Susan
I haven't had any luck with house sharing yet, but the "Circle of Friends" is working great. I have had 8 responses since I volunteered to be a facilitator and we have started organizing ourselves and had our first get together on Mother's Day and we have next weekend planned already. CoAbode is more than just house sharing so if they are interested in any other aspects of it, I’d volunteer to be a resource. Sammy Atlanta, GA
CoAbode made a big difference in my life by opening my eyes to a new way to make connections. It helped me realize I wasn't the only one out there, and that we all need to support each other. Thanks so much for being there when I needed to know that there were options. Name: Jaye, From: CA
SPONSORS
CoAbode, is expanding our partnership
of public and private sector allies. Sponsorship
opportunities are being offered to a select few Conscious Creative corporations.
Together
we can develop the perfect sponsorship package for your organization.