Research, research and more research followed by action and consistency.

You would want to start by making inquiries at the following institutions the Department of Health and Human Services, The Foundation Center (for grant information) and The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. You want to check in your area with the Urban League, the County/Municipal Government and the police department to see what is currently existing in your area.

You will also want to do a personal inventory to see if you are physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually ready to undertake such a serious activity. If you shelter is going to be a Not-for-profit you will need to find people who will serve on you Board of Directors.

You will want an attorney to help guide you with filling the legal paper work for 501c3 status. You need to make sure the neighbor you are going to put the shelter in isn't going to be hostile to the idea. This is done by doing a survey in the neighborhood. You will need to look at what your property options are. Are you going to lease, rent or purchase your property? Each one of these has it advantages or disadvantages.