This is H.O.W. House

An agency that provides services to transgender people celebrates the purchase of a new facility.

By Cait Brennan

This Is H.O.W. celebrates opening of new house after successful fundraising campaign

This is H.O.W., a nonprofit crisis intervention agency that provides services to transgender people in need, is celebrating the success of its "Our Own Place" capital campaign with a new home and an open house on Nov. 26.

"We achieved what everybody thought was impossible," said Antonia D'orsay, executive director of This Is H.O.W. "We don't believe in impossible."

The group launched its fundraising effort in late July after learning that the owner of its rental property was losing the home to foreclosure. Rather than risk another rental, D'orsay said This is H.O.W. chose to invest in its future by purchasing its own residence.

The group had just weeks to raise $20,000 as a down payment or else risk shutting down, potentially leaving its residents homeless.

Donors rallied, contributing $20,000, including a $5,000 grant from Phoenix Pride. Phoenix Pride's donation will be recognized with a plaque on the front of the house.

"Our capital campaign was a complete success," said D'orsay. "We owe it all to the community. And we are ecstatic to have had this opportunity and we're so thankful to everybody."

The effort was not without its challenges. Several local banks refused to finance the purchase, D'orsay said.

D'orsay and her real estate agent located a 1940s farmhouse-style home on a lush, spacious lot that was for sale by owner. "I saw it, I fell in love and we made an offer that day," D'orsay said.

A nervewracking three-day weekend ensued before the offer was accepted. "The residents were very unnerved throughout the process, as I was, because it affects their lives on a daily basis," D'orsay said. "When this finally came through it was a huge relief to everybody."

With the help of volunteers and ongoing donations, This Is H.O.W. is at work renovating the residence. The organization has a wish list of physical goods donations on its website.

Paying down a mortgage instead of paying rent to a landlord gives This is H.O.W. a solid financial basis, D'orsay said.

"We cut our expenses back. We're in a really good position," she said. "It enables us to do a lot of other things." The organization also hired a bookkeeper, a fundraising director and a health and wellness coordinator, and is recruiting a new board member.

Board membership is not limited to trans people. "We have a good board that's a mix of people from all throughout the community coming together to help solve the issues that face trans people," D'orsay said.

This Is H.O.W. also recently opened an office at the 1 Voice Community Center. The group will soon host classes at 1 Voice, and D'orsay also provides training on trans issues for social service agencies, first responders and other LGBT organizations.

The group is also launching the AZ Trans Awards, a program to honor trans people and allies. "We realized that there needs to be more recognition in the trans community," D'orsay said.

A special award, Advocate of the Year, is reserved for persons of color. "We want people to understand that persons of color are just as much a part of this community, if not more so, and we feel they need specific recognition above and beyond," D'orsay said.

A full list of award categories is available at thisishow.org. Nominations close Nov. 15. Once nominations are received, the community at large will vote for the winners via Facebook.

At the open house community members can tour the new house and see firsthand how their donations have helped the group and its residents.

While the capital campaign is over, This Is H.O.W. still depends on regular donations and service fees from residents and classes to cover its operating expenses. The group is holding a fundraiser at the Bunkhouse on Dec. 4, featuring a variety show and chili cook-off.

With community support, the group is expanding its local programs and opening an affiliated This Is H.O.W. house in the Los Angeles area, D'orsay said.

"We are truly ahead of everybody else in the United States right here," D'orsay said. "We're the only ones who have the programs we have, we're the only ones who have the capabilities we have. Now that we're in a better position we're going to continue to grow, move forward and make a difference nationwide." -E

VITAL STATISTICS

This Is H.O.W. open house
10 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 26
For location information, visit www.thisishow.org

This Is H.O.W. Fundraiser
Raise The Roof Cabaret and Chili To Boot!
6-10 p.m. Dec. 4
The Bunkhouse
4428 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix