The multifamily industry demonstrates no shortage of generosity. I am often asked by clients to suggest projects they can undertake to give back to the community. Many of us are fortunate to be able to write checks to the endless list of worthwhile causes, but I'm a firm believer that engaging our human resources can be more gratifying and a win-win-win proposition.

First, if your employees can play a role in selecting a beneficiary, they will feel empowered, be more inclined to participate, and be grateful to their employer for the opportunity. Let’s face it; it is very difficult for many of our employees to make meaningful cash gifts. But if you as an employer can find a way for them to utilize their skills and are willing to donate some of their time on the clock, it can be a gratifying experience for everyone.

So what is an example of what multifamily management companies and their employees can do? In Kansas City, there is a fabulous organization called Community Linc that provides interim housing and comprehensive family counseling for homeless families to enable them to live independently.  Community Linc has 40 furnished apartment units. These units and the buildings in which they are located require routine maintenance including turn-overs and cleaning. Community Linc has one maintenance supervisor who not only performs maintenance but also must repair, maintain and move furniture. The pressures on his time require that certain tasks be contracted out at considerable expense. We offer consulting services to a local property management firm. Every Tuesday, a skilled maintenance tech from one of our client’s properties visits Community Linc to assist the full-time staff.

Community Linc's supervisor hands the visiting tech a list, and by the end of the day, not only is the list complete, but a number of tasks that would otherwise be contracted out, have been completed as well. Some of the client’s administrative staff also volunteers to help clean apartments on turn-over. There is one associate at the home office that coordinates between Community Linc and the client’s maintenance staff and takes care of mileage reimbursement. Community Linc is always in need of furniture, appliances and housewares of the type that is frequently abandoned on properties. Our on-site administrative staff coordinates the transfer of those items to Community Linc, often in the back of the tech's truck on the day he visits there. An incidental potential benefit, although not our motivation, is that tax credits are available to qualified organizations for volunteer hours.

There is no doubt that not-for-profit housing exists in your community that can use your help. For example, I have recently read about "housing first" projects for the chronically homeless in Tampa and Santa Monica. If you find the opportunity, you will make these facilities as well as your staff extremely proud and enhance the respect of your clients who may in-turn be able to take advantage of some tax credits.