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Aurora Commons

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 352515559 ✦ Seattle, WA ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Aurora Commons?

Aurora Commons is a compassionate nonprofit organization situated in Seattle, Washington, with the mission to foster community, belonging, and healing among individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness. By collaborating with Harborview Medical Center/UW Medicine, Aurora Commons opened another medical clinic, the Aurora Clinic, serving all members of the community. In the 2021-2022 fiscal year, the organization welcomed over 13,850 visits, a 20% increase from the previous year. Aurora Commons employs a low-barrier approach, fostering trusting relationships that enable individuals to address their complex needs and overcome challenges. The organization offers practical resources to help those struggling to access basic necessities and aims to continually re-imagine ways to better serve its community.


Official website here: www.auroracommons.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator rating: 96%, Four-Star out of Four Star rating.

Aurora Commons has demonstrated exceptional performance in accountability and finance, earning a high score of 96%, which signifies strong operational transparency and effective management. The organization has a fully independent board of directors, ensuring unbiased governance, and has established comprehensive policies, including conflict of interest and whistleblower protections, reflecting its commitment to ethical practices.

The nonprofit's financial health is also impressive, with a program expense ratio of nearly 77%, indicating that the majority of its resources are directed towards its mission-driven activities. Additionally, the organization maintains a low liabilities-to-assets ratio of 2.25%, showcasing its stability and prudent financial management.

Overall, Aurora Commons stands out for its strong governance and financial practices, which are vital for maintaining donor trust and ensuring sustainability. There are no noted limitations in the data, highlighting the organization's effectiveness in fulfilling its charitable objectives.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

Is Aurora Commons legitimate?

Aurora Commons is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Aurora Commons submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $69,353
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $347,186

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.auroracommons.org

What is the mission statement of Aurora Commons?

Aurora Commons, as a community space, aims to offer a welcoming environment for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness. Here, they can rest, prepare meals, and connect to essential resources. The organization's mission extends beyond this, seeking to collectively foster a healthy and vibrant community. During the 2021/2022 fiscal year, they saw a 20% increase in visits, indicating a growing need and response to their services. Their approach is low-barrier, enabling individuals to connect with advocates without any stringent requirements, thereby fostering better relationships and enabling them to address more complex issues over time. Aurora Commons recognizes the unique challenges faced by each individual and offers practical resources to help them navigate their basic survival needs.


Official website here: www.auroracommons.org

Who is the CEO of Aurora Commons?

Elizabeth Dahl Helendi is the Executive Director of Aurora Commons.


Official website here: www.auroracommons.org

What is the revenue of Aurora Commons?

Aurora Commons's revenue in 2022 was $2,119,411.


Official website here: www.auroracommons.org

Who are the executives of Aurora Commons and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Aurora Commons during 2022 was $17,356. There are 24 employees and 130 volunteers at Aurora Commons.


Here are 9 key members and their salaries:


Elizabeth Dahl Helendi (Executive Director)
  • Compensation: $63,394
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $3,428
Brian Wyse (Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kate Forand-Featherston (Vice Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Rebecca Lavigne (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jamie Clausen (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jeff Cornejo (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Giana Davison (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kelly Gilmore (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dan Wise (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.auroracommons.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Aurora Commons?

Aurora Commons's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.auroracommons.org

Learn more at the official website: www.auroracommons.org

Mission Statement of Aurora Commons

Aurora Commons, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to providing a welcoming and inclusive space for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness. Its mission is to allow these individuals to rest, prepare meals, and connect with necessary resources. By doing so, Aurora Commons aims to cultivate a sense of community and healing among its neighbors. During the 2021/2022 fiscal year, the organization saw a 20% increase in visits, totaling 13,854, demonstrating its impact and growing presence in the community. Aurora Commons takes a low-barrier approach, encouraging those who visit to feel comfortable and at ease, which has proven to be effective in fostering connections with its neighbors. The organization's philosophy is rooted in trust-building, recognizing the unique challenges and complexities each individual faces while navigating the larger social services network in Seattle. By offering practical resources and building long-term relationships, Aurora Commons aims to empower its neighbors to address their more intricate needs and overcome barriers to stability.

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Impact




October, 2024

Aurora Commons significantly impacts the lives of unhoused individuals in Seattle by creating a welcoming environment that fosters community and belonging. This space allows individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness to rest, prepare meals, and access vital resources. During the fiscal year 2021/2022, Aurora Commons welcomed 13,854 visits, reflecting a 20% increase from the previous year, indicating rising trust and engagement within the community.

By partnering with Harborview Medical Center/UW Medicine, Aurora Commons expanded its services with the establishment of the Aurora Clinic, which provides essential medical care to all. This collaboration underscores a commitment to holistic care, addressing both immediate survival needs and long-term health outcomes.

The organization employs a low-barrier, team-based advocacy model that prioritizes building relationships. This approach allows visitors to engage at their own pace, fostering trust which is crucial for addressing complex issues related to homelessness. By recognizing the unique stories and shared challenges of their neighbors, Aurora Commons actively works to dismantle barriers that prevent individuals from accessing essential services.

Through consistent support and advocacy, Aurora Commons empowers unhoused individuals to navigate the social services network, ultimately guiding them toward stability and improved quality of life. The impact is not only about immediate assistance but also about cultivating a vibrant community where everyone feels valued and supported.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Aurora Commons. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$2,119,411 (2022)
Expenses
$1,138,319 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $60
  • Gross Receipts: $2,119,411

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $3,714,103
  • Total Liabilities: $2,450,000
  • Net Assets: $1,264,103

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Organization Details

Founding Year

2014

Principal Officer

Elizabeth Dahl Helendi

Main Address

302 A N 78th St, Seattle, WA, 98103

NTEE Category

Code: N50 - Recreation

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