Others required a nonprofit or an established partner.

We learned quickly that a generous inheritance could disappear into renovations if we weren’t careful.

“We can help people without building an institution overnight,” Elise said whenever I got carried away.

We chose to preserve most of the first floor, repair the roof, add a safe entrance, and use the living room for small scheduled gatherings rather than promise a full-service community center immediately.

An existing local nonprofit agreed to help administer volunteer activities and review insurance and safety requirements.