Renting a house in Iowa for a grassroots base of operations

[IDefendThePlatform]

What about renting a summer place in Ames (June, July, Aug) for the straw poll, then getting a place in Des Moines for Sept-Feb (caucuses)?

Iowa State student off campus housing would probably be cheap. I'm thinking they've got to have an inexpensive, large house or two available for summer sublet while classes are out. The Iowa State website says they have a list of off campus housing, I'll check into it.

 

[UtahApocalypse]

So it sounds like there is a great deal of interest. Now for the logistics.

Things to consider, other than the obvious one of trying to find a place:

What dates will it be rented?

What "house rules" will there be? (Like it or not, there will need to be a few, not the least of which are reinforced by the lease)

How will you maintain a presence at the house throughout the season?

What are the most important dates for which you absolutely need the house to be packed?

Who will arrange for things like phones and office supplies in order to conduct business at the location?

etc.

Some thoughts:

We need one "House Leader"

We need separate groups of people accomplishing different things. Such as one group making signs, one group canvassing the local area, one group making phone calls, one group organizing events, and maybe a group setting up a house somewhere else.

I don't think we are taking into consideration how important this is. First, Iowa is such an important state! A good showing in Iowa sets the pace for the entire race! Also, people flock to what works. Once people see the Liberty House, its political positiveness as well as its social benefits connecting people in the movement, more people will want to join and make their own! LETS DO ITTTT!

I agree with both of these posts. This is my personal thoughts on prioritizing:

1: House Board of Trustees: This should be a group of 5-9 persons that may, or may not spend time at the house. They would be made of members of RPF, DP, and Other sites. These persons would need to be able to dedicate some time daily to the project throughout. The trustees would form a committee that each member has specific responsibilities; finances, lodging plans, communications, campaign liason, and other as needed.

2: House Leader: Someone willing and able to spend 4-6 months in Iowa at the house. person should be well familiar with, and within the "Ron Paul" movement. Would prefer that this person has some type of experience that would benefit the position (business, campaign, leadership). Person should have a drivers licence, and preferably a vehicle that can be used to pick up new housemates and run various errands. (a van for this use needs to also be sought out) This position is the most vital of the project so the final choice should be made by a "House Board of Trustees"


Further details should be discussed such as the rules, communications, and financial accounts. We need to RAPIDLY get these first objectives and locate a house before going too much further. I also suggest a similar project be undertaken for NH.

 

[IDefendThePlatform]

http://www.public.iastate.edu/~catalog/2003-05/geninfo/house.htm#offcampus

Off-campus Housing for Students
Availability and cost are factors to be considered when living off campus. Sleeping rooms in older houses, apartments, and duplexes make up the bulk of off-campus housing.

The Off Campus & Adult Student Services, B6 Memorial Union, keeps a listing of off-campus rental units. Other housing may be obtained through real estate agents, local newspapers, or by contacting individual owners.

It is best that the student come to Ames well in advance of the time he or she plans to begin academic work, as many units are rented 3 to 6 months in advance. The single occupancy room rental rates average $200 to $500 per month. Average rental rate per student sharing an apartment or house would be in the $250 to $400 range per month. Board for students living in off-campus rooms may be obtained in residence hall dining rooms, private restaurants, or the Memorial Union.

A meal plan is available in the Department of Residence to off-campus students that provides any one meal per day, Monday through Friday, while classes are in session. Information may be obtained from the Administrative Office, Department of Residence, 1215 Friley Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50012-0003.

 

[Eric21ND]

So it sounds like there is a great deal of interest. Now for the logistics.

Things to consider, other than the obvious one of trying to find a place:

What dates will it be rented?

What "house rules" will there be? (Like it or not, there will need to be a few, not the least of which are reinforced by the lease)

How will you maintain a presence at the house throughout the season?

What are the most important dates for which you absolutely need the house to be packed?

Who will arrange for things like phones and office supplies in order to conduct business at the location?

etc.

Dates and duration of stay you have two options basically. Short-term or Long-term. Short stay could mean June-August. Long term could mean June-Feb. We could still be very active during the fall and winter months. We could also setup carpooling services for the caucus, in every county hopefully. We'd need as many volunteers as possible for that, out of state people especially.

I'm not sure on House rules as of yet. Any good ideas? I mean as long as people are respectful of others I don't foresee too many issues.

I agree with someone else, there's already a good deal of interest in this project already and once they start seeing results and on the ground reporting, I think other will flock in and help out. We might even get flooded with volunteers. Maybe we could setup other projects in the other major Iowa cities, have them be our satellite houses. So keeping a presence shouldn't be too much of an issue.

We need it packed at least a month before the Ames straw poll and at least a month before the caucus. So July-August and Dec, Jan, Feb.

We should delegate someone to be in charge of supplies and whatnot, we can buy them outright or have people donate them to us. Supplies shouldn't be too expensive.

 

[Eric21ND]

What about renting a summer place in Ames (June, July, Aug) for the straw poll, then getting a place in Des Moines for Sept-Feb (caucuses)?

Iowa State student off campus housing would probably be cheap. I'm thinking they've got to have an inexpensive, large house or two available for summer sublet while classes are out. The Iowa State website says they have a list of off campus housing, I'll check into it.

That is another option...probably the smartest option. Keep looking for housing sites online. I haven't really found anything around Ames or Des Moines that works yet.

 

[MelissaWV]

I should have also added "whose name is going to be on the lease."

Once you have things planned and a general idea of expenses (a realistic one, at that) for donors and for people staying there, you'll likely get more concrete answers. This WILL be a household for 3-6 months, which means all the usual household expenses, and a cushion for issues (30 people... 2 toilets... six months...). Depending on the place you will also need a security deposit to start things off. You don't need furniture, and people can bring their own "lighting" (the dollar store sells little battery-operated lanterns, too). You will still need basic groceries and hygeine products. You'll need cleaning products, though knowing some on here that is wishful thinking. You'll absolutely need internet set up at the house, and obviously water and electricity and, depending on the way Iowa works, trash pickup. If it's a house, you'll need to care for the lawn and exterior. You might consider a renter's insurance policy for the duration, since there will be a great deal of equipment in the home, but then again it would be impossible to keep it updated.

All of that needs to be estimated, and the plans need some polish.

This isn't a "you suck" post, either. If I didn't think the idea had merit I wouldn't bother thinking it through and posting information that I think needs to be addressed.

 

[thehighwaymanq]

1: House Board of Trustees: This should be a group of 5-9 persons that may, or may not spend time at the house. They would be made of members of RPF, DP, and Other sites. These persons would need to be able to dedicate some time daily to the project throughout. The trustees would form a committee that each member has specific responsibilities; finances, lodging plans, communications, campaign liason, and other as needed.

I like this. There needs to be a serious base that has things set so the othervolunteers can just come in easily and begin working.

2: House Leader: Someone willing and able to spend 4-6 months in Iowa at the house. person should be well familiar with, and within the "Ron Paul" movement. Would prefer that this person has some type of experience that would benefit the position (business, campaign, leadership). Person should have a drivers licence, and preferably a vehicle that can be used to pick up new housemates and run various errands. (a van for this use needs to also be sought out) This position is the most vital of the project so the final choice should be made by a "House Board of Trustees"

I like this too. And good idea about the van! That would absolutely come in handy. This is really going to require a lot of money. Once we secure the lease, and normal house materials needed for X amount of people, and the van, and the materials and events we do, the cost is going to be high.

Further details should be discussed such as the rules, communications, and financial accounts. We need to RAPIDLY get these first objectives and locate a house before going too much further. I also suggest a similar project be undertaken for NH.

We need to start a new thread for NH. And we should try to locate a house for lease by the end of May.

http://www.public.iastate.edu/~catal....htm#offcampus

It is best that the student come to Ames well in advance of the time he or she plans to begin academic work, as many units are rented 3 to 6 months in advance. The single occupancy room rental rates average $200 to $500 per month. Average rental rate per student sharing an apartment or house would be in the $250 to $400 range per month. Board for students living in off-campus rooms may be obtained in residence hall dining rooms, private restaurants, or the Memorial Union.

This is important for people going to Ames independently. But we need larger housing that can house many people at once.

Once you have things planned and a general idea of expenses (a realistic one, at that) for donors and for people staying there, you'll likely get more concrete answers. This WILL be a household for 3-6 months, which means all the usual household expenses, and a cushion for issues (30 people... 2 toilets... six months...). Depending on the place you will also need a security deposit to start things off. You don't need furniture, and people can bring their own "lighting" (the dollar store sells little battery-operated lanterns, too). You will still need basic groceries and hygeine products. You'll need cleaning products, though knowing some on here that is wishful thinking. You'll absolutely need internet set up at the house, and obviously water and electricity and, depending on the way Iowa works, trash pickup. If it's a house, you'll need to care for the lawn and exterior. You might consider a renter's insurance policy for the duration, since there will be a great deal of equipment in the home, but then again it would be impossible to keep it updated.

All of that needs to be estimated, and the plans need some polish.

Good point- this is very important. We need cheap yet effective ways to live with each other for X amount of time. We need to be smart and locate good deals on toilet paper, blankets, hygiene products, cleaning products, and food. I'm sure we will have different people with different skills who could cut the lawn, etc.

We would need to set up a like a "Computer Room" to effectively have people network and reach out to other volunteers and voters.

 

[thehighwaymanq]

Just recieved this back from YAL:

Hi Matt,


Unfortunately, because of YAL's tax status as a 501(c)3 organization, we are unable to do anything to support or oppose candidates for public office. This would include getting involved in your Liberty House idea. However, rest assured that we will be active in Iowa and training activists to be effective in the political process.


Thanks for getting in touch, and for all you do for liberty.


Best,


Andrew Sharp (awsharp on RPFs)

 

[Mallory]

What about contacting Drew Ivers, the chairman for Iowa campaign?

 

[The Dark Knight]

What about renting a summer place in Ames (June, July, Aug) for the straw poll, then getting a place in Des Moines for Sept-Feb (caucuses)?

Iowa State student off campus housing would probably be cheap. I'm thinking they've got to have an inexpensive, large house or two available for summer sublet while classes are out. The Iowa State website says they have a list of off campus housing, I'll check into it.

Yes great idea! This makes the most sense!

 

[erowe1]

Is there anybody who's following this thread who's from Iowa and seriously interested in helping with this?

 

[thehighwaymanq]

What about contacting Drew Ivers, the chairman for Iowa campaign?

I messaged him through the C4L website. Along with C4L leaders in Iowa. I haven't received anything back.

 

[trey4sports]

Liberty bump!

This needs implementation!

 

[thehighwaymanq]

Is there anybody who's following this thread who's from Iowa and seriously interested in helping with this?

Seriously. We have no Iowa people on here?

 

[thehighwaymanq]

Ok. YAL can't do anything as an organization, so we can only get individual members to help us. I have added numerous people on Facebook to try to talk to them.

 

[IDefendThePlatform]

I live in western Iowa, about 2.5 hours from Ames. I'm definitely on board with this idea and willing to help. My understanding is that right now we are looking for real estate and trying to gauge volunteer/financial interest. If there is anything in particular that I can do at this point beyond looking for real estate online, please let me know.

 

[speciallyblend]

I live in western Iowa, about 2.5 hours from Ames. I'm definitely on board with this idea and willing to help. My understanding is that right now we are looking for real estate and trying to gauge volunteer/financial interest. If there is anything in particular that I can do at this point beyond looking for real estate online, please let me know.

I would be interested in coming out to help but i will have to make a chipin to make sure 100% of my expenses are covered! Me and wife are having hard times right now with money!! struggling to just pay our rent and bills and put gas in the tank to get to work!!! I would need to take time off work,loss of wages etc etc . Odds are i will be a last resort volunteer. ps basically i am 30 days from being homeless if i lost my job!! After my wifes injury we went from home owners and 2 cars to nothing! now just renters and hoping we will not become homeless. after the gop and dems in my lifetime ,my only dream now is to own 1 acre and put something on it to live in and then that is it!!

 

[IDefendThePlatform]

Ok, I'm liking this one. The owner just texted me and its available May 10th through august 15th. Seriously, this seems like it has what we need and is in a good location.


$330 / 3br - 3 Bedroom 2 Bath house for summer Rental (Ames, IA, Stanton)

Date: 2011-04-25, 4:44PM CDT


3 Bed 2 Bath house, fenced in yard, storage shed, porch, off street parking for 3 cars, basement, washer/dryer. I am renting out all three rooms $330 per room and we divide the utilities. 6 blocks from campus. 1 block from cyride route. Off street parking. Renting out for summer 2011. A refundable deposit is also required. Email me or text or call with any questions. Thanks


http://ames.craigslist.org/apa/2345863896.html

Thoughts? It prob wont be on the market too long.

 

[The Dark Knight]

Ok, I'm liking this one. The owner just texted me and its available May 10th through august 15th. Seriously, this seems like it has what we need and is in a good location.


$330 / 3br - 3 Bedroom 2 Bath house for summer Rental (Ames, IA, Stanton)

Date: 2011-04-25, 4:44PM CDT


3 Bed 2 Bath house, fenced in yard, storage shed, porch, off street parking for 3 cars, basement, washer/dryer. I am renting out all three rooms $330 per room and we divide the utilities. 6 blocks from campus. 1 block from cyride route. Off street parking. Renting out for summer 2011. A refundable deposit is also required. Email me or text or call with any questions. Thanks


http://ames.craigslist.org/apa/2345863896.html

Thoughts? It prob wont be on the market too long.

Sounds like a great location for a good price. we can move to Des Moines after the ames straw poll.

 

[IDefendThePlatform]

Sounds like a great location for a good price. we can move to Des Moines after the ames straw poll.

Are people willing to donate to this? Its time to get it going if they are. Summer houses in Ames will be off the market shortly I would think. I'm texting the owner again now. Please chime in if you would be willing to donate for this.