Spotlight on Rentals

About a year and a half ago I began acting as a Host to groups who rented space in our building.  When Peggy left I took over as the Rental Coordinator.  In this space I would like to tell you about how rentals work and why they are important to our congregation.  In future posts I will write about who our renters are, what goes on behind the scenes and how you can hold an event in our building. 

Let’s start with: Why Rent Our Building to Outside Groups?

Technically the answer is to offset the costs of facilities acquisition, utilities, maintenance, staffing and general wear and tear (as stated in the 2020 Facilities Use Guide.)  But there are some other benefits of renting our building.  Perhaps the top benefit is to become more visible and known in the wider community.  Our outreach programs attract persons like ourselves which is good.  A rental by an outside group brings in a diverse and, perhaps unreachable, clientele.  Lots of people learn about the UUS by attending an event in our building.  They may not become members, but it is a good way to get the word out that we are here and we are a possibility.

Another benefit is the hospitality we can show our partner non-profit groups.  We are a generous congregation.  Along with giving money we also rent to non-profit groups at a very reasonable, discounted rate.  Finding spaces to hold events is hard and expensive so allowing groups like The Center for Worker’s Justice and the Inside Out Reentry Program to hold fundraising events in our building is a kind and charitable thing to do.  Rental to non-profit groups fits perfectly in our mission.

Stayed tuned for more information on rentals in future posts.

Sue Kann, Volunteer Rental Coordinator