A: In Hawaiian, it means light, knowledge, and wisdom. We believe that when a family has a stable home, they can finally step into their light and share their unique gifts with the community.

A: We are starting in Mount Shasta and Siskiyou County because this is our home, but our "Village Model" is designed to be a blueprint for rural communities everywhere who are facing housing crises.

A: Absolutely. We are building a regenerative ecosystem. Whether it’s a parcel of land, building materials, or your professional skills, every "gift" helps us build the next unit faster.

A: It’s about staying local, maintaining efficiency of operations, and keeping our mission protected. While most nonprofits "apply" to the government for permission to be tax-exempt (501(c)(3)), the law provides a Mandatory Exception for organizations like ours under Section 508(c)(1)(a). We chose this path because it offers the highest level of administrative autonomy while reducing extra red tape. We don’t want our community’s housing mission to lose precious resources needed to build homes by doing extra administrative tasks every year, or be subject to the shifting rules of a national franchise or a distant bureaucracy who doesn't understand the needs of our community. We are recognized as tax-exempt by law from day one. We maintain full administrative records and operate with the same transparency as any community trust, just under a different legal shield.

A: Ohana Mālamalama is a faith-rooted ministry built on the conviction that human beings are created for purpose and community. Our values are expressed through Hawaiian language because our co-founder Afa Garrigan brings indigenous Pacific heritage to the work... and those values are the same ones that run through every faith tradition that takes human dignity seriously: people matter, families matter, and no one should be left behind. We walk alongside people of all backgrounds and beliefs, because the housing crisis doesn't check your credentials before it touches your life.

A: Absolutely. The IRS is very clear on this: contributions to a 508(c)(1)(a) organization are fully tax-deductible under IRC § 170(c)(2)(B). You get the same tax benefits as you would giving to any other church or community trust. IRS Publication 1828 confirms that we do not need a "determination letter" to be tax-exempt or for your gifts to be deductible, but you should check with your trusted tax advisor if you have questions.

A: That’s by design! The IRS public search tool only lists organizations that have filed a Form 1023 application. Because 508(c)(1)(a) organizations are a mandatory exception to that filing, we don't appear in that specific database. This is one of the ways we protect donor privacy. We don't believe your charitable giving should be a matter of public record on a government website. Our "proof" is our notarized founding documents and our IRS-issued EIN.

A: Not at all. It’s a way to protect the mission. This structure provides us with First Amendment protections that standard nonprofits don't have. It ensures that Ohana Mālamalama stays focused on building housing and supporting families in Siskiyou County without being forced to comply with reporting requirements that often compromise the privacy of those we serve. We still keep all mandatory records and comply with all laws and oversight as required.

A: Most "big" nonprofits are structured like franchises... they often send a percentage of every dollar to a national headquarters for "administrative fees." We don't. Because we are a private trust, 100% of our resources stay right here in the county. We don't have corporate masters, we don't pay franchise fees, and we don't answer to anyone but our local community and our mission. This allows us to move fast (like helping pass the Tiny House ordinance) without waiting for permission from a distant board or government agency for every step.

A: You can read the full code here: IRS Publication 1828