The following is an application to Venmo for a grant which prompted the question, why not share publicly and see if other interested charitable funds might appreciate the story and help also.
Venmo question:
We’d love to hear about your business, your background, and how you made it to where you are today.
HPLA Charities was born as Habitaciones Para Latinos Association with the mission to help low-income homeowners with home repairs. After owning a successful handyman business for 10 years Chairman Robert Flores realized most folks that called on him where not able to pay for the emergency repairs, he was called on to fix. After doing as much at no cost for the homeowner he decided that maybe others would join in and volunteer to provide the labor for free and he would provide all the materials and the tools.
Intime folks decided that they could not do the labor, but could donate to defer cost of materials and supplies. So, Robert provided all the labor he could himself. Others, that were able, helped with labor too. In conversations with homeowners that needed major repair they were referred to larger non-profits or public organizations dedicated to helping the elderly and the poor. There was never immediate help and with every case lots of paperwork. One organization required a $100.00 deposit to even process the application for help. Since 2016 after the loss of his daughter Robert decided to dedicate all the time, he could, to help folks at no cost or without question in the name of daughter Donni. It was easy to see who was in real need and those that were trying to steal some free help. 90% of any profits made from the Handyman business went to the charity. In 2023 Robert had helped hundreds, but his age caused the need for a series of heart procedures that ended with a Trans Aortic Valve Replacement and ended his ability to work physically. Since then, Robert has continued to recruit volunteers to keep helping and, in some cases, has had to pay professionals to do the work required to help.
What does the future look like for your business, and how can Venmo help you achieve your goals?*
The situation explained in the previous question has taxed the charities physical and monetary resources and has created pain for Robert to sustain his personal donations. With the health issues and age creeping in Robert decided to move from the Kansas City Metro to the Wichita, Kansas Metro where some friends and family are closer and where he began his marriage and his first military assignment at McConnell AFB, Kansas. His goal is to perpetuate the services that HPLA Charites has provided in Kansas City and begin the same mission in Wichita. Now a 100% disabled veteran and with excellent care by the Veterans Administration Robert is ready and able to lead and to perpetuate his mission by networking with local leaders for added support and to expand the mission of Habitaciones Para Latinos Association in Wichita, Kansas.
What does the future look like for your business, and how can Venmo help you achieve your goals?*
An annual grant for any amount would be used to acquire a part-time or full-time employee specially to seek out those in need of the charities mission and expand the word-of-mouth advertising which seems to provide the greatest impact in finding folks in need. A vehicle is available to be donated as is all the tools necessary to complete most any home repair task. The employee would have access to the vehicle plus all resources and a place to work. The future looks bright for HPLA and a grant would light an even brighter path or two.
If applicable, tell us how being a member of a historically underrepresented community (Black, Women, Latinx, etc.) may have shaped your entrepreneurial experience.
Robert has personally experienced men and women, boys and girls being bullied and ignored by others. He has physically interceded in a fist fight and in acts of bulling. Sometimes being hurt him-self as a consequence.
Raised in the “Barrio” with eight siblings and seeing how working hard and getting an education brought his family to a position of integrity producing professors, firefighters, artist, homemakers, certified auto-mechanic, business professionals and military leaders. This suggest he knows the path to lead those in need out of poverty. The fight against decimation, bullying and arrogance is always going to be present. Growing up Latino, Robert saw the special treatment of white kids by predominately white teachers. It was so evident in “Roberts Day”. Today no one can dispute that it happened or that it still continues. Robert got a leg up as a young man. As one of few Latinos in his vocation he was mentored by many white men and women and his talents rewarded and kept in demand. He is a good person and it’s evident. Having lost his Dad and starting to work at age 11 he still is grateful to one Leroy Corzine (RIP) that taught him the trade of meat cutting by age 12.
HPLA provides the boost necessary to anyone they can find who needs it. Join them, please.
HPLA Charities.org 