While in some cases it is possible to engage in apartment ministry without any support or approval of the property manager, the most effective plan is to approach the manager in advance and have approval.
The property manager may be indifferent, skeptical, or even outright prohibitive about people engaging in apartment ministry within the community. In that rare case, it is a closed door for the time being. However, property managers often change their minds in time, especially if you have the support of a resident.
If your approach to a property manager is made carefully, respectfully, and expresses clearly that you wish to come on to the property to serve, help, and to make life better for the residents, often the manager will be open.The whole secret when speaking with property managers is to help the manager see you as a resource and not as a nuisance.
Here are six tips for connecting with a property manager as you build a multi-housing ministry:
1. Understand and respect the days and times when apartment managers are busiest. Do not try to meet with the manager on the first few days of the month, the last few days of the month, and avoid meetings in the middle of the day. These are busy times for property managers, and you won’t make much progress. Instead, be flexible and find a time that works best for the property manager’s schedule.
2. Approach the property manager with a desire to help. Think about life and work from the property manager’s perspective. They attempt to balance the needs and desires of the residents as well as the expectations of the owners of the apartment community. Property managers know of situations, circumstances, and challenges the people of their community face. Approach them with a desire to help with these challenges. Look for ways you can make life in the apartment community better.
3. Ask questions. After explaining that your team is interested in helping the community, consider asking questions such as:
- Are there things you would like to do for the residents that would improve resident satisfaction, but you don’t have time or funds? What are they?
- Do you know of residents who may be in need of support, but they live alone or don’t have family in the area?
- What activities do you feel residents would be most interested in?
4. Be intentional about the language you use. The term “complex” sounds like a disease. Consider using the word “community” as a way to describe a grouping of apartments. What was once called “mobile homes” are now referred to as “manufactured housing communities.” In church, use the word “ministry, but on property, use the term “activity”. It can refer to the exact same thing, but using the correct words will keep the focus on service to the community.
5. Focus on building community. Be sensitive to people with other religious beliefs and make it clear that your team is not coming in to preach to residents, but instead, your team wants to build community and encourage people.
6. Questions to consider after approval from the property manager. Once you have the approval of the manager, consider the following questions:
- Are there any spaces that could be used for meetings and activities? This could be tennis courts, pool area, lawns, a clubhouse, or even an empty apartment or office.
- Would your team have permission to go door-to-door and ask the residents what needs they have?
- Is there a community newsletter? If so, can your programs and events be promoted in it? If there is not a newsletter, can you start one, and deliver it to the residents?
While this all may sound difficult, in reality, you may be surprised at how the property manager will welcome the help you can bring into the community. One big selling point is to explain to the property manager that forming stronger relationships through their community with the aid of programs provided by the multi-housing ministry will increase retention rates.
Finally, the manager may say, “I need to check with the owner.” Agree to this and go a step beyond and offer to write up something that the owner could review.
Meeting a community’s property manager may seem daunting, but it is the first in a series of steps to build a relationship with the community you are trying to serve and build a successful apartment ministry.
Photo credit: Mission 98
