When the water stops, everything stops.

Imagine standing out in the forest, hands dirty from moving stones off the path, and suddenly the water just stops.

No water to wash, no water for cooking, no showers after long days of building or gardening. We drive to the lake to fill bottles, save every drop for drinking, and ration water for dishes.

But the hardest part isn’t the discomfort. It’s having to say no to the people who want to come — the ones who would make this place come alive.

That’s why we’re raising money to drill a new well, about 80 meters deep, to keep this place open, welcoming, and alive for everyone who finds their way here.

Who We Are

I’m Indie, and together with my partner Joel, we run what people often call a pop-up community in the Swedish forest.

But this isn’t some polished retreat or “transformative experience.”

It’s just real life — muddy boots, shared meals, laughter, long talks, and building things together.

We built this place for people who need to remember that the whole world isn’t burning all the time — that it’s okay to be held somewhere, to rest, to be part of something again.

Maybe you hate doing dishes but love bookkeeping.

Maybe you’re terrible at building but great at organizing.

Or maybe you’re just the one who listens while someone tired from manual work finally sits down beside you.

Here, everyone belongs.

We’re not trying to heal anyone. We’re not gurus.

We’re just humans who still believe in play, creativity, and community.

Together is more fun. And it’s so much easier.

A Place for Everyone

Over the years, people have come here from Mexico, Italy, the Netherlands, the US, the UK, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway — all different backgrounds, languages, and stories.

And yet, somehow, around the fire, all of that disappears.

We’ve seen people who’ve been burned out, heartbroken, or lost — who arrived quiet and unsure — slowly start to come alive again. To laugh louder. To believe in themselves.

That’s what this place does.

It gives people space to remember who they are, and that they matter.

So if you’ve ever been touched by that — if you’ve stayed here, visited, or just believe in community — maybe this is your chance to pay it forward.

Your donation doesn’t just help us dig a well.

It helps the next person who comes here find belonging.

The next volunteer who rediscovers purpose.

The next human who remembers that they’re not alone.

Why We Need a New Well

Our current well was built for a small family, not for a growing community.

When 8–12 volunteers stay here, plus guests from our Ember & Earth experiences, the water simply runs out.

It’s not a metaphor — it’s literal.

You’re cooking dinner for 15 people, and suddenly the tap goes dry.

Someone who’s been working in 28-degree heat needs a shower, and we have to say, “Sorry, maybe tomorrow.”

This community only works when we can care for each other’s basic needs — and that starts with water.

What It Costs

We need to drill a new well, deep enough to secure reliable water year-round.

Total cost: 100,000 SEK (about $9,500 USD).

This isn’t about luxury. It’s about survival for the small community we’ve built with our own hands.

With your help, we can:

• Keep welcoming volunteers without fear of running out of water

• Continue workshops, gatherings, and shared meals

• Host Ember & Earth and other communal experiences

• Provide water for daily needs like cooking, cleaning, and showering

• Keep this space alive for everyone who finds their way here

And yes — maybe finally take a proper shower once in a while.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just our home.

It’s a shared space — one that keeps growing because people believe in it.

If you’ve ever been here, you know what it feels like.

If you haven’t, maybe you’ve still longed for a place like this — where you don’t have to perform, where you can just be.

That’s what we’re trying to protect.

A space for real connection, kindness, and community — the kind that makes people believe in each other again.

How You Can Help

• Donate — even the smallest amount helps us get closer to drilling the well.

• Share this campaign — maybe someone you know believes in what we’re building.

• Pay it forward — if you’ve ever felt supported here, or if you just believe in spaces like this, help us keep it going for the next person.

If you donate 1,000 SEK ($95) or more, we’ll engrave your name on the new well — you’ll literally become part of this land forever.

We’re not trying to change the world.

We’re just trying to make one small corner of it kinder, more connected, and alive with people who care.

And right now, that starts with water.

Thank you for helping us keep it flowing.

With love,

Indie & Joel

Instagram: @onthefreeside

Website: www.onthefreeside.com

Here is a little introduction to us:

Here is a little video about our volunteer program that I made 2 years ago: