OurVillage is just that; A Village of like-minded caring people interested in investing their time/experience/contacts and hand me downs to help the homeless.
Specifically, OurVillage is focused on helping addiction-free homeless people who are mentally and physically capable to do "their part" in becoming productive members of society.
Through no fault of their own, displaced by a storm, loss of job, or insurmountable bills, they have landed homeless/destitute.
I met such a person a year ago (person on the right in our cover picture) (Jan'20) after having a briefcase stolen out of my car. Living in a tent and without a phone, this very determined person got it back to me. After meeting him, I knew that a one-time reward and "thank you" would not be enough. I told him I would be willing to use my time, community, and contacts to help him get back on his feet if he did his part. Without falter, one year later, (today 1/8/21) he has a job. This would have happened much quicker without Covid. A group of ~30 of my friends built a village around him and he now has housing, transportation, better health, and as of today, a job)
The Process/Concept
- OurVillage visits with potential candidates (Chiefs, "village chiefs) to determine if they are capable of sharing the work with OurVillage necessary to become independent. Their responsibilities are the same as once they have a job; show up on time, do your part, and respect the time and interest the partnership will produce. We like to say, "if you do your part, we will do ours and this will grow successfully".
- Primary sponsor" is assigned who will handle the communication between them and their village (supporters).
- Active supporters provide their expertise at no cost or minimum cost (ex. Legal advice/Health repair, Dentistry, Doctor, Eyewear/Therapy/Car Repair, etc)
- Passive supporters offer goods (clothing/furniture/food/funds(via gofundme)/leads)
Once they return to society and have a job they sign an agreement to repay the Village back. This is at their pace. It can be $1 a month or more. Whatever they decide. The money is not paid back to the sponsors but to the OurVillage fund to help it grow and make it more stable for the candidates going forward.
This aspect of the effort does two very important things: 1. it "re-funds" the effort so that it always grows. 2. Provides the newly independent person a role in the other side of the equation. Immediately they go from "needer to provider", building confidence and a sense of value.
This is a grass-roots effort motivated and conceived by my first-hand experience of meeting someone who just needed friends/support. Friends with experience and contacts and time. This fund is to support this person and persons like him that OurVillage hopes to meet.
Use of Funds
- Primary sponsor and each Village have a financial responsibility to their Chief. Examples of this would be a phone/internet plan, groceries, pocket money, etc. These costs will be paid back to this gofund by the Chief and added to this gofund.
- The gofundme funds will go 100% to two primary costs;
1. Help with larger expenses (health cost/prescription). Items a primary sponsor could not handle.
2. To support the chief's expenses once they have a job and monthly bills become a part of their equation. It will be distributed to them on an as-need basis to fill in gaps.
Again, the chiefs have committed to paying back dollars into the fund at a pace they can support. Your donations should continue in perpetuity.
Our goal is Symbiosis - a community providing stability to persons willing and able to become independent and once they do they become a part of the solution for the next chief.
Thank you for your consideration. it takes a village. ~bennett
Specifically, OurVillage is focused on helping addiction-free homeless people who are mentally and physically capable to do "their part" in becoming productive members of society.
Through no fault of their own, displaced by a storm, loss of job, or insurmountable bills, they have landed homeless/destitute.
I met such a person a year ago (person on the right in our cover picture) (Jan'20) after having a briefcase stolen out of my car. Living in a tent and without a phone, this very determined person got it back to me. After meeting him, I knew that a one-time reward and "thank you" would not be enough. I told him I would be willing to use my time, community, and contacts to help him get back on his feet if he did his part. Without falter, one year later, (today 1/8/21) he has a job. This would have happened much quicker without Covid. A group of ~30 of my friends built a village around him and he now has housing, transportation, better health, and as of today, a job)
The Process/Concept
- OurVillage visits with potential candidates (Chiefs, "village chiefs) to determine if they are capable of sharing the work with OurVillage necessary to become independent. Their responsibilities are the same as once they have a job; show up on time, do your part, and respect the time and interest the partnership will produce. We like to say, "if you do your part, we will do ours and this will grow successfully".
- Primary sponsor" is assigned who will handle the communication between them and their village (supporters).
- Active supporters provide their expertise at no cost or minimum cost (ex. Legal advice/Health repair, Dentistry, Doctor, Eyewear/Therapy/Car Repair, etc)
- Passive supporters offer goods (clothing/furniture/food/funds(via gofundme)/leads)
Once they return to society and have a job they sign an agreement to repay the Village back. This is at their pace. It can be $1 a month or more. Whatever they decide. The money is not paid back to the sponsors but to the OurVillage fund to help it grow and make it more stable for the candidates going forward.
This aspect of the effort does two very important things: 1. it "re-funds" the effort so that it always grows. 2. Provides the newly independent person a role in the other side of the equation. Immediately they go from "needer to provider", building confidence and a sense of value.
This is a grass-roots effort motivated and conceived by my first-hand experience of meeting someone who just needed friends/support. Friends with experience and contacts and time. This fund is to support this person and persons like him that OurVillage hopes to meet.
Use of Funds
- Primary sponsor and each Village have a financial responsibility to their Chief. Examples of this would be a phone/internet plan, groceries, pocket money, etc. These costs will be paid back to this gofund by the Chief and added to this gofund.
- The gofundme funds will go 100% to two primary costs;
1. Help with larger expenses (health cost/prescription). Items a primary sponsor could not handle.
2. To support the chief's expenses once they have a job and monthly bills become a part of their equation. It will be distributed to them on an as-need basis to fill in gaps.
Again, the chiefs have committed to paying back dollars into the fund at a pace they can support. Your donations should continue in perpetuity.
Our goal is Symbiosis - a community providing stability to persons willing and able to become independent and once they do they become a part of the solution for the next chief.
Thank you for your consideration. it takes a village. ~bennett
Organizer
Bennett Rowe
Organizer
Houston, TX