The Farley Fund
The Farley Fund
Many of us have memories of waiting for the school bus—on cold mornings, before the sun rose, with teenage banter puncturing the biting air with foggy breath. Then you hear it: the diesel engine announcing warmth, and you see the headlights make a turn as you prepare for another day at school, learning and growing.
For the Petersen-Greenfields, different memories will be formed, as instead of a transport to school, a bus will become their home.
Wesley Petersen and Natalie Greenfield, along with their children, Avalon (9), Raven (8), Phoenix (3), and Wren (2) are in the middle of an adventure. As life seemingly fell apart earlier this year, a dream coalesced from the rubble. The opportunity arose to buy a 1997, 37-foot-long Blue Bird bus and with Wesley’s construction experience and tools, along with their family’s will to succeed, Wesley and Natalie are determined to make their bus not only livable but a spectacular tiny home!
Ultimately, Natalie and Wesley's destination is Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada—a dream destination since before they were married. Wesley’s dual citizenship and work already lined up means the only thing missing is the support from their community and friends to make this bus a home.
Having named their bus “Farley,” Wesley and Natalie need either the funds or materials required to make this vision for adventure and wholehearted living a reality. This remarkable family is excited to share more as they move toward simplicity, happiness, and freedom. You can follow along Farley’s renovation progress here: Adventures with Farley FB Page
Natalie Greenfield herself has shared her family story and further details of their situation. Check out her post "My Hour of Need."
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BUS NEEDS
*This list has been updated!*
What the Petersen-Greenfields Have So Far:
—All of the necessary tools to make Farley into a tiny house,
—Wesley’s construction know-how,
—A family’s will to succeed.
What the Petersen-Greenfields Still Need:
Note: Because these costs were approximate-to-midline price, some of these prices have changed as Farley has been built. This is reflected in the updated goal—$10,050 instead of the initial $9,780. We have indicated the three last items to purchase below!
—Foam Insulation: $700 (purchased)
—Sub-flooring: $200 (purchased)
—Framing Lumber: $240 (purchased)
—Cabinetry Materials: $560 (purchased)
—Structural Plywood: $440 (purchased)
—Structural Steel: $400 (purchased)
—Exterior Paint: $170 (purchased)
—Custom Metal Paneling: $300 (purchased)
—Complete Electrical & Propane Systems: $2600 (purchased)
—A Power Supply (like a generator): $700 (purchased, actual price $450)
—Kitchen Sink: $130 (purchased)
—Potable Water System: $680 (purchased)
—Grey Water Containment System: $450 (purchased, actual price $580)
—Ventless Washer/Dryer Combo: $1000 (purchased)
—Heating/Cooling System: $980 (purchased)
—Cushions for Built-In Couch: $200 (purchased)
TOTAL: $10,050
The Petersen-Greenfields will be the sole beneficiaries of this campaign. Thank you, all!
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Update (9/15)
Mission Accomplished!
This morning, Natalie shared this wonderful news:
“Someone called last night and asked how much was left. They purchased our washer and dryer combo for us and it will arrive next week. The GoFundMe has been met. It's done. We have virtually everything we need to finish building our home. I don't have any fancy words right now. I'm just sitting on my bed in the bus with tears streaming down my face and I'm pretty sure my heart is going to burst.”
Thank you to everyone who contributed money, donated your time, helped paint, fed, and nurtured this family. Everything they hoped to accomplish they have done so with your help. You have demonstrated the love of a community that will never be forgotten.
With this, I will close the fundraiser as this new chapter begins for Natalie and Wesley.
-RA
