There is good happening amongst the challenges. Compassion seeds care and success over-shadowing community strife. And, crowdfunding real estate is expediting the benefits of projects that use it. Specifically started with a single person, a thought, a conversation, and determination without boundaries, Elvis Summers created a tiny home for an unlikely recipient. “I know you live down the street from me, but where exactly do you sleep?” began the conversation that fueled Summers' action. Once his first project was completed, Summers was caught by the “Doing Good” bug, and felt such a sense of inner peace and accomplishment, that he set out to do more. As of yesterday, Summers' crowdfunding efforts had raised over $50,000. It seems that growing communities & revitalizing neighborhoods, with pointed attention on the homeless populations, has become less of a nose-wrinkling observation, and more of an eye-opening “This person could so easily be me” realization. A realization that has ignited passion and self-fulfillment in helping others, and doing so smartly through real estate crowdfunding.
Related: A Homeless Billionaire and a Teachers Village
“There’s a Chair.” Leads To A Growing Community
Smokie's First Home In 10 Years ~in progress.After losing her husband and her house 10 years ago, a 60 year old mother and grandmother became homeless. She recently struck up a friendship with Elvis Summers, resident of a neighboring apartment, while soliciting recyclables, and the rest is history. Summers began looking forward to Smokie’s entertaining visits to check with neighbors for recyclables that she could turn in for cash. That is, until he found her sleeping in the dirt outside of his apartment. Sacrificing a good deal of his own food budget, Summers did something that has shocked a nation. As shown on CNN, People.com, local news broadcasts, and various social media outlets, Summers blessed Irene “Smokie” McGhee with several conversations, leading to the blessing of his own life with an unexpected purpose. Summers will probably never forget the eyeopening conversation that he started with this question: “I know you told me you live down the street, but where exactly do you sleep? Is there an awning or anything?” Smokie, who slept next to a building at night responded, “There’s a Chair.” With shock, humanity, and a renewed sense of gratitude for what he had, Summers shot off to Home Depot to resolve an overwhelming sense of painful compassion for his unlikely friend.
5 days and $500 later, Smokie was gifted a 3 ½ by 8-foot house. How many of us have to worry about having a safe place to sleep? It is an unfortunate reality for so many. Three weeks ago, Summers surprised Smokie with a venue to reintroduce her to a sense of normalcy. A safe place to sleep. And, the inspiration she needed to brave re-entering main-stream society. After truly sleeping for the first time in many years, dear Smokie continued to sleep away half of the next day. This deeply affecting recharge has freed her of the uncertainty that binds humans in a fear so overwhelming that few ever see their way out. Smokie now wants to look for a job. A small step? No. This is a huge step. One created by a tiny space.
How can this be legal on a public residential street? Built on wheels, Smokie’s newfound home can be moved every 72 hours, remaining in compliance with the local police department's requirements.
Related: Can Billboards Help House The Homeless?
Doing Good, Smartly, by Crowdfunding Real Estate
$52,309 raised, by 5/3/15 @ 5:30PM, PSTThe ripple effect of every one working together is that, chronically homeless populations, who are exposed regularly to a sense of normalcy begin to crave more. And, those who do good smartly add productive fuel to a positive and infectious fire farther reaching than predicted. In fact, as of yesterday (Monday, May 3rd, 2015), crowdfunding efforts proved to provide resources far surpassed what Elvis Summers had predicted or hoped. MYTHPLA (My Tiny Home Project Los Angeles), A Tiny House Huge Purpose, gofundme page inspired 1,647 crowdfunders to contribute funds totaling $52,309, thus exceeding Summer’s $50K goal. All, within just 21 days.
What Now?
The new non-profit organization will put the unique crowdfunding results to work on growing communities yet further. Just within the last couple weeks, Summers began working with the LAPD to locate government owned land. His hopes were that homeless people could be hired to build their own tiny homes. Lofty goals? Maybe, but they have suddenly become a very near reality. The benefits of crowdfunding not only garnered the aforementioned funds, but as of three days ago (May 1st, 2015), so much awareness was raised that Summers has been offered land! According to his Facebook page, Welcome Home: A Tiny House, Huge Purpose, Summers has been offered land next to a church. The church family is game to help with providing showers, food and clothing to help the homeless housed in the tiny homes to be created. Now, homeless Women, Men, Children, US Veterans and Families will receive the opportunity for regained dignities deserved by all. "Human Beings, not 'bums or trash' who need a little humanity, a little help to get off the streets," describes Summers. This just keeps getting bigger and better, and all started by a gentle man who barely had enough resources to cover his own expenses! I wonder if Elvis now makes a financial profit in addition to his huge karmic gain. While I don’t currently know the answer, many believe that it is entirely possible some day. So, Patch of Land will check in with him and keep you posted.
Related Article: Tiny Homes Make a Big Difference
And, You?
Are you as interested as I am to see where this leads? Leave a comment, so we can keep you updated on Summer’s progress. Not only that, tell me what small projects can you think of that could become big within the purpose of growing communities?
Take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions we receive about real estate crowdfunding on a daily basis and find out why so many people are crowdfunding real estate projects across the country with Patch of Land
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