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THE 1% PROJECT
Nothing to you can be everything to someone else.
HOW DOES THE PROJECT WORK?
The one percent project is simple and straightforward. It asks those who participate to donate 1% of their monthly income every month to Housing Hearts. These funds will directly go towards housing the homeless permanently.Â
Housing Hearts believes, based on studies and evidence that putting those experiencing homelessness into housing first will be the necessary resource to keep them housed permanently. Other support systems and services will come after their introduction into permanent secure housing. Of course the goal when working with the homeless is to get them off the street for good. But actions taken in the past and actions that are being taken today have been to create shelters and provide support services like substance abuse programs and job training first before those that are homeless can one day find a place to call home.Â
The philosophy behind Housing First treats housing as the first step to a holistic model of helping the homeless. Housing comes first, then social services that deal with mental health and substance abuse or any other thing needed. Job training and services provided to get these individuals on the path to self-sufficiency also come after they receive a place to call home. This model has been the most effective at keeping those that were once homeless off the street and reintroduced as members of society.
THE PROJECT WORKS BY FOLLOWING THREE FOUNDATIONAL GOALS/PRINCIPLES:
CONSISTENCY
IMPACT
TRANSPARENCY
CONSISTENCY
Recurring Donations
What makes the 1% Project impactful and effective is the consistent monthly funds compared to one time larger donations. The consistent monthly donations of one percent of your income overcomes the problem that many nonprofits face when those that donate give large one time donations and never donate again.
Consistency will provide the necessary funds to make sure those seeking to be housed will be housed permanently until they can get back on their own two feet. Once those who acquire an income start to provide for themselves, rental subsidies will slowly be decreased from 100% to 0%, where the funds will then be reallocated to help another homeless individual acquire permanent housing. Rinse and repeat.
IMPACT
Small Steps, Dramatic Results
The slogan of the 1% Project: "nothing to you can be everything for someone else" emphasizes the impact such a small amount of money can have on another person's life. With as little as 1% of your monthly income, which for many New Yorkers is only double digits, an entire homeless family can find housing permanently and become capable of being self-sufficient in the long term to never return to the streets.Â
That may be a subscription to a monthly service or extra money to go out to dinner that will be forgotten about next week. Or that money could be used to truly change the life of those who are in situations that are extremely difficult to get out of. Your 1% can completely transform an entire family. Little dollars that were once thought of as not meaning much are capable of positive impact on others.
TRANSPARENCY
Following your 1%
Knowing exactly where your one percent is the most important part of the Project. Many times when donating to nonprofits it feels as if your money is going off into a void and not being put too good use. This is your 1% and you deserve to know how you as an individual are helping others who you may never know. That is why as a member of the Project, you will see what your 1% is covering for the homeless. Through monthly updates directly to you, you will see how your 1% translates to maybe 5, 9, or 14% of an individual's monthly rent. As individuals being supported by your donations become self-sufficient and capable of once again providing for themselves, you will know how your money is continually being used for others who need support to acquire permanent housing. As we are updated on the progress individuals are making that are being supported by the 1% Project so will you. Transparency is the key to seeing how impactful consistent donations are to single adults, married individuals, and families with children.
BECOME A MEMBER OF THE PROJECT!
As a member of the Project you are supporting those who are unable to support themselves. You are creating the foundation that they need as individuals to succeed and to become independent once again. That small 1% that may not be much to you, will be everything for someone else.