Designed Sustainability

This week, we're taking a look at a philanthropic organization that is as close to sustainable as we've seen in a while. 

When I was in college, I volunteered at a shelter called Rosie's Place, aiding poor and homeless women.  Aside from accepting donations and volunteers, Rosie's Place is an organization that relies primarily upon its own economic structure to keep going.

Through sales from their Women's Craft Cooperative, wherein they teach women the craft of creating jewelry and other items as well as the basics of marketing for the purpose of selling these products, 100% of project expenses were covered.  Fully covered. 

So what does this mean?

It means that there is, indeed, a way to provide safe and clean housing for women (and their children) in need without scraping for donations as a primary means of fueling the engine of philanthropy.  There really is a way to help those in need  - some of the most marginalized in society - in a way that allows them to help themselves.