Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” He was referring to one man’s capacity to alter the reality around him. Although the world’s problems often seen overwhelming and outside the realm of one man’s ability, change can begin with the smallest kernel of compassion and hope.
James Van Raden believes in the possibility of change, even if he is initially the only one with the belief. He is currently launching a project entitled, “The House That $5 Built.” It is his dream that the simple act of donating $5 will lead to houses that change the reality for the homeless. As James says on his website, “It is not my goal to change the world but rather to engage change in it.” All that is needed to facilitate that type of change is an idea and a passion. James has both.
James was working as a contractor six years ago when he fell and broke his neck. “My entire life changed,” he said. Instead of having a good job that enabled him to support his family, his income stopped. “I worried about what would happen to my wife and kids if I couldn’t afford our housing.” Fast forward to the present and James is using that experience as motivation. “I had been doing pay-it-forward events on Facebook and saw a lot of the same acts of kindness: coffee, lunch, groceries, etc.,” he explained. “I wanted to do something bigger.”
James created an organization that afforded him and other like-minded individuals the opportunity to make a real difference in the community – one $5 bill at a time. “We always hear about kids who empty their piggy banks to help certain causes,” he explained. “This is something everyone can help with.” James’ goal is to raise $100,000 to build a home for an area homeless individual or family. Ultimately, he would like to see the project expanded to include numerous homes in multiple locations, but it all starts with one.
One of the project’s first events will be a Coffee Talk on June 9th at Luna Coffee in Fargo. “Our objective is to bring people together who share a passion and a desire to get involved,” James explained. “Our goal is never to cram information down people’s throat.” The House That $5 Built recently partnered with Habitat for Humanity. “Our first house will be one of theirs,” he explained. “I need to bring together and build a team to actively launch the project.” The Coffee Talk is the start of this team building and will start at 8:45am. Everyone is welcome to attend.
One of James’ ultimate goals is to raise awareness about homelessness, both in our area and worldwide. “I don’t think we are reminded enough about homelessness,” he said. “I want to create events that raise awareness.” James is hoping that the momentum of building the first house will lead to a larger team, more donations, and ultimately more houses. “I want to show people that these problems can be solved,” hesaid.
A problem like homelessness can seem Herculean. James is trying to eradicate that impression. “There is so much that can be done,” he said. “Right here at home.” James would like to encourage everyone to consider supporting the project, via either donations or time. “There are so many things a person can bring,” he said. “Any little bit helps; it doesn’t need to be overwhelming.”
James has already receive numerous applications for the first House That $5 Built. Excerpts of the letters are reprinted below. Names and identifying information has been deleted.
I am very interested in applying for this program. I was a single mom of five for years, a few of those years were spent in the hospital with my oldest son while he battled leukemia and won! I have always worked hard but never been able to get ahead. The one thing I’ve always wanted to provide for my children was a place of our own, a place my daughter could have a swing set a place we could call home. Thank you for your consideration. God bless.
Hello! I am interested in your cause – on both ends. As a mother of 4, soon to be 5, I recently ended up becoming a stay-at-home mom because the cost of childcare is so unbelievable. Not all of my children were planned, but I chose to keep every one of them even when my situation was bleak. I went back to school at 26 and found the career of my dreams helping people heal, but even making $17/hr plus gratuity wasn’t enough to cover childcare costs and have extra spending. I’m lucky to have a new husband who works hard out of town to pay for our home, but in searching for a new place to live, we realize that we aren’t going to find rent even similar to what we’re paying now. I would love to someday own a home, a place for my children to grow up in. Thank you for your time and for listening to my rambling!
Hello, I am very curious about the project that you are doing. I think it sounds great having the community help build homes for people that dream of owning one. I am one of the many that dream this. I have 6 people in my home including myself and we have been working hard to try and get ahead just to save up for a home. It seems like another obstacle would hold us back yet another year. My oldest is 15 and we encourage our kids to finish school and follow your dreams, go to college, raise a family, and live happily. I want to be able to share a home with my kids when they come back from school, share a holiday at home, bring the kids over to grandmas.
“These are just a few of the stories that make me lay awake at night,” James said. “These are the reasons I recognize the essentiality of the home.” Many of the area’s homelessness are in that position through no fault of their own. It is up to all of us working together to change that. Can a house be built $5 at a time? James believes it can be. “If I can help through one home, one project, engage change within one person, then it is my hopes that this will spread into the lives of others,” James explained. “Effectively changing the world through one simple kind act.”
James would like the community to know that he would love to meet with organizations, groups, and individuals that might be interested in hearing stories like those above in person for the purpose of spreading the word or maybe even getting behind the project logistically or financially.
Ask yourself how you can help. $5 is less than the average person spends at their local Starbucks; it is the cost of one value meal at Burger King. If you can’t donate money, ask yourself how you can help. We all have individual talents and skills. Such things are useless, however, if they aren’t being utilized.
More information about The House That $5 Built can be found at www.housethat5built.org or by emailing James Van Raden at James@housethat5built.org.
