Sustainable house for a veteran in need

My name is Ryan Timmermans, and like many soldiers, I was not well when I returned from my first tour.  I came back changed and felt like an alien in my own country. My mind and body were damaged, and I didn't know how to make them right. I knew I had to get help but was having a hard time finding it.  Out of desperation, I returned to war to try to figure out what had happened to me.


While I was there, I found out that I was not alone in my inability to successfully rejoin society.   I resolved in that moment that I would dedicate my life to help restore to greatness, those who answered our nations call to serve. I founded a 501(c)3 non-profit organization called Veterans Off-Grid to do just that.

The harsh reality is that:

22 veterans will take their own life today.

40,000 veterans will sleep on the street tonight.

Our veterans are often forgotten and left to figure out how to reintegrate with little training. 

This is our chance to give them a hand up, and remind them that they are not forgotten.

VOG is a team of veteran and civilian volunteers with a mission to alleviate veteran homelessness and support reintegration with society by building sustainable veteran communities. We are building a bridge for veterans transitioning from military life back into civilian life through healthy relationships with community and nature. Please join Veterans Off-Grid in building our first home for a homeless veteran while helping to protect our planet for future generations.

DONATE.    VOLUNTEER.    SPREAD THE WORD. 

The Need

$40,000 buys the building materials we need to complete Phase Three (Offgrid systems and interior finishes) of "Phoenix Rising," (our Summer Build 2020).  This first home is a 400 sq. ft. Earthship-inspired building that will shelter and empower veterans throughout its long sustainable life. This structure will also act as proof of concept for our future builds within the Veterans Off-Grid Carson Community.  The tire walls have already been constructed, berm formed, and underground cistern installed.

We already have four veterans contributing onsite who need a home and are excited about joining our growing community. Veteran residents donate 2 days a week to help build a home for the next veteran.

Helping our Heroes

The mission:  To create communities of sustainable homes and businesses for our veterans. 

     -This community will:
          -Provide reintegration assistance
          -Create a sense of community among.                        veterans
          -Provide accountability and mentorship
          -Connect vets to readily available social.                      services 
          -Provide a rent and utility free environment
          -Facilitate a sense of security
          -Provide employment opportunities
          -Provide business development.                                    opportunities          
          -Teach financial literacy 
          -Encourage a sense of purpose and.                            mission       
         
Protecting our Planet

The mission:  To protect and care for our planet by building sustainable homes utilizing the 6 principles developed by Earthship Biotecture.

      -To build homes:
          -That use recycled materials in their.                            construction
          -That harvest their own rainwater
          -That produce their own electricity
          -That produce their own food
          -That treat their own waste
          -That naturally heat and cool themselves

The Breakdown

MATERIALS: 30,000.00