a16z Podcast | Using Social Tools to Build Homes for Those Most in Need

TL;DR

New Story is a nonprofit startup that crowdfunds houses for families in need, using social media to connect donors with individual families, and aims to provide more than just safe housing.

Transcript

welcome to the a 16z podcast I'm Michael Copeland Bret Hagler was on a trip to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake where he saw too many of those displaced by the natural disaster still living in tattered blue tarp shelters what struck Hagler was the need for more permanent housing that could not only offer much-needed safety for families but help fost... Read More

Key Insights

• 👍 New Story's social media-powered approach has proven to be successful in engaging donors and building a strong donor community.
• 🦺 The organization focuses on not only providing safe housing but also creating sustainable communities that offer access to education, healthcare, and income opportunities.
• 🛝 Partnerships with reputable nonprofit organizations on the ground are essential for ensuring the quality and sustainability of the housing projects.
• 😫 New Story's emphasis on transparency and accountability sets them apart from traditional charities and builds trust with donors.
• 🍉 The organization's ability to adapt to challenges and continuously improve their operations is crucial for their long-term success.
• 🇳🇨 New Story's approach challenges the traditional charity model and demonstrates the potential of technology and innovation in the nonprofit sector.
• 👪 The video-based donor experience creates a more personal connection between donors and the families they are supporting, enhancing the overall giving experience.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did New Story choose to focus on permanent housing rather than temporary relief tents?

New Story recognized that temporary relief tents were not sufficient in providing the safety and stability needed for families in the long term. Permanent housing offers protection from dangers like child abduction, sex trafficking, and diseases, as well as improved living conditions for families.

Q: How does New Story ensure transparency and accountability in their operations?

New Story maintains separate bank accounts for donations and operations, ensuring that 100% of donations go directly towards funding homes. They also provide videos of families moving into their new homes, allowing donors to see the tangible impact of their contributions.

Q: How does New Story measure success beyond the number of homes built?

While the number of homes built is an important metric, New Story also focuses on the far-reaching implications of housing, such as improved access to education, healthcare, and income opportunities for families. They aim to create sustainable communities that have a positive impact for generations to come.

Q: How does New Story differentiate itself from traditional charities?

New Story believes in utilizing transparency, efficiency, and innovation to revolutionize the nonprofit sector, similar to for-profit tech startups. They provide a more personalized donor experience, allowing donors to directly connect with the families they are supporting and see the impact of their donations.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• New Story is a nonprofit startup that aims to build permanent housing for families displaced after natural disasters, focusing on the need for more than just safe housing.

• The organization has funded over 100 homes in Haiti, with the goal of building sustainable communities that provide access to education, healthcare, and income opportunities.

• New Story's social media-powered approach allows donors to directly connect with families they are supporting and see the impact of their donations through videos of families moving into their new homes.