If I Won the Lottery

Yes, I play the lottery. It's fun. It's the "what if" fascination. It's the "imagination run rampant" with ways to spend it. It's opening the door to the possibility of something life changing.

Some believe it's a waste of money, and to be honest, so far I could agree with that assessment. Some who play, play everyday, with the hope that this will be the "answer" to their financial woes. They are the same ones who think there's a magic money bullet out there, and they'll catch it.

All that being said, I have always known what I would do if I won.

First, the usual stuff, paying off debts, giving gifts to family, throwing a big party. But when all is said and done, I have much bigger plans.

I've always wanted to set up a philanthropy to help homeless families. The idea requires buy-in from the city, civic leaders, volunteers, local businesses and schools. But I think it has merit.

Here's the basic idea:

There's a lot of research to be done up front, since this would be the pilot project and it's critical that it is set up for success. But I just want to top-line it for your here, maybe get some feedback. Maybe, get some interest.

I would want to find a city-owned, empty building. It can't be too run down, but just a place that isn't in use, but isn't a tear-down. In fact, it doesn't even have to be city-owned, it could be owned by a philanthropic property manager, who donates the building.

Then we'd have to convert the building. I'd want to have at least 10 units with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. They need to be clean, useful, comfortable for a family from 3-8 to be able to live in it. Furniture would be donated, local good samaritan furniture stores. The renovation would have to be donated, or in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity.

All of this relies on good relationships within the community, a rallying of that community and volunteerism.

But building out the building has more to be done. On the first floor, there needs to be a daycare set up. There also needs to be a computer room/training room. And I would encourage a dining room for breakfast & lunch, at the very least.

The purpose of the building and these facilities, is to allow homeless parents the opportunity to know 1) they have a roof over their head; 2) their little ones have a sanctioned, free day care in the building; 3) 2 of their 3 meals are available to them; 4) they are going to get some free training through various businesses in the area volunteering to come in and train them; 5) there will be money management, household living classes to prepare them to be successful outside the walls.

In order to get people back to work, you have to give them an address, give them a meal and give them the confidence that they can do it.

Families can fill out an application to participate in the program. There will be a robust background check and evaluation. The building is a dry building, so no alcohol within the walls of the building. Visitors must sign in and hand over some form of ID. Residents will have a badge. Given the fact that it's 10 units with a max capacity of 8... we'd never have more than 80 residents at a time.

Each family would be given 6 months to attend training, look for work and live stress free. If they secure a job or prove that they have been trying, they can get extensions. In fact, if you do secure a job, we will automatically extend the project for 6 months so that there's time to bank the money and build up some funds for securing an apt for the family. We may even have resources by that time to help them transition.

Our hope would be to move these families from homeless and out of work, to working, thriving, productive, happy families... who stay connected with the program and pay it forward.

Pie in the sky, I know... but I also know the hearts of most people out there... so if I hit the lottery jackpot... this is the vision I would seek to fulfill.

If you ever want to know more about it, I've got a lot more to share, just email me!