How do you measure and share impact?

New Story is an innovation and data driven nonprofit, so measuring impact is at the core of our operations. On site, we conduct surveys among the families to capture data before and after living in their new homes. Additionally, our founders share a yearly impact report for all of our donors to see the real impact made possible from donations and funding. 

What are the benefits of becoming an Architect?

• Fund a life changing need
• Participate as a founding member
• Receive quarterly impact updates with learnings from the communities you invest in
• Take an optional VIP trip to the field
• Receive exclusive event invitations from New Story
• Receive curated New Story content to connect you with the work you’re driving

Why homes?

Safe shelter is a foundation for upward social and economic mobility. We believe that when families have the security of body and possessions that a home provides, they can focus on actualizing potential instead of fearing theft, illness, and violence.

Do the families own the home and land?

Yes, each and every family owns their new home and holds the deed to their plot of land. This ownership ensures families will have safety and security for generations to come.

Who decides which families get a home?

We believe that local partners are equipped with the trust of the communities and cultural competencies to make this decision. In Haiti, all families are facing similar dangers. Mission of Hope chose to maintain the peace and equity in this disaster-torn community through a numbered drawing. A census was taken of families who were living in tents in Leveque, a lottery was conducted, and families were are funded in that order. In El Salvador, all 90 families living in the Monseñor Romero shack slum will be moved to a new home. While all families are living in squalor, some of the families live more directly in the path of a landslide, making them a priority. Outside of these higher-risk families, the funding order is chosen randomly.

What is the pay-it-forward model?

In countries with payment programs, the money that families contribute to the mortgage does not go back to New Story. This money is put into a ‘community fund’ managed by our local partner, and used for community maintenance such as playground installation, planting trees and landscaping, as well as maintenance of community roads and spaces.

Who builds the homes?

We work with a local partner organization in each country where we work. They have intimate knowledge of the communities, and help us work with local contractors to build our home designs using locally hired labor. Our local partner hires workers from the community to construct each home. Many of the builders are working in construction for the first time, so they are learning a valuable trade in addition to providing for their family. Money invested in New Story homes stimulates the local economy.

What difference does a home make?

Safety is one of life’s most basic needs. Studies show that when families feel safe in their home, their physical health improves, including higher sleep quality and lower likelihood of illness. When a family feels safe, they are able to focus on other immediate and long-term needs such as investing in their children’s education and income generation.

Can I come to see the homes/community?

We believe there is great value in visiting the countries we work in and empathizing with families living in extreme poverty. However, in order to respect our local partners’ time and the privacy of the families in our communities, we sadly aren’t able to bring everyone out for a visit. We are able to facilitate visits on a case by case basis if you work for a potential partner organization or if there is a real mutual benefit from the visit.

Can I come help build homes?

We aim to build the highest quality homes with minimal waste and maximum impact on the community. We utilize all skilled local labor for home-building to provide the greatest benefit to the local economy and the greatest quality in the homes.

When will you begin working in the U.S.?

At this point, we are not sure when we will work in the U.S. and what that work will look like. Homelessness in the U.S. looks very different from homelessness in the countries we work in and it comes with its own spread of unique challenges. As we learn from our work internationally we hope to share our learnings, housing technologies, and systems with organizations working in the U.S to amplify their impact as well.

How do you pick your local partners?

All of our local partners must meet the following criteria: + Third party validation from U.S. 501c3 partners. + Relationships with local governments and the ability to secure land. + Has previously built homes that can withstand natural disasters common to the region. + History working with the recipient community. + Team with the capacity to meet content and execution standards. + Commitment to local labor, local materials, and our 100% promise. Meet our local partners or inquire about becoming a local partner with New Story.

How do you hold your local partners accountable?

New Story and it’s partners have a contract binding us to standards of execution, quality, and appropriate use of funding. Cost Clarity: At the beginning of each project, our partners negotiate with local contractors to set a cost for the home. We transfer that exact amount for each home and donors are aware of every line item through our home cost breakdown. Individual Funding: We fund homes on a per-family basis. New Story tracks and transfers funds for each and every family, it is not pooled into a general fund. We know the exact date a family was funded, when we transferred those funds to our partner, and when to expect a video of that exact family moving into their home. Funds are never used for purposes outside of home building. Video serves as a visual method of accountability for both donors and our organization. Audits: In addition to video proof, New Story performs random audits to ensure family information is legitimate and that families have moved into their designated home. We also conduct scheduled audits in-person.

How do you decide where to build in each country?

We believe our local partners are best equipped with the trust of the communities and cultural competencies to make this decision. It may look different, depending on the location. In Haiti, all families are facing similar dangers. Mission of Hope chose to maintain the peace and equity in this disaster-torn community through a numbered drawing. A census was taken of families who were living in tents in Leveque, a lottery was conducted, and families were funded in that order. In El Salvador, all 90 families living in the Monseñor Romero tent community will be moved to a new home. While all families are living in insufficient housing, some of the families live more directly in the path of a landslide, making them a priority. Outside of these higher-risk families, the funding order is chosen randomly, to preserve fairness.

What is New Story?

We are a social housing nonprofit, and we pioneer solutions to end global homelessness.

Where is New Story located?

Our offices are located in San Francisco, California, and Atlanta, Georgia. So far, we’ve built homes in Haiti, El Salvador, Mexico, and Bolivia.

Who are New Story’s local partners?

We have a local, on the ground partner in every country where we work. These partners help manage the day to day process of construction and community development. If you’re interested in learning more about or becoming on of our partners, please reach out to us.

How did New Story start?

When Brett and Mike volunteered with Mission of Hope in 2012, they were shocked by the deprivation that residents still lived in 2 years post earthquake. With Matthew’s technical background and Allie’s operations and international development experience, they ventured to build the type of social organization they’d want to give to. The goal in November of 2014 was to fund just one home. Five years later, we’ve built 22 communities, with more on the horizon.

Who’s on the team?

We have a growing, committed team of millennials. Meet them here, and learn about career opportunities here.

Why doesn’t New Story operate in the United States?

We are focusing on the countries with the lowest income and greatest need, where we can make the most immediate and significant impact today. Personally, our team has served – and will continue to serve – the homeless in San Francisco and Atlanta. We are also currently looking for partners around the world who would like to pilot our breakthroughs in their work, wherever that may be. If you’re interested in partnering with us, reach out to us.

Can I volunteer with New Story?

We do welcome skilled volunteers to work with us on some specific tasks. We don’t have a steady need for volunteers, so while we greatly appreciate you, we may not reach out to you right away. If you’d like to apply, please do so here.

How does New Story create change?

We pioneer solutions for global homelessness, and share those solutions with others solving the same problems. We believe change is an open source pursuit, and the biggest change will happen through members of the social housing sector working together.

Are you a 501(C)(3)?

Yes! New Story is a registered US 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit (EIN/Tax ID: 47-2529408). See New Story’s IRS nonprofit status.

How does New Story fund operational costs with a 100% promise?

We are committed to putting every cent of donor contributions to the building of homes. We fund our day-to-day operations by generous contributions from corporate investors and private individuals. Also, a majority of our incredible donors opt-in and add 10% onto their donation to fund New Story operations. If you are interested in investing in our organization, so we can serve even more families, reach out to us.

How can I invest In New Story?

Thank you so much for your interest. The Builders are the private group of donors who cover our overhead so 100% of your donation goes toward building homes. In 2018, the Builders generously pledged $6M in multi-year commitments. This year, we grew the Builders program from 29 to 44 members. The Builders are comprised of these visionary individuals, families, and foundations that are building the future of New Story. You can reach out to us for more information on joining the Builders. Our memberships start at $50k per year.

Is my donation tax deductible?

If you’re located in the US your donation is tax deductible. For international donations, please see your specific country’s tax code to see if your donation is tax deductible. New Story is a registered US 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit (EIN/Tax ID: 47-2529408). See New Story’s IRS nonprofit status.

How can I donate by check?

Please write all checks to New Story Inc. (mailing address below) and please write your email on the check so we can provide a tax receipt to you. New Story Inc 182 Howard St. #101 San Francisco, CA 94105

Can I donate by wire transfer?

Yes. Please contact us here and we can send you the details you need to know.

Can I donate stock?

Yes! We accept stock donations. Please contact us here and we can send you the details you need to know.

How do you protect my card information?

Our credit card processing company is Stripe, which gives New Story bank-level security. Stripe has been audited by a PCI-certified auditor, and is certified to PCI Service Provider Level 1. This is the most stringent level of certification available.

How can I give via DAF?

Visit the DAF link here with New Story’s DAF information complete and ready to go for you.

Is DAF Direct Secure?

DAF Direct is 100% safe and secure as they do note process your DAF directly. DAF Direct simply directs you to your DAF portal with all of the information you need on how to give to New Story via your DAF.

What Is New Story’s EIN/Tax ID?

EIN/Tax ID: 47-2529408 New Story is a registered US 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit. See New Story’s IRS nonprofit status.

What DAFs Are Supported?

DAF Direct currently facilitates grant recommendations from donors of Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, Greater Kansas Community Foundation, and the BNY Mellon Charitable Gift Fund. More national and community foundation DAF sponsoring organizations may be added in the future.

Can I see proof of New Story’s financial status?

Absolutely. We believe in 100% transparency. Below you’ll find everything you need.

Nonprofit 501(C)(3) Ruling – our tax exemption ruling on December 12, 2014. 

2015 IRS 990 Form – our financials for our organizing year of 2015… it was a great year!

2016 IRS 990 Form – our financials for 2016, our second year of operations.

2016 Independent Audit – An independent auditor reviewed our financial statements and found them to be in good and accurate standing. 

2017 IRS 990 Form – our financials for 2017, our third year of operations.

2017 Independent Audit – An independent auditor reviewed our financial statements and found them to be in good and accurate standing. 

How does New Story fund operational costs with a 100% promise?

We are committed to putting every cent of donor contributions to the building of homes. We fund our day-to-day operations by generous contributions from corporate investors and private individuals. Also, a majority of our incredible donors opt-in and add 10% onto their donation to fund New Story operations. If you are interested in investing in our organization, so we can serve even more families, reach out to us.