Envisioned as a comprehensive resource, the Dignity Center consolidates all of Love Beyond Walls’ efforts under one roof. It features a multi-tiered structure with the Dignity Museum on the ground floor, an educational and operational hub on the second, and transitional living spaces for community members on the third. Aligned with its commitment to sustainability and cost-efficiency, the Center is planned to be built from shipping containers.
The Dignity Center is a unique educational and community space, crafted to transform the narrative in the fight against homelessness and poverty through collegial initiatives. It addresses the crucial need for empathy and a call to action in these areas.
Its innovative design seeks to combat the belief that the biggest challenge in addressing these issues is bridging the gap in people’s ability to relate and connect. The inception of the Dignity Center strives to dissolve barriers of ignorance and apprehension, break down false narratives about our unhoused neighbors that are divisive, and build a community rooted in empathy, action, and belonging.
Each person involved in our work is committed to breaking down barriers and building longer tables for those who are excluded.
Central to this initiative is the Dignity Museum.
It is situated within the Dignity Center, aiming to illuminate the realities of homelessness through various methods. Providing a multi-sensory experience for those eager to learn, it offers storytelling, immersive tours, documentaries, training, and cutting-edge technology, creating a connection to the beloved community of people often kept at a distance. It is designed not just to inform, but to inspire a deeper understanding and compassion among visitors, motivating them to consider how they can impact the world around them.
Beyond its educational purpose, the Dignity Center is a crucial platform for the voices of the unhoused. It offers a safe space for their stories to be openly shared, providing unfiltered insight into their experiences. This facet of the Center is vital in humanizing our neighbors, fostering a connection between the unhoused and the broader community.
At the Center, education, empathy, and action converge. Individuals from diverse backgrounds can learn from and support those experiencing homelessness or poverty while cultivating an environment where the ethos of taking Love Beyond Walls is embodied.
The Dignity Center is more than just a facility; it is a movement towards a more empathetic and inclusive society.
The Center also aims to be a collaborative hub, uniting organizations in Atlanta and across the nation. This joint effort focuses on countering the criminalizing narratives and harmful policies targeting the unhoused and impoverished. The Center is set to establish think tanks and initiatives to find innovative solutions and encourage the public towards empathy-driven actions.
A central element of this vision is the Midway Village that will be the third floor. It is designed to assist those transitioning between homelessness and permanent housing, enabling them to be employed by leading tours, conducting training sessions and most importantly, having their voices heard. This will provide a supportive environment for community members during their transition, ensuring a sustainable pathway towards independence.
This vision marks a significant stride in reshaping the narrative around homelessness and poverty through education and direct action.
We have outlined four distinct phases to realize our vision for The Dignity Center:
Phase I:
Involves acquiring the land for construction. This step will enable us to conduct site tours and collaborate closely with our project management team on the initial stages of preparing the land to achieve our objectives. Concurrently, we will continue to operate the Dignity Museum and build a supportive base to further our vision.
Phase II:
Focuses on identifying and constructing our first facility. This stage is crucial for establishing the groundwork and community engagement necessary to disseminate our message of dignity and hope. During this phase, we aim to continue educating people from various regions and encourage them to join our movement.
Phase III:
Marks the commencement of building Midway Village. This stage is dedicated to developing an app-based solution to address the transitional housing challenges many in our country face.
Phase IV:
Involves developing various aspects of our vision, integrating educational initiatives and community engagement in one place.
To date, we have successfully raised funds to initiate our process and warmly invite you to participate in developing this vision by contributing to our efforts.
