“…there is a need, especially in financially stressed communities, for young men to have access to affordable housing options. These young men – the future leaders of our community – just need a safe place to live while they gather themselves, their finances, and life skills necessary to live truly independently.”

Moving out of your parent’s house should be a joyful occasion for all parties involved. It should be a milestone for a young man, a sign of independence, relished by him and celebrated by his family.

All too often that’s not the case.

This video was filmed and produced by Pickup the Ball Member Brandon Battles

Sometimes a young man wants to move out but is unable to because they are not financially ready, even though they are ready to take that step toward being an adult.
Sometimes a young man needs to get out because of negative influences in the home, and staying creates more problems than leaving does.

Sometimes the young man becomes homeless because the family kicks him out, or the family itself loses their home.

Whatever the reason, there is a need, especially in financially stressed communities, for young men to have access to affordable housing options. These young men – the future leaders of our community – just need a safe place to live while they gather themselves, their finances, and life skills necessary to live truly independently.

Pickup the Ball’s new Boarding House is designed to be just that.

This new boarding house will allow us to serve up to 12 young men, 18 and older, while they get on their feet. They will be expected to work, save, help care for the facility, develop and maintain budgets, and learn other skills as required to help them prepare for independence.

What we will expect from residents:
* Stay 3 months to one year
* Help care for the facility by adhering to a duty roster
* Have or find employment
* Establish and maintain a budget with the hep of volunteer financial advisors
* Have their own food and prepare it themselves – cooking classes will be available
* Attend a weekly meeting
* Provide a minimum number of hours doing community service
* Adhere to the rules of the house designed to respect everyone and maintain a safe environment

Other plans in the works:
* The building has planters around it in which we plan to plant vegetables, herbs and spices appropriate to the region, and cared for by the residents.
* Local law enforcement will be invited to the facility for the purpose of getting to know our residents, and for our residents to get to know them.