OUR MISSION
To humanize homelessness
one story at a time
and to better our communities
by increasing knowledge,
empathy and understanding
for our neighbors in need.
What We Do
The Better Collective produces a quarterly publication that tells the life stories and experiences of those experiencing homelessness in Utah. Our staff works closely with local non-profits, shelters, and organizations to volunteer, serve, and engage with our neighbors in need. During these events we find and interview those willing to tell their stories. Sharing their stories empowers the homeless by giving them a voice in our community and helps increase empathy and understanding throughout the public. When possible, TBC also provides earned income opportunities to the homeless by allowing them to prepare and package our publication for delivery.
FAQ
What is The Better Collective?
The Better Collective is a non-profit organization that produces a quarterly publication dedicated to telling the stories of our homeless and formerly homeless neighbors in the Ogden area. Our mission is to use these stories to humanize homelessness and to give those experiencing it a voice in our community. Our hope is that sharing these stories will lead to increased understanding of and empathy for the homeless in our community. We believe this is the first step in truly helping those in need on an individual level as well as combating the problem of homelessness large-scale.
Who Writes The Better Collective?
The Better Collective is a compilation of articles written by TBC staff as well as submissions from community members. We serve the homeless by giving them a voice and providing opportunities not available to them elsewhere. Our goal is to help aspiring writers or those who simply enjoy writing in the same way. We encourage any member of the community to submit their work to be considered for publication in TBC’s next issue. We especially encourage students and youth to submit their work. We publish writing on a variety of topics and submissions are not required to discuss homelessness.
How Can I Help The Homeless In My Community?
While the best way to help the homeless in our community is unique to each individual, everyone can start by showing kindness in their thoughts, words, and actions. The homeless in our community often face many mental, emotional, and physical challenges day to day. Judgment and ridicule from the public never uplifts emotionally and seldom inspires positive action. A smile, a wave, or any other kind gesture can change someone’s entire day for the better. There are many great organizations that provide assistance to the homeless in our community. Virtually all of them are in near constant need of volunteers and donations of many kinds. We encourage you to find ways you can serve others currently experiencing homelessness and to do whatever you can to support them.
Why Does The Better Collective Still Print A Publication?
While TBC does share our publications virtually, printing a physical publication every month allow us to provide earned income opportunities to the homeless in our community. Every month, TBC works with select homeless and formerly homeless individuals and allows them to earn money by assisting with packaging and preparing our publication for delivery.
How Is The Better Collective Distributed?
The Better Collective delivers all of our print publications ourselves, directly to homes throughout the Ogden area. We rely on volunteers to help deliver each month and aid in spreading the life stories of our homeless neighbors to their own neighborhoods.
What is The Better Collective’s Total Distribution?
The Better Collective delivers 8,000 copies of our printed publication directly to homes throughout the Ogden area each month. We also share our publication virtually through our email newsletter, social media pages, etc.
