All Segments
a16z Podcast | Using Social Tools to Build Homes for Those Most in Need
20 segments available
Brett Hagler was on a trip to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake where he saw too many of those displaced by the natural disaster still living in tattered blue-tarp shelters. What struck Hagler was the need for more permanent housing that could not only offer much needed safety for families, but help foster the community that was split apart following the earthquake. The non-profit startup NewStory is Hagler’s answer to that need.
Segments Timeline
The Need for Permanent Housing
Brett Hagler shares his experience in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, highlighting the dire need for permanent housing for families living in temporary shelters. He emphasizes the importance of safety and community restoration, which inspired the founding of NewStory, a nonprofit aimed at addressing these challenges.
"welcome to the a 16z podcast I'm Michael Copeland Bret Hagler was on a trip to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake where he saw too many of those displaced by the natural disaster still living in tattered..."
Understanding the Tent Slums
Hagler describes the conditions in tent slums where families have been living for years in makeshift shelters meant for temporary use. He discusses the dangers these families face, including child abduction and health issues, illustrating the urgent need for safe, permanent homes.
"thought you know we're in a world of nonprofits why is this a charity yes so we what we do is we crowd fund houses for families living in danger around the world and the name news story is really what..."
Creating a New Story
Hagler explains how NewStory aims to change the narrative for families living in unsafe conditions. By providing permanent homes, the organization seeks to eliminate life-threatening dangers and foster community development, focusing on education, health, and income opportunities.
"the earthquake happened there was a lot of you know immediate help temporary relief tents were given out as as band-aids which were needed at the time right but they were only supposed to last for abo..."
The Ripple Effects of Housing
The discussion shifts to the broader implications of providing housing. Hagler highlights how a stable home can lead to improved education, health, and economic opportunities, emphasizing the transformative power of safe living conditions for families.
"know when you think passes the initial couple months of being in a temporary place those are the problems that that I come come forth and if you just think of like simple inconveniences in our daily l..."
Funding and Building Homes
Hagler outlines the process of funding and constructing homes through NewStory. He details how families are directly involved in the funding process, ensuring transparency and accountability, and describes the construction of durable homes built to withstand natural disasters.
"does news story then how do you like how did you think about that problem and then how did you come up with what news stories solution is so I mean the name news story kind of says itself like you kno..."
The Importance of Community
The conversation emphasizes the significance of building communities rather than just individual homes. Hagler discusses how NewStory integrates essential services like education and health care into their housing projects to create sustainable living environments.
"foundation for really the three pillars that people get excited about which is access to education sustained health and income our entrepreneurial opportunities so that just really excited us that a h..."
Innovative Nonprofit Models
Hagler shares insights on how NewStory operates like a tech startup, focusing on transparency and efficiency. He contrasts traditional charity models with NewStory's approach, which leverages technology to enhance donor engagement and operational effectiveness.
"so that's really where kind of Education ties in and then of course you know if you don't know where you're going to be sleeping at night depending on the safety of that situation your mental health i..."
The Role of Y Combinator
Hagler discusses NewStory's experience with Y Combinator, explaining how the program helped refine their business model. He highlights the importance of innovation and transparency in philanthropy, which aligns with the values of both NewStory and Y Combinator.
"came and that's just we thought you know traditional charity was very old school we had a lot of problems such as a lack of transparency a lack of efficiency a lack of innovation and that's how we got..."
Building Trust with Donors
The segment focuses on how NewStory builds trust with donors by ensuring that 100% of donations go directly to funding homes. Hagler explains their operational model, which separates donation funds from operational costs to maintain transparency.
"2015 your wife she experienced was it dramatically different than than others or I mean was everyone like wait a second your business model is to not make money how is that you know how does that work..."
Sustainable Housing Solutions
Hagler describes the construction of homes that meet hurricane standards and the importance of land ownership for families. He emphasizes that NewStory's approach not only provides immediate shelter but also ensures long-term stability for families.
"site now and and what happens how do I then help contribute to building a home in this case in Haiti and you've started in Haiti and the plan is to go elsewhere I imagine yes so you come on to our sit..."
Community Infrastructure
The discussion highlights the importance of community infrastructure, including access to water and electricity. Hagler explains how NewStory collaborates with local partners to ensure sustainable living conditions for families in their new homes.
"rebar the families also what's really important is the families own the plot of land that the home sit on a huge issue in development is when building happens and then you know maybe a few months late..."
Operational Transparency
Hagler addresses concerns about operational costs and transparency. He explains how NewStory manages its finances to ensure that donor contributions are effectively utilized for building homes while maintaining operational sustainability.
"community and the area is actually lit by solar energy that the Clinton Foundation has partnered with and provides so I identify my family I contribute what I can and a hundred percent of my donation ..."
Measuring Success
The segment discusses how NewStory measures success beyond the number of homes built. Hagler emphasizes the importance of tracking the broader impacts of housing on education, health, and economic opportunities for families.
"foundations for our operational costs you know our goal is that we would only need those outside funders when we're looking to expand or to you know do something brand new but you know we are putting ..."
Learning from Other Organizations
Hagler contrasts NewStory's approach with that of larger organizations like the Red Cross, discussing the challenges they face in delivering on promises. He highlights NewStory's commitment to accountability and transparency in their operations.
"um so yeah so with the operational bank account one we will make everything right so people will see what we're we're making public and we're also operating at a basically a 6x so one dollar that's pu..."
Community Building in Haiti
Hagler shares the progress NewStory has made in Haiti, including the number of homes built and the establishment of a community. He discusses the importance of creating a supportive environment for families to thrive.
"promises to and I won't go into details of you know exactly why that happened but we know that pie you know not having allocation for every dollar that comes in there's trouble and when they go to you..."
Future Expansion Plans
The conversation shifts to NewStory's plans for future expansion. Hagler reveals that they are considering new locations for their projects, emphasizing the importance of partnering with local organizations that share their values.
"end of the year ago and are these homes like you say is that a community of the zoo no new story homes together is that a neighborhood or are they spread out in in different areas no we are in the bus..."
Innovative Fundraising Strategies
Hagler discusses innovative fundraising strategies, such as birthday campaigns, that allow supporters to engage their networks in raising funds for NewStory. He highlights the viral potential of these campaigns in expanding their donor base.
"see a video of your family moving in which sounds to me very kind of social media like there it is and like I get this kind of gratify that you're used to getting on Facebook right so what kind of dia..."
Building Trust with Local Partners
Hagler explains how NewStory ensures the reliability of local partners in the countries they operate. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and accountability in building homes and communities.
"as opposed to old old-school traditional charity models which is more of a direct sales approach some inside sales approach galas things like that we're actually having active ambassadors go spread ne..."
Overcoming Challenges
Hagler reflects on the challenges NewStory faces as they scale their operations. He discusses the importance of maintaining a personal touch in donor communications while managing growth effectively.
"being built in addition to having the necessary structures in place on the ground to actually get it done do you guys ever run into so for example in the auto industry Tesla comes in and like look we'..."
The Future of NewStory
The final segment looks ahead to the future of NewStory. Hagler shares their vision for expanding their impact globally and the importance of continuing to innovate in the nonprofit sector.
"build your own in-house capacity to do these things collaborate right like use partnerships use channels just like just like SAS companies do right use channels to to get the end product complete it s..."