F A Qs
It’s time to open our minds and our hearts by doing MORE and doing BETTER, as together, we educate, raise awareness of and dismantle the misconceptions about the many misunderstood souls living on the street, empowering each of us individually and collectively to create change for good.
UNSHELTERED MISSION
Our quest is to rally our collective talent and resources to materially amplify the voices and visibility of the unsheltered population while breaking down the stigma associated with homelessness. We listen, gather, and share their stories. We change the world by changing the narrative, one person, one story, one day at a time.
UNSHELTERED VISION
It’s time to open our minds and our hearts by doing MORE and doing BETTER, as together, we educate, raise awareness of, and dismantle the misconceptions about the many misunderstood souls living on the street, empowering each of us individually and collectively to create change for good.
OUR ENDEAVOR
The book Unsheltered: Voices from the Street – intends to change the narrative of such a complex and pressing issue affecting millions of people worldwide, starting by moving beyond the negative stigma and limitations attached to the word “homeless” by adopting “Unsheltered” – intended to include not only those unhoused, but those whose primary nighttime residence is a place not suitable for human habitation (for example, a city sidewalk, vehicle, abandoned building, or park).
We recognize that “homelessness” is a condition often misunderstood and stigmatized and often seen as a personal failing rather than a systemic problem. It’s time for their stories to be told by the unsheltered and those who can speak about and for them.
WHY DO YOU SAY “UNSHELTERED” VERSUS “HOMELESS?”
We want to change the narrative of such a complex and pressing issue affecting millions of people worldwide, starting by moving beyond the negative stigma and limitations attached to the word “homeless” by adopting “Unsheltered” – intended to include not only those unhoused, but those whose primary nighttime residence is a place not suitable for human habitation (for example, a city sidewalk, vehicle, abandoned building, or park).
WHAT IS A STORY?
A story is a true account written in the first person within the five categories below. Each story submitted should be between 1500 and 2000 words. Our Unsheltered Series will look upon the issue and challenges of homelessness worldwide by capturing real stories from real people who:
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- are currently unsheltered/homeless
- have been unsheltered/homeless in the past
- have been affected indirectly/a degree removed from being unsheltered/homeless (family members, friends, co-workers, etc.)
- are familiar with the personal and global effects of the unsheltered/homeless population
- are organizations and causes on the ground facing daily struggles with those who are unsheltered/homeless
HOW DO I SUBMIT A STORY?
Click the green STORY APPLICATION button at the bottom of the landing page: www.allthingswellness.com/unsheltered. Complete the form before submitting your entire story. We will review your story synopsis and contact you within a week of submission.
WHAT IS THE STORY REVIEW PROCESS?
Once we receive the STORY APPLICATION, our team reviews the story synopsis. Criteria include validating the story content and storyteller, whether the story fits this book, and more. Once we review the story, all storytellers are informed of the status of their submission. If your story is accepted for publication, you must sign a contributing author agreement.
Storytellers will also have the option to share their name and contact information in the book.
CAN I SUBMIT A STORY WITHOUT USING MY REAL NAME?
Yes. But we have a few requests. Our book series is about sharing real, first-person stories worldwide. There are life events that cause people to seek refuge and safety. An example might be a mother fleeing a domestic situation with her children or a young adult living on the streets seeking anonymity because of threats from a family member. Ideally, in addition to a fictitious name, please provide your city. For example, Jane, Los Angeles or Jack, Rome, Italy. Reach out to us using the green CONTACT US button at the bottom of the landing page if you need further guidance.
WHAT IS THE UNSHELTERED TEAM, AND WHAT SKILLS DO YOU REQUIRE TO PARTICIPATE ON THE TEAM?
This effort takes a team of individuals aligned with a purpose and passion to give a voice to those who are unsheltered. We aim to change and save lives by listening. Our team consists of individuals who will share their talents and gifts pro bono.
WHAT AREAS OF EXPERTISE ARE YOU LOOKING FOR ON YOUR TEAM?
Marketing, social media, podcaster/media team (more information below), gathering stories from those in the categories above, and …. You tell us.
WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS OF OTHER TEAM MEMBERS?
Fill out the form by clicking the green JOIN OUR TEAM button at the bottom of the landing page. We receive your information, and we will be in touch.
CAN I PARTICIPATE (AS A TEAM MEMBER, MEDIA PARTNER, AND/OR STORYTELLER) IN ALL THREE BOOKS OF THIS UNSHELTERED BOOK SERIES?
Our first focus is book one, No One Is Home Until Everyone Is Home. This isn’t to say you can only participate in book one, but we are learning as we go, and book two may look a bit differently.
ARE YOU ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR THIS PROJECT?
Thank you for supporting us. This book series is a “for good,” not “for profit” venture. However, there are production costs for this book. There are different payment methods (green buttons at the bottom of the landing page) to contribute to the project.
WHAT IS A MEDIA PARTNER?
We are seeking those who will help us spread the word about this project. If you are a journalist, have an online magazine or TV show, or host a radio show or podcast, please complete the form by clicking the green MEDIA PARTNER APPLICATION button at the bottom of the landing page. You will be notified if you are accepted as a partner for this project.
WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS OF MEDIA PARTNERS?
We request you use your social media, email contacts, spread the word on your podcast or radio show as to the status of the project, or interview members of the team and contributing authors once the book is published.
If you are chosen as a Media Partner, you will sign an agreement stating the following:
- Promote the project on your social media, podcast/radio/T.V., or in print (media platforms).
- After the book is published, interview or showcase at minimum 10 project participants of your choice (contributing authors and other project team members).
- Your name and company will be listed on the back of the book.
- Your photo, company, 100-word bio, and up to three contacts will be listed inside the book.
- Your bio and image will be posted on allthingswellness.com as a Media Partner and used for marketing purposes.
I HAVE A HOMELESS-FOCUSED NONPROFIT. CAN I PARTICIPATE OR HELP IN THIS EFFORT?
We are excited to partner with organizations whose missions serve the homeless community. We see multiple opportunities to be on our team: help us collect stories in the above-stated categories, photos, vlogs, share with us how unsheltered/homeless affects your community and what you do for your community. In turn, we feature participating organization bios and contact information on our landing page and at the back of the book.
Please submit your information on our green NONPROFIT TEAM APPLICATION button at the bottom of the landing page.
ARE YOU ACCEPTING PHOTO OR ARTWORK SUBMISSIONS?
Stay tuned. We will create a link on the landing page with requirements for you to submit photos, small videos, or artwork. If the entries are chosen for the project, you must sign an agreement for consent of usage.
HOW MAY I CONTACT YOU PERSONALLY TO GET MORE ANSWERS OR SHARE IDEAS?
There is a green CONTACT US button at the bottom of the landing page. We address emails within 48 hours and welcome your comments and questions.