How You can Help
The Groundwork Project: Land Partnership Co-Op Plan
PURPOSE
To establish partnerships between landowners and The Groundwork Project (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) to create sustainable, permanent housing for the chronically unhoused — using eco-friendly building methods, community labor, and long-term stewardship that revitalizes underutilized land while preserving ownership and purpose alignment.
PARTNERSHIP MODELS
A. Long-Term Land Lease (Preferred Model)
25–50 year renewable lease, $0 cost (in-kind donation). Landowner retains title. Groundwork and residents maintain property. Benefits include ownership retention, tax deductions, reduced maintenance, and community recognition.
B. Land Donation (Outright Gift)
Land deeded to The Groundwork Project. Donor receives full fair market value deduction, naming opportunities, and legacy recognition.
C. Shared Stewardship Model (For Churches & Cities)
Land remains owned by church/city. Groundwork manages and residents maintain. Aligns with mission goals while removing maintenance burden.
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ROI
For Cities & Counties:
Reduces public homelessness costs, revitalizes land, and raises nearby values.
For Private Landowners:
Provides tax relief and goodwill.
For Churches:
Fulfills mission through visible impact.
HOW IT WORKS
01:
LAND AGREEMENT
Partner signs donation or lease (no cash required).
02:
SITE DEVELOPMENT
Groundwork designs and builds with natural materials and volunteers.
03:
NEIGHBOR SELECTION + TRAINING
Future residents help build and maintain their homes.
04:
MAINTENANCE + REPORTING
Residents maintain land; Groundwork provides annual updates.
05:
COMMUNITY INTEGRATION
Gardens, events, and shared amenities sustain ongoing impact.
SOIL ANALYSIS MOBILE TESTING LAB FOR COMPRESSED EARTH BLOCKS
To ensure the highest quality in every block we build, we use a professional soil testing kit. Dwell Earth has created the ultimate compressed earth block soil test, making it easy to ensure only the finest CEB is made and used for every project.
CURRENT COLLABORATION
CHRIS UPTON, AIA, NCARB
FOUNDER
Architect with 23+ years of experience focused on practical, buildable design solutions.
DR. BRENDEN KELLY
Texas Tech Univeristy
CYNTHIA MEYERING, LMFT
GOVERNANCE + PROTECTION
Land agreements are sealed by licensed professionals. Groundwork carries insurance, provides annual maintenance reports, and includes reversion clauses for partner protection.
SAMPLE COST BENEFIT SNAPSHOT
| ITEM | TYPICAL ANNUAL COST | UNDER GROUNDWORK PARNTERSHIP |
|---|---|---|
| MOWING 1 ACRE LOT | $1000-$1500 | $0 |
| DUMPING/VANDALISM REPAIR | $500+ | $0 |
| PROPERTY TAXES (DONATION) | ~$2000 | $0 + TAX DEDUCTION |
| CIVIL IMPACT/GOODWILL | MINIMAL | HIGHLY VISIBLE AND COMMUNITY CREDIT |