Edward Brost found himself engaged in conversations with impact workers and humanitarians that pointed to the fact that we (humanity) were losing the battle to global disasters.
Edward was astonished to hear that millions of families were living in limbo “an uncertain period of awaiting a decision or resolution”.
If 1.2 billion people are living in short term solutions for shelter, then 1.2 billion people are in limbo.
Waiting. Trying to find hope.
You don’t need a psychologist to tell you that it’s hard to dream in limbo!
Edward felt compelled to address this, but didn’t want to be a short-term band-aid. He wanted to pioneer a new story, develop a high-quality product in the form of an eco-housing structure. Not just temporary shelter, but an “easy to assemble” house where a family can dream, thrive and belong. It has to be more than a tent and not be torn apart by a follow-up disaster.
He embarked on a journey to bridge two worlds. The compassionate world and the progressive marketplace, so he formed a team.
They agreed that four things were their common ground.
- Every post-disaster community needs an eco-friendly and sustainable housing solution.
- Community transformation starts with a thriving family.
- A thriving family emerges from a place of belonging and stability.
- The world is uncertain, but your home shouldn’t be.
From these points of common ground, it was clear to the team that transformation does have a starting point, and that starting point is a home!
The fundamental goal was to see displaced and battered people given the opportunity to move into a stable and dignified housing product. A place to dream again.
A Huffington Post article on the power of hope, puts it well, “Hope affects human lives by alleviating the pain of uncertainty.” It needed a solution that put context into food relief, innovative ideas, and clean water projects. We knew that it had to be globally scalable and that our designs had to be based on sustainable development. The communities had to continue to thrive long after our homes were installed.
We don’t believe that the solution lies in providing temporary housing units. We are creating a platform for transformation, and rebuilding communities that make people feel fully supported. The starting point for hope is a home.
These innovative housing structures enable people to belong and thrive again. We are on a mission to see all displaced families in post-disaster communities have a place to call home.
Edward Brost is the President & CEO of Trade Venture Development Group. Edward has over 25 years of experience successfully re-positioning and building global organisations across North America, Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia.