Case study: DignityMoves

DignityMoves is an organization that is completely upending the way we’re addressing unsheltered homelessness.

Founded by members of the Young Presidents Organization during the pandemic, DignityMoves applies Silicon Valley-style disruptive thinking and private sector approaches in ways that traditional nonprofits and governments often don’t.

Based in California, DignityMoves offers a scalable solution to the homelessness crisis: interim housing communities that can be built in as little as four months and cost around $50K.

These supportive housing services provide a model for building houses that’s fast, affordable, and—best of all—super easy to replicate. RLM’s mission was to spread awareness of this innovative solution as DignityMoves prepared to bring its communities to cities across the country.

To kick off its campaign, RLM highlighted the incredible growth and success of DignityMoves’ communities since its start in 2020, with six completed projects and a significant portion of its residents already finding permanent housing.

RLM also explained how DignityMoves communities differed from typical homeless shelters by providing residents with an individual unit that they can lock, a place to store their belongings, a private bathroom, and the opportunity to bring pets and partners.

Additionally, RLM spotlighted local awards and recognitions that highlighted DignityMoves’ efforts. This included DignityMoves earning a grant from the Starbucks Foundation.

Another notable story was DignityMoves’ work with the San Jose Mayor and City Council to pass an emergency declaration on homelessness and build a community in the city for its thousands of unsheltered residents.

Due to RLM’s tireless efforts, DignityMoves earned a deluge of press coverage in local and national publications. Fast Company, Vox, Insider, and Axios all highlighted DignityMoves’ innovative solution to unsheltered homelessness in their features. RLM also secured broadcast interviews for DignityMoves Founder/CEO Elizabeth Funk on NASDAQ Trade Talks, KTLA, NBC Bay Area, and CBS News.

• 8+ press publications
• 5+ local outlet features
• 4+ broadcast interviews

DignityMoves was also a hit with local outlets, with CalMatters, The San Franscico Chronicle, Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Look Out Santa Cruz, and more covering the organization’s developments in California, including the establishment of communities in San Jose and San Francisco.