Holy Smoke - Misfit Missionaries

Should I be selected as a winner, I will utilize the Elevate Prize funding to purchase Hydroponic Tower Gardens for my start up "Hydroponics for The Homeless" project here in Las Vegas, NV, becoming the first of its kind. Tower Gardens are cost effective, self-sustaining, no soil "gardens", if you will, producing 3x the amount of healthy greens and vegetables, to feed the homeless population living in the storm tunnels under the Las Vegas strip. Elevate's support will advance my work, opening doors to many other Las Vegas institutions serving homeless and low income families that do not have access to fresh, healthy greens and vegetables.  My vision for this project is to have Towers growing everywhere in Las Vegas and beyond where there is a need, and I know this will be a powerful impact to the community I serve. Thank you so much for this opportunity.

I have been in the health care setting as a registered nurse for over 23 years. My concentration was in the Emergency Department. In 2014, I decided to switch my focus from disease and illness care to prevention and wellness. I became certified as a Health Coach, and began focusing on wellness and healthy living. My vision is to inspire health living around the world.  I began researching various foundations, such as low income  and non-profit organizations. I met Arthur and Theresa McClennaghan 2 years ago after seeing their work with the homeless living in the storm tunnels under the Las Vegas Strip. After contacting them and donating items, we talked about some other projects that would change the communities they serve.  My purpose for this grant is to change the landscape of food to living greens and vegetables with the hydroponic gardens. I see the future of these Towers utilized not only in Las Vegas, but expanding state wide. My passion for change is inline with Holy Smoke's mission and vision. Holy Smoke was featured on A & E's "Intervention," on March 29th with "Amanda's" Story. She is healthy strong and sober today! 

The problem Holy Smoke is working toward resolve is Homelessness. Holy Smoke's concentration is over 1000 individuals displaced, evicted, and veterans who have found refuge under the Las Vegas Strip storm tunnels.  The global problem is pandemic in nature. Everywhere I have traveled, homelessness exists. Families are the highest homeless population! The Towers will also be utilized for education through YMCA's, Boys and Girls Clubs, and The Salvation Army to name a few. Growing and educating with Tower hydroponics through Holy Smoke - Misfit Missionaries will be a catalyst for change in decreasing homelessness. 

The new approach I am taking is through growing fresh food with hydroponic Towers. This project will be the first of its kind in Las Vegas making it unique. Homeless and low income populations do not have access to fresh, healthy greens and vegetables!  The Towers have unique features which includes recycled water, 98% of the water is recycled through the Tower! Las Vegas is a desert with limited water resources. Tower hydroponics is a perfect fit for Las Vegas and feeding the homeless. Another unique feature with Towers is that they are soil free, and growing vertically. This feature will save space, water and soil. 

The steps I am taking to achieve this project to impact the Las Vegas homeless landscape is to acquire funding through grants. Grant funding will assist in the launching of this project. Social media and network news would also be a huge step in this project. Getting "the word out," is crucial for this to impact the homeless populations living under the strip. This project will empower communities and the people they serve.  Tower hydroponics can also be an environmental change for Las Vegas and surrounding areas due to water conservation and space.