Community on the Rise

Community on the Rise is a distinctive non-profit and social enterprise that emerged from the Church of the Reconciler in 2020 (though the website mentions it as a "nonprofit & social enterprise dedicated to empowering people experiencing homelessness in Birmingham, Alabama," implying a more established, independent structure). It was founded on the radical belief that "our innovators are survivors of homelessness" and that by empowering these individuals, both human lives and the planet can be restored.

Their approach is truly groundbreaking, combining direct services for people experiencing homelessness with an innovative plastic recycling social enterprise.

The Problem They Address: Intertwined Crises of Poverty, Homelessness, and Plastic Waste

Community on the Rise recognizes that homelessness and poverty are complex issues with multiple interconnected barriers. They specifically address:

• Barriers to Housing, Education, Healing, and Employment: These are the four core areas they target, understanding that a lack of one impacts the others. This includes common hurdles like lack of government identification, transportation, affordable housing, and access to trauma-informed care.
• Plastic Waste (specifically #5PP plastics): They identified a significant gap in Birmingham's recycling infrastructure, where only #1 and #2 plastics are typically recycled. This means a massive amount of #5 polypropylene (PP) plastic (found in items like yogurt cups, takeout containers, and pill bottles) was ending up in landfills.

Community on the Rise bravely tackles both human and environmental crises simultaneously, creating symbiotic solutions.

Mission and Vision: Reclaiming Value – of People and the Planet

Community on the Rise's mission is to empower people experiencing homelessness in Birmingham, Alabama, by breaking barriers to housing, education, healing, and employment.

Their vision is to reclaim value:

• Of our beautiful earth by transforming plastic waste into sustainable goods.
• Of our beautiful community by reminding them of their divine worth.

They believe that when people are given the opportunity to heal and thrive in a supportive community, they can restore their lives and contribute meaningfully to society and the environment.

Core Philosophy: Innovation, Compassion, and Direct Empowerment

• Innovation: They are unique as the only non-profit in Alabama recycling #5PP plastics, transforming what would be waste into valuable products. This innovation also extends to their holistic support model for survivors of homelessness.
• Trauma-Informed Healing: They recognize that many experiencing homelessness are survivors of trauma and integrate mental wellness care and healing circles into their programs.
• Meaningful Employment: They provide dignified, paid employment opportunities for survivors of homelessness, giving them purpose, skills, and financial stability.
• Community Building: They prioritize building genuine relationships, fostering a compassionate work culture, and creating spaces like "Community Table" for connection and support.
• Dignity and Worth: They focus on restoring the identity and inherent worth of individuals, rather than just providing handouts.
• Circular Economy Principles: Their recycling initiative exemplifies a circular economy by turning waste into new products and creating green jobs.

Key Program Areas and Activities:

Community on the Rise implements its holistic approach through several interconnected programs:

1. WHOLE Program (Wellness and Housing Opportunity Linked to Employment):

   • Free, Safe Housing: Provides rent and utility-free housing for participants (e.g., Marigold House for women).
   • Meaningful Employment: Participants are employed by Community on the Rise, primarily in their plastic recycling social enterprise.
   • Trauma-Informed Healing: Offers individual counseling and group healing circles to address past trauma.
   • Practical Life Skills Curriculum: Equips individuals with essential skills for independent living.
   • ID Recovery Services: Crucially helps individuals obtain vital identity documents (birth certificates, social security cards, state IDs/licenses), which are often a major barrier to housing and employment. They offer walk-in ID clinics.

2. Plastic Recycling Social Enterprise:

   • #5PP Plastic Collection: They accept donations of #5 polypropylene plastics from the public and businesses.
   • Processing and Manufacturing: Their team (comprised of survivors of homelessness in the WHOLE program) sorts, cleans, shreds, and then melts down the #5 plastics using specialized Precious Plastics machines (inspired by a European initiative).
   • Product Creation: They transform the recycled plastic into new, unique products such as garden pots, keychains, coasters, and more. This process provides hands-on vocational training and generates revenue for the organization.
   • Workshops and Tours: They offer recycling workshops and tours to raise public awareness and educate about plastic waste.

3. Community Engagement:

   • Community Table: Weekly gatherings (e.g., Tuesdays 10 AM - 11 AM) for relationship building, conversations, and mutual support.
   • Maker Space & Open Hang Out Time: Provides a space for creativity, connection, and general relaxation.
   • Volunteer Opportunities: Engages community members to support their work (contact their Outreach Coordinator).

Impact and Achievements:

Community on the Rise is achieving remarkable outcomes by directly addressing the interwoven challenges of homelessness, poverty, and environmental degradation:

• Breaking Barriers to Stability: Provides critical support for housing, employment, and personal documents that enable individuals to escape the cycle of homelessness.
• Empowering Survivors: Transforms the narrative around homelessness by showcasing the valuable work and contributions of individuals who have experienced it.
• Environmental Innovation: Fills a critical gap in Birmingham's recycling infrastructure, diverting significant amounts of plastic waste from landfills and creating a truly circular economy model.
• Holistic Healing: By integrating mental wellness and trauma support, they address the deeper needs of individuals, promoting long-term well-being.
• Sustainable Funding Model: The revenue generated from their recycled products contributes to the sustainability of their programs, reducing reliance solely on grants and donations.
• Community Building: Fosters a strong, supportive community among participants and volunteers, which is crucial for healing and sustained recovery.

Community on the Rise stands out as a powerful example of how creative, compassionate, and integrated solutions can tackle some of society's most complex problems, benefiting both people and Earth.