This page describes how we plan to use our funds. Some details may be updated as we perform further due dilligence, research, and development. Last updated: 7 January 2022
What is the criteria for membership in the community? Who gets to live there?
Our selection process for community membership prioritizes charity. We look for individuals who have experienced significant adversity in their lives. We also consider candidates who demonstrate a personal commitment to sustainability. Another consideration is the set of talents and passions a candidate possesses which may contribute to the health of the community.
Where will the community be located?
We are considering multiple US-based locations based on a variety of factors including future climate risk and arability. Currently the top contender is Lamoille County, Vermont.
How will community members get into town if needed?
We will provide an electric vehicle for community members to use as needed.
What energy sources will the community use?
The community will run on a variety of clean, renewable energy sources. The specifics will depend on the final site selected for development, but will likely include solar and geothermal energy.
What will be the carbon footprint of the community?
Our community will be carbon-negative. Fossil fuels will not be used and the land will act as a natural carbon sink. We will use appropriate strategies to prevent or capture methane emissions as needed, e.g.: aerobic composting.
How will the community sustain itself?
The community will produce its own necessities through sustainable agriculture and forestry. We will maintain soil health with a closed nutrient cycle, biodiversity, and cover crops.
How much will it cost to develop the community?
To sustain 12 members, project a cost of approximately $300,000. Our budget includes the use of local natural materials and volunteer labor to reduce costs. Detailed budget information is available.
What are your plans for the project to pay for itself after it gets going? How long will it be dependent on external funding?
We anticipate our largest costs to be up-front development expenses. Once established, the community is self-sustaining. We expect to supply the community with food for up to 2 years post-development, and miscellaneous supplies for up to 3 years. The community may provide boarding services (eg: Airbnb) as a source of revenue to cover any minor ongoing expenses. This also creates an opportunity for education, as outsiders will learn firsthand what it is like to live sustainably, and how it can be accomplished.
What will your funds be used for?
Our funding will be used primarily for real estate and development costs. It will also provide for equipment, food, agricultural supplies, transportation, etc.
What if you go over budget?
We have developed a conservative budget and plan to raise more funds than we project to need. If the budget is exceeded, we will compensate by delaying construction of some of the dwellings. We can move forward with a smaller community as funds are being raised to construct the remaining homes.
What happens if someone gets sick or injured?
Transportation will be available on-site to reach the nearest hospital. We will also provide first aid supplies and information so that minor injuries may be treated. Communications will be available to contact emergency services if needed.
What happens if power runs out during the winter?
We will use a variety of power sources to ensure that residents have continuous access to necessities such as heat and running water. In case of loss of electrical power, firewood can be used as a backup. Homes will be built with adequate insulation and a passive heating/cooling design to ensure a comfortable environment no matter the weather conditions.
How will you handle a natural disaster?
The off-grid nature of the proposed community provides robustness against events such as main power grid failure. In case of property damage, or other emergency, residents will be evacuated to the nearest shelter. In case of crop failure, the community may be resupplied with food or evacuated as prudent to the situation.
What happens when babies are born in the community?
We have budgeted for maternity supplies to assist growing families. Going forward we hope to secure funding for additional phases of development adding new dwellings and new communities to accommodate larger families.
What if there is a disagreement between community members?
Members are expected to abide by our community guidelines. Disagreements may be resolved through mediation.
What if a community member behaves destructively, or commits a crime?
Membership in the community is contingent upon compliance with our community guidelines. Such behavior is prohibited by the guidelines and may result in eviction.
What if a member doesn’t contribute to the community?
In order for the health of the community to be sustained, each member should contribute their unique talents and passions. While this is not enforced, members may be resentful of a person who does not contribute. In this case, we advise members to communicate their feelings to the individual in question and work with them to find meaningful activities they may engage in. If the situation cannot be resolved in this way, the community may choose to remove a member by two thirds majority vote according to the guidelines.
How will community members work?
Community members may not need to work traditional jobs, as the community is self-sufficient. Members may choose to do work that can be performed remotely at their leisure, such as writing, composing music, or creating works of art.
How will garbage be collected?
We encourage zero-waste living. According to our community guidelines, each member is individually responsible for any piece of garbage they produce. Organic materials may be composted, glass and metals recycled on-site. We discourage members from bringing any disposable plastics into the community. Any garbage that cannot be handled on-site must be removed by the member responsible for that waste.
How will septic waste be handled?
The community will use composting toilets and/or a septic tank system, as permitted by local regulations.
What is the impact of my donation?
Your donation provides a life-changing impact to a person in need of housing and the healing surroundings of a natural environment. Each person we welcome into our community represents an annual reduction of approximately 16 tons of carbon emissions.
How can I donate?
You can donate online or by check, visit https://pangolin.green/donate/ to learn more.
How much funding do you need?
Our current budget model predicts a need of approximately $300,000.00.