Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Fuss.
Hi Joshua, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Each of us has lived experience. It started as a joke. We were touring a veterinary clinic for a potential location for a recovery (sober) home. It was run-down and needed more work than we could put into it. During the tour, I noticed multiple offices. I told Jon Heise, one of our founders and our Director of Operations, that we could start a Recovery Community Organization with all the offices. Jon’s response was, “What the hell is a Recovery Community Organization?” I explained to him that it was a non-profit organization that helps individuals who struggle with substance use, who are experiencing homelessness, and who are justice-involved. We both laughed it off. When I got home that night, I kept thinking about the conversation. I decided that it was exactly what we should do. That night, I filed the paperwork to become a 501 (c) (3) non-profit. One of our other founders came up with the name Just Hope. We had a small idea of what we wanted to do, but the further we dug in, the more we understood that there was much more needed in our community. People needed a place that had longer hours and more days. People didn’t stop suffering because the weekend was here. We decided that we were going to be accountable to our community and show up no matter what, even if it was at 4 am in the morning. We wanted each person to understand that they had people who cared about them and who delivered on their word. Most of all, we understood that we had one job, That is to save others lives at all cost.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. We have had financial struggles. It is hard to get grants and donations. It is a constant struggle. We pay for most of the bills, office supplies, and outreach supplies out of pocket. Our biggest struggle, however, is the constant changes in state policies and laws. It is hard to keep up with all the changes. Particularly, the most recent change to background checks for Recovery Community Organizations. The state is requiring background checks for organizational leadership. Peer support services (which are the primary services we provide) are delivered by individuals with lived experience. That means that we have experienced homelessness, incarceration, and substance use. By imposing background checks, essentially gutting a workforce, and moving away from the primary purpose of lived experience. It takes away much-needed understanding, insight, and compassion for those who need help.
As you know, we’re big fans of Just Hope. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a Recovery Community Organization that is dedicated to helping individuals who have experienced incarceration, homelessness, and who struggle with substance use. We specialize in peer support services and homeless outreach. Because of our own experiences, we can connect with those we interact with. What sets us apart from others is that we are open 7 days a week, from 9:00 am to 9:45 pm. We have a 24/7 crisis phone line. If someone calls, we will show up to help at any point. Even at 4:00 am. I am most proud of our staff and volunteers. Their dedication, compassion, and willingness are unmatched. Their heart for this work is our brand. Through all the struggles and hardships, they have stuck by us and continued to help those in need.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
First and foremost, our staff and volunteers. For the past few years, they have volunteered their time simply to be of service to those who need our help. Without them, we would not be able to continue making the impact we are making in our community. The 3 other founders, who contribute their own money to keep the lights on, deserve a big part of the credit: Jon Heise (Director of Operations), David “Angel” Swadner (Director of Outreach), and Daniel Mack (Events and Community Engagement Director). Lastly, our families. We are supported by our significant others, family, and friends. People tend to forget that our families make their own sacrifices (if not equal, then more). We work late hours, get phone calls at all hours of the day/night, and have very little in finances. Despite these struggles, they care for us, support us, and love us all the same. Without my team, founders, or family, none of this would be possible.
Pricing:
- We charge nothing. We bill insurance. If insurance will not cover it, we will still give the same quality of services. Money is a plus, not the mission.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.justhopemn.org
- Instagram: just_hope101
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570160705138
