Living with Dignity Program
(In Development)
Living with Dignity is a comprehensive housing-and-healing program currently being developed by Dawn Hightree / Usolec Company. The program is designed to address chronic housing insecurity and co-occurring mental health challenges through a no-barrier, dignity-centered model that integrates stable housing, supportive services, and pathways to long-term independence.
The initial vision is to establish a Living with Dignity Campus in Ashland as a pilot site. This campus would serve as a proof-of-concept and learning environment, informing best practices, partnerships, and outcomes measurement. From the outset, the program is being designed with replicability and scalability in mind, with the long-term goal of expanding Living with Dignity into communities nationwide as a sustainable, evidence-based model.
Why This Program Is Needed
(Evidence-Informed Rationale)
Living with Dignity is grounded in well-established research demonstrating that no-barrier housing and employment pathways are critical to healing and long-term stability for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. Traditional systems that require sobriety, employment, or treatment compliance before housing often prolong suffering and exacerbate mental and physical health challenges.
Research consistently shows that housing first, combined with voluntary supportive services, improves health outcomes, reduces emergency service utilization, and increases long-term housing retention. Living with Dignity builds on this evidence by emphasizing human dignity, autonomy, and trauma-informed care, recognizing that stability is a prerequisite for healing—not a reward for compliance.
The team
Living with Dignity is being designed around a lean, interdisciplinary, and collaborative team structure, prioritizing compassion, lived experience, and professional expertise. The proposed team model includes:
-
Program Director / Founder (Development & Oversight)
Vision, partnerships, funding strategy, and program integrity -
Housing & Operations Coordinator
Site operations, housing logistics, resident onboarding, and safety protocols -
Clinical & Wellness Partners (Contracted / Partner-Based)
Mental health clinicians, peer support specialists, and wellness providers
(emphasis on partnerships rather than heavy internal staffing) -
Employment & Skills Pathways Lead
No-barrier employment opportunities, training, and community partnerships -
Community & Lived-Experience Advisors
Individuals with lived experience of housing insecurity contributing to program design, evaluation, and governance -
Research & Evaluation Support (Academic or Consulting Partner)
Outcomes tracking, data ethics, and continuous improvement
This structure is intentionally flexible, allowing the program to grow sustainably while maintaining high ethical and care standards.
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Services
The Living with Dignity Program is dedicated to fostering long-term independence by providing a range of supportive services designed to heal both the mind and body. Our offerings include meditation, tai chi, and counseling, all aimed at mental well-being. Living with dignity groups and self-help sessions, ensuring they have access to the resources needed for recovery. With amenities like an exercise room, respite site, and peer support, the Living with Dignity Program creates an inclusive environment where individuals can thrive and achieve their goals of independence and stability.
Example of Services Provided
Support the Living with Dignity Vision
Support for our initiative is crucial as we strive to provide no-barrier housing with essential support services. By contributing, you are helping to heal minds and transform, creating a positive impact in our community. This project will uplift happiness and the economy of any city, fostering a brighter future for all. Together, we can make a difference and ensure everyone has access to safe and supportive housing.