A mutual aid network resourced through trust, time-sharing & decentralized care

Imagine Water Works isn’t a traditional nonprofit.

It’s a New Orleans-based, queer- and trans-led initiative that responds to climate crises by building grassroots power—without relying on large grants or top-down funding.

They’ve been running The Hive model since 2019—resourcing their work through shared time, skills, care, and community assets.

Here’s how they do it—and what your network can learn.

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Imagine Water Works at a Glance

🌍 Based in New Orleans, U.S.

👥 150+ active mutual aid volunteers

📦 Hundreds of supply runs coordinated per hurricane season

🛠 Funded through community time, trust, and peer logistics—not centralized budgets

💬 Transparent resourcing through public updates, shared roles, and clear asks

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How Imagine Water Works Implements the Hive Model

1. Time & Skill Contributions as the Primary Currency

Imagine Water Works resists extractive funding norms.

Instead of paid staff or rigid deliverables, they activate a network where members contribute time, energy, skills, and access to sustain operations.

People offer:

• Rides during evacuations
• Cooking and food prep
• Debris clearing and home repairs