Franklin photographer and resident, Jeremy Cowart, has set out to do something no one else has done before- build a hotel with a purpose. One that takes on social issues of human trafficking, poverty, clean water, and more.  A hotel with an outward focus to give back through its daily operations.
Just a little over a week ago, a kickstarter for The Purpose Hotel was created. This hotel is special because your lodging dollars go towards causes to fight social injustices. To even begin this project, the goal of his kickstarter is set at two million dollars. Â And to date, the kickstarter has raised $319,000 with 35 days to go to reach the goal, that leaves roughly 1.6 million or 48K a day to reach the kickstarter goal in the next 35 days.
We spoke to Jeremy Cowart about the kickstarter, how you can get involved and what’s next.
That’s a pretty big number to hit in 35 days, how do you think you will hit your number?Â
Certainly, we need all of the help we can get. And I had hoped to raise more money by now. I gotta say that I’m praying for a miracle but there are also big things brewing behind the scenes.
It’s been one week since your kickstarter announcement, have you had time to reflect back on that day?Â
It’s been so busy, I am drowning in emails from non-profits and others who want to help with this cause. There has actually been very little negative feedback.
You’ve mentioned that you want to open the first  hotel in Nashville, would Williamson County be an option?Â
We are looking at property everywhere. And we would like for it to be in Nashville as Nashville is a major market, but if the right opportunity presented itself we would look at Williamson County.
So, how can we get involved in The Purpose Hotel project?Â
We need everyone to help spread the word through social media. You can back the campaign and create a legacy by having  your portrait hanging  in the lobby of The Purpose Hotel. We are also  open to ideas of who to talk with regarding non-profits and other aspects of the hotel.
Thanks to Jeremy Cowart for taking time out to talk with us. Lamar Digital Billboards has donated billboard space across the area, so soon you will see billboards with the message “Change the World in Your Sleep. ThePurposeHotel.com.” As a celebrity photographer, Cowart has also had several celebrities tweet about The Purpose Hotel project including Justin Bieber’s mom as well as spoken to several media outlets including  USA Today, The Huffington Post, Relevant, Conde’ Nast Traveler and more. This is a truly exciting project to watch.
Cowart just released a list of non-profits that he plans to work with at The Purpose Hotel including a couple of local non-profits, Thistle Farms and FASHIONABLE. The complete list includes Charity: Water, Compassion International, Dignify, Exile International, Hope International, International Justice Mission, Legacy Building, Mission Lazarus, Preemptive Love Coalition, Project 615, Project 7, Raven + Lily, People of the Second Chance, The Giving Keys, and To Write Love on Her Arms.
Learn more about the kickstarter and the difference levels of support here. Keep checking back here for updates.
