Net Hope project donates $73K to St. Charles Foundation

Years ago, local homebuilder David Hesla had a dream: To help friends and neighbors fighting cancer by raising money through building projects. As a result, the Net Hope Collaboration Project was born.

Hesla teamed up with Joe Emerson and Ann Brayfield of ZeroHomes.org and David Sailors of the Garner Group to build a more affordable Net-Zero energy home with the goal of donating proceeds from the sale to St. Charles Foundation for cancer support services.

Located in southeast Bend, the house has now sold, raising more than $73,000 for services including integrative therapies and nurse navigation for cancer patients.

“Net Hope is supporting the community in two ways: It’s Net Hope for cancer patients and their families, and Net Hope for global warming,” Emerson said. “All new housing becoming Net-Zero energy is one of the important steps we all need to take toward reducing carbon emissions.”

The buyer, local artist Beale Jones, was inspired by the house itself, but said, “the two-fold mission of this beautiful structure sealed the deal.”

“Like many people, I have family members who have struggled with cancer and died from it. I also lost the best friend I ever had this year to cancer,” she said. “Knowing that cancer patients at St. Charles will be supported makes me incredibly thankful and happy. This house gives back every day.”