Meet the Team Behind: Second Story Cards

Second Story Cards is a social enterprise that partners with people who have experienced homelessness to create greeting cards, providing artists with income while sharing their creativity and stories. Each card directly benefits its creator and gives back to an organization that helped them along the way. Learn more about their work here!

Can you tell me about the need for your work?

People experiencing homelessness are often defined solely by their housing status, while their talents, creativity, and individual stories can be overlooked. We believe that no single circumstance defines a person. Everyone has the ability to change their situation and write a new chapter, or a “second story.” By creating opportunities for people who have experienced homelessness to turn their ideas and artwork into greeting cards, we help elevate their voices, showcase their talents, and provide a source of income as they work toward greater stability.

How does your model work?

We collaborate with people who have experienced homelessness to turn their ideas, artwork, humor, and personal experiences into professionally produced greeting cards. The cardmaker receives 15% of every sale of their card. We also donate an additional 10% to a nonprofit organization chosen by the cardmaker, allowing them to give back to organizations that supported them through challenges in their own lives. This means every purchase has an impact beyond the card itself, supporting both the individual creator and organizations helping others in need.

Can you tell me about some of the people behind the cards?

Our cardmakers bring their own personalities and perspectives to their designs, creating cards that range from heartfelt and encouraging to funny and irreverent. For example, Nashville-based artist Ellie Kane draws on her experience with homelessness and marginalization to create cards centered around making people feel noticed and valued. Washington, D.C.-based Eric Thompson-Bey has created designs like “Firefly Love” and “Bear Hug” to share his life story. The goal is to highlight people for their creativity and ideas rather than allowing homelessness to define their identities.

How did Second Story Cards get started?

Second Story Cards began in Washington, D.C. in December 2016 with white cardstock, stamps, embossing powder, and an $80 black-and-white printer. What started as a small operation has grown into an award-winning greeting card company, with cards now sold in shops across the country. We’ve expanded our printing capabilities and even earned a Louie Award, one of the greeting card industry’s major honors. Despite that growth, our purpose remains the same: create meaningful cards while helping people who have experienced homelessness write the next chapter of their lives.