★ From Florida to California to the Carolinas ★
Housing that people can afford. Second chances that stick. Childcare that lifts families instead of draining them. And music that gives every voice a stage. Founded and led by Dr. Essance Edwards, CEO.
Dr. Essance Edwards · CEO
Founder & CEO · Artist · Community Builder · 803 Swag
Dr. Essance Edwards is the founder, CEO, and heartbeat of the Boots on the Ground Community. She's an artist first — a creator who believes music, poetry, and expression aren't luxuries, they're lifelines. And she's a builder second, turning that same creative energy into real-world programs that meet people exactly where they are.
From Florida to California to the Carolinas, Boots on the Ground moves as several components working together: affordable housing and transitional rooms, a prison reentry ministry, and affordable bilingual childcare — all wrapped in the arts, all pointed at one goal: helping people get their boots back on the ground and keep them there.
Safe spaces. Second chances. Stronger communities. Every part of Boots on the Ground answers a real need.
A place to heal and a path to your new beginning. Short term or long term — safe, clean, and affordable rooms, studios, and apartments with flexible daily, weekly, and monthly stays.
Coming home shouldn't mean starting from nothing. Our reentry ministry walks alongside reentering citizens with mentorship, resources, and a community that believes in second chances.
Parents working to get their boots back on the ground shouldn't be crushed by everyday childcare costs. We teach little learners in English and Spanish — and use music to help every child find their voice.
See Our Work
Some people don't need a lecture. They need a key. A door of their own. A porch light that stays on for them. The Independent Tiny Home Mission Fund exists to build tiny homes — real, dignified, independent homes — for veterans, reentering citizens, seniors, and families fighting their way back. Every dollar is a nail. Every gift is a wall. Together, we hand somebody a key that changes their whole story.
Your giving helps secure the land — the literal ground for somebody's boots to stand on.
Lumber, labor, and love. Every donation raises walls, a roof, and a warm place to heal.
The moment that shakes the soul — placing keys in the hand of someone starting over.
Give what's on your heart — every single dollar builds toward the keys.
💚 Give From the Heart🙏 All gifts go directly to Dr. Essance Edwards via Cash App $essanceedwards for the Independent Tiny Home Mission Fund. From Florida to California to the Carolinas — one key at a time.
The mission moves because people move. Pick your lane, raise your hand, and let's put boots on the ground together — from Florida to California to the Carolinas.
Hands-on help for the Tiny Home Mission — building, painting, hauling, and setting up homes.
Meal prep, care packages, and comfort for families, seniors, and neighbors in transition.
Support the bilingual childcare program — reading, ABCs, music time, and toy drives.
Set up stages, showcase talent, and bring the GetFreshStuff energy to every fundraiser.
Pick up donations, deliver toys and meals, and keep the mission rolling on wheels.
Mentor reentering citizens, share resources, and spread the word across the community.
Every major holiday is a chance to bless somebody. Mark your calendar — all dates are tentative and will be confirmed as each event gets closer.
Backpacks, supplies, and fresh confidence for kids starting the school year strong.
Plates, music, and fellowship — proceeds go to the Independent Tiny Home Mission Fund.
A safe, joyful night of candy, costumes, and community for the little ones.
Warm plates and full tables for families, seniors, veterans, and neighbors in transition.
Our biggest drive of the year — new toys collected and delivered so every child wakes up to joy on Christmas morning.
Ring in 2027 with testimony, music, and the vision for the year ahead.
A day ON, not a day off — community service projects across our cities.
Love boxes with essentials and encouragement for seniors and families in shelters.
Baskets, egg hunts, and springtime smiles for the children of the community.
Culture, food, music, and history — celebrating freedom and building legacy.
Cookout, games, and honoring our veterans — fundraising for veteran tiny homes.
📌 All dates are tentative. Follow Dr. Essance Edwards on social media or join the Skool community for confirmed dates, times, and locations. Want to sponsor an event? Call or text 904-450-1973.
Essance Edwards is an artist — and Boots on the Ground moves to the beat of GetFreshStuff Music. Press play, feel the message, and check back for new drops.
Essance · On the Mic
Got an interactive spirit? Write your own poem right here — express yourself, then copy it to share your talent with the Boots on the Ground community.
From housing to home security to ultra-fast fiber — the movement in living color. Tap any flyer to see the ways Essance is putting boots on the ground.
The Boots on the Ground collaboration hub — connect with entrepreneurs, artists, volunteers, community leaders, and change-makers from around the world.