While we hope to someday have a physical space where people can connect, take a free class, trade goods & services and start or join a club, for the foreseeable future Third Space can be found at pop-up events throughout Bennington & Omaha.

Our dream for the future is a space where you can:

• Take or teach a class. Examples could include arts & crafts, STEM, yoga or gardening. We want to hear the topics you’d like to learn more about or know enough about to teach. We think everyone has one! You don’t need a PhD or teaching experience to share a skill or idea with your neighbors.

• Participate in events or volunteer opportunities. This could include neighborhood trash pick-up, fun runs, chess tournaments, etc.

• Start or join a club or group. We provide the space and will help get the word out, you bring the ideas and willingness to organize. Ideas could include book clubs, card clubs and gaming groups.

• Use Third Space during open hours for meetings, remote working, hanging out with friends or utilizing our donated library, craft corner and technology area.

Why is having a space like this important?

The United States Surgeon General stated in 2023 that 50% of American adults reported experiencing measurable levels of loneliness. Lack of quality social connection has been shown to increase the risk for mental health challenges, heart disease, stroke, dementia, and even premature death to levels comparable to smoking daily. This is despite there being record-breaking numbers of people every year using social media and other online third places designed to bring people together digitally. There’s just no substitute for the real thing.

Third Space hopes to change that on a local level. We know not everyone can afford to visit a coffee shop or bar every time they crave social interaction. We know not everyone can justify driving 15-30 minutes to put them in proximity to third places occupied by like-minded individuals. But we know, with a little determination, we can come together and create the space we all need, right here in Bennington.

Third Space will operate on a Donate-What-You-Can model

Third Space is designed to be inclusive for all, regardless of financial standing. Even if you can never afford to donate a dime, we still want you involved! Classes would have a suggested price, but everyone is free to pay as little or as much as they can afford. Every penny goes right back into making Third Space the vital community hub we all need.

DWYC doesn’t have to mean a monetary donation, either! Here’s a list of items we would gladly accept in place of, or in addition to, monetary donations:

• Used books

• Board games and puzzles (with all pieces/parts included)

• Working technology such as used TVs, computers and video game consoles (please check with us before donating these items)

• Working sewing machines

• Craft supplies, including but not limited to: fabric, yarn, thread and notions, glue, paper craft items, ribbon, crochet hooks and knitting needles, paints and brushes, etc. These can be scraps/leftovers from other projects, but please make sure there’s a useable amount left.

• Yoga mats

• Nonperishable food and toiletry items. We will donate these to a local food bank.