How can we help you?

"Trust Hub" originated from a self-organizing group called "Kingston Resilience" during the COVID-19 pandemic based in Kingston, New York. The Currency and Exchange sub-committee believed a system-shift would be needed for the Kingston, NY community to be supported with essential resources in this time of crisis. The group sought a way to unite various forms of informal economic activity (gifting, sharing, local currency, etc) into a single, inclusive platform.

Rob Jameson was hired to lead an exploration into what solutions could look like in Kingston. He sought first to find and map resource access in key sectors, and find a way to bring together various existing efforts in the community and by local organizations.  Rob previously led similar initiatives (Mass Mosaic, Sharing Space, AnyShare Cooperative, Arcosanti Cooperative) and so he played an extensive role in forming the company "Trust Up" and shaping its path.

A brilliant local and remote team was assembled to build out prototype apps, games, and tools that would help solve resource access in Kingston. At time of writing, these interventions are being rolled out and evolving due to community feedback. 

Trust Up L3C exists to solve problems with resource access.

By resources, we mean:

• things (food, shelter, tools)
• knowledge (medical, legal, folk)
• connection (relationships, friendships, introductions)
• all other forms of value we can identify

These can be identified, matched, and exchanged on our main app Trust Up.

Items can be passed off in physical spaces, like with our hardware. 

Or in virtual spaces, like with The Alternatives.

How does Trust Up relate to The Alternatives?

It's actually simple...

Trust Up is a matching tool for needs and resources. View it as an app here.

The Alternatives is a game that shows needs and resources from the Trust Up app.

Make alternatives of your world, and then see how real resources and needs flow through them.  For example, you could redesign your neighborhood to have libraries on every corner, and then see how sharing of books increases. 

The resource directory on Trust Up allows users to discover local resources such as businesses, services, and community hubs. Users can search for specific categories or themes to find relevant listings.

Trust Up's exchange system facilitates the donation and exchange of items and services between users. It promotes a community-driven approach to resource sharing.

To create an account on Trust Up, follow these steps:

• Visit the Trust Up app (Mac Store and Play Store) or website.
• Click on the "Sign Up" or "Create Account" button.
• Fill out the required information, such as your name, email address, and password.
• Verify your email address through the confirmation link sent to your email.
• Once verified, your account is ready to use.

The Trust Up App has many needs and resources ("entries"). These entries can be added using our special form on the website (here).  The only required field is the Entry Title, which makes it quick to use.

However, if you want to add multiple entries it might be faster to use the Trust Up Entry Template spreadsheet. Please download this file and use it to add many entries.

Email it to help@trustup.org when you are done to upload all entries at once.

When visiting Tilda's Kitchen and Marketplace in Kingston, New York, you can now "check in" and have your needs and resources shown to others in the store.

This allows you an easy way to find help and help others through in-person meeting, in a way that is gentle, consensual, and convenient. 

Quick Overview:

1. Scan - In the store scan the QR code on the TV or one of the tables

2. Browse - You can now browse all resources/needs from people in the store that have "checked in" within 30 minutes

3. Contact - Optionally, you can contact anyone about their entry.

4. Check In - Optionally, you can "check in", which lets you choose to show some of your entries.

Full Tutorial for Exchanging:

Here are all steps,  explained in detail below.

To Exchange your Needs and Resources

1. Scan the QR - This will reveal the Check In screen on your mobile

2. Log In - If you are not logged into Trust Up, you will be prompted to do so.

3. Add Entries - You must have entries on your Trust Up account. If not, you cannot display anything. Simply add entries in the app, then check back to this screen.

4. Select Entries - Once you have entries in your profile, you'll see them here. Simply select the ones you want to show to others in the store. This will make them visible for 30 minutes to anyone who visits the QR Code, and they will show on the TV.

5. Look for Messages - If someone wants to exchange with you, you'll receive a message (in-app message, email, and SMS). Make sure your phone number is added in your profile settings if you want to get a SMS.

6. Meet - The other person will meet you at the front counter if you want to exchange. You can meet them there, or ignore the message if you don't want to. 

That's it! 

If you have any questions or suggestions, message us at help@trustup.org.

 To set up your profile on Trust Up:

• Log into your account.
• Navigate to your profile settings.
• Fill in details such as your bio, interests, and profile picture.
• Save your changes to update your profile.

 Notifications keep you informed about important updates such as new messages, transaction status, and system alerts. Customize your notification preferences in the app settings.

To delete your account:

• Log into your account.
• Navigate to "Account Settings."
• Select "Delete Account" and follow the prompts.
• Confirm your decision to permanently delete your account.

 To update your contact information:

• Log into your account.
• Go to "Account Settings."
• Edit your contact details such as email address or phone number.
• Save your changes.

What is a Digital Twin?

In the realm of technology and gaming, a digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical object, process, or environment. It mirrors the real-world counterpart in a digital space, allowing for simulation, analysis, and interaction without directly affecting the physical entity. This concept has found various applications across industries, from manufacturing and healthcare to urban planning and now, immersive gaming.

Digital Twin in "The Alternatives"

"The Alternatives," developed by Trust Up, pioneers the concept of a digital twin in gaming. In this immersive experience, players engage with a digital replica of their real-world environment, enhanced with layers of interactive overlays powered by real-time data.

How It Works

1. Real-World Integration: Using augmented reality (AR) and location-based technologies, "The Alternatives" maps players' physical surroundings into the game environment. This integration ensures that every detail of the player's immediate environment is accurately represented in the digital twin.

2. Interactive Overlays: Players can create and interact with overlays that augment their surroundings. These overlays are informed by real-world data curated through Trust Up's network, offering dynamic elements such as resource availability, community events, environmental conditions, and more.

3. Community Engagement: Through the digital twin, players can collaborate with others in their community, virtually enhancing local resources and coordinating actions to foster sustainability, resilience, and community well-being. For example, overlaying real-time data on community gardens could show growth cycles, soil quality, and opportunities for communal harvesting.

4. Educational Opportunities: Beyond gaming, "The Alternatives" serves as an educational tool, allowing players to learn about local ecosystems, sustainable practices, and civic engagement through interactive experiences that blend digital and physical realities.

Benefits of "The Alternatives" Digital Twin

• Empowering Communities: By leveraging real data in a virtual setting, Trust Up empowers players to actively participate in community-building efforts, promoting collaboration and resource optimization.

• Real-Time Adaptability: The game's digital twin adapts in real-time to reflect changes in the physical environment, offering a dynamic and responsive gaming experience that mirrors the complexities of real-life community dynamics.

• Innovative Gameplay: Players are encouraged to explore creative solutions to real-world challenges, encouraging innovation and critical thinking while fostering a sense of stewardship towards local environments.

In essence, "The Alternatives" transforms gaming into a platform for meaningful engagement with real-world issues, demonstrating how digital twins can bridge the gap between virtual entertainment and tangible community impact. Through this innovative approach, Trust Up continues to redefine the possibilities of immersive gaming, paving the way for a future where digital and physical realities seamlessly converge for the benefit of society.

The Alternatives lets you team up with friends to craft unique, immersive worlds that are limited only by your creativity. Whether you're designing a futuristic city, a lush fantasy realm, or a post-apocalyptic wasteland, you and your friends can collaborate to bring your vision to life. Use powerful tools and features to customize everything from landscapes to interactive experiences, making each world truly one-of-a-kind. ​

Once your world is built, it's time to explore — together. Jump into multiplayer mode with friends and see the worlds you've created come to life. Explore your newly gamified neighborhood. Follow clues, complete challenges, and uncover hidden stories – all within spaces that are now transformed into a local playground for discovery.

The Alternatives takes you beyond ordinary gaming. By combining real environments with immersive virtual layers, it invites you to engage with the world in a whole new way. Explore, think differently, and see the impact of this innovative blend of physical and digital worlds—changing the way you connect with your surroundings.