Forum, Learn about the Keweenaw Time Bank
Keweenaw Time Bank members Natalie Hubbard and Evan Lanese will explain what a Time Bank is and how to become involved.
The Keweenaw Time Bank (KTB) is a new community-based organization that provides a way for people to offer help, and in turn, receive help from other members.
It is a system that allows people to exchange time instead of money for services. Time Bank members share their talents and skills and then “spend”; the hours they’ve earned on services offered by other Time Bank members. Time Banks help foster strong community ties and build new relationships.
KTB launched in the summer of 2026 after more than a year of planning by a core team. Presenters Natalie Hubbard and Evan Lanese have been working with the core team to design the Keweenaw Time Bank.
Originally from the Detroit area, Natalie has lived in Kentucky, New Mexico and Kansas, and been a part of community Time Bank organizing efforts in all of those places. After moving to the Keweenaw, she heard about a group of people developing a Time Bank here and eagerly joined the team. Natalie has a background in education, hospitality, organic agriculture and is currently a nursing student at KBOCC.
Evan Lanese works for the Western UP Planning and Development Region, where he focuses on coastal management, hazard mitigation, community compost and climate work. Evan is also involved in the Portage Lake Seed Library, is a staff member of the Visitor Center Artist Camp in Ewen, and is a board member of the Michigan Alliance of Timebanks.
They look forward to introducing people in the Copper Country to the concept of time banking and hope to recruit more members for the Keweenaw Time Bank.