Dignity Village is based on three principles: renouncing charity models for poverty, self-governance, and demonstrating the wisdom of a city-sanctioned homeless camp. The Illahee Institute is a partnership between Illahee and PNCA to tackle complex problems. It consists of MFA students participating for credit, a mentor, representation on the board from both organizations, and administrative staff. The inquiry process involves applying with a problem, interview, identifying the problem, and creating a creative brief and contract.