‘Creating a sense of belonging’: Tiny homes to help Louisville’s homeless

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - A $2.5 million project in West Louisville is looking to provide a solution to an ever-growing problem, as hundreds of people across the city find themselves without a place to call home.

Eden Village is partnering with Mt. Washington-based non-profit Jacob’s Ladder Outreach to build Louisville’s first-ever tiny homes for the homeless.

“Our goal is turning people into good neighbors and giving them community and creating a sense of belonging,” said Jerry Fischer, project manager for Eden Village of Louisville.

The group plans to build 35 tiny homes in the Portland neighborhood on N 35th Street, each home measuring 400 square feet, with a full bed, bath, kitchen and front porch.

“As opposed to some other buildings, like apartment buildings, where everybody just goes in and close their door, we’re going to encourage people to come outside and enjoy their neighbors,” explained Fischer.

The project comes just weeks after the close of Kentucky’s legislative session, when the SAFER Kentucky Act passed, placing a ban on street camping. It left some in Louisville fearing a negative impact on the city’s unhoused population.

Eden Village will offer gated permanent housing, not transitional, to those dealing with chronic homelessness - like veterans and the disabled.

Residents will pay $350 per month, with Eden Village picking up the remainder of the cost. Residents will have access to a community center and full-service laundry center. All utilities and WiFi will be paid for.

“We’re offering support to folks who are ready to take the next step and who are ready to take the next steps and to rebuild their lives in the way they see fit,” said Mylantha Williams, co-founder of Jacob’s Ladder Outreach.

Organizers emphasized the project is not an original concept, touting successes in cities like Springfield, Missouri, which already has two tiny home communities and two more in the works.

However, just like any project, Eden Village of Louisville needs funding, as it is entirely grant and fundraiser-based. They are looking to the community to help.

“We still need to build. We still need volunteers. We need funding,” said Williams. “We need folks who are willing to do the work.”

So far, organizers have raised $25,000 toward the total cost of the project, with a few months left to close on the property.

“Am I my brother’s keeper? Yes. Am I my sister’s keeper? Yes. Am I every human’s keeper? Yes we are,” said Barbara Sexton-Smith, former deputy mayor of Louisville. “Once everyone has equity and opportunity to live their best, fullest human potential, starting first with food clothing and shelter, as we’ve been asked to do, then each of us will all rise and our difference are what we shall build upon.”

Donations for the project can be made directly to Eden Village of Louisville or Jacob’s Ladder Outreach.