Eden Village, a community project aimed at providing permanent housing for the chronically homeless in Mountain Home and the surrounding region, is seeking donations to help complete its initiative. Organizers say they have secured 70% of the $1.6 million needed to build the community but need additional funds to qualify for a critical matching grant.
Brent Dove, a leader of the project, said the Mabee Foundation has awarded a $330,000 matching grant, which requires local contributions to be matched dollar-for-dollar.
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The Eden Village concept, inspired by a model that originated in Springfield, Missouri, is designed to provide long-term housing for disabled, chronically homeless individuals. The plan includes 400-square-foot energy-efficient homes, and the community will house 25 to 35 individuals in a supportive, close-knit environment.
The project has already received an $800,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, as well as funding from private organizations like the MLT Foundation, which is funding the first model home. However, Dove emphasized that Eden Village does not accept government funding.
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Volunteers are essential to Eden Village’s operation. Dove says they are looking for people to get involved as the project moves forward.
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Eden Village aims to address a growing homelessness issue in the Twin Lakes area, where many residents are at risk due to economic challenges. The community will serve those who have been homeless in the area for at least 12 months and will operate as a drug-free and crime-free, gated community. Dove noted that single individuals make up about 70 to 75% of the homeless population.
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Donations can be made at https://edenvillageusa.org/mountain-home-ar/donate/ or mailed to P.O. Box 2575, Mountain Home, AR 72653.
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