How Eden Village Kansas City Came To Be
How we started
The group that started Eden Village of Kansas City are all part of a local not-for-profit Uplift, an offshoot of the Salvation Army, where they had been volunteers for years. Uplift currently drives to known homeless areas and camps serving approximately 300 homeless persons meals and other necessities three days a week.
Recognizing that more could be done, Terry “TC” Claudell shared his vision with Kerry Poolman, now Treasurer, and Phil Jorgenson, now Board Member, and together they began brainstorming and researching long-term solutions. Early on, they realized they would need additional help and guidance. Their search led them to Eden Village in Springfield, Missouri, an organization already meeting the needs they hoped to address. After connecting with Eden Village, they learned that creating such a community was possible with the right team. To move forward, they brought in Katrina Gerber, now President, along with Jim Schmidt, Board Member, and Jennifer Schmidt, Board Member, expanding their leadership group.
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The Eden Village Story
How compassion has led to economic and humanitarian success.
EDEN VILLAGE – KC TIMELINE
EVKC 2 – NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING/ZONING
There was a meeting with neighbors surrounding the EVKC 2 property in August. In September, EVKC 2 passed the intial stages of rezoning the property.
STAFF MEMBER
The first paid staff member is hired
EVKC 2 – PROPERTY UNDER CONTRACT
Eden Village of Kansas City 2 property under contigent contract.
EVKC 2 – PROPERTY CONTRACT
Board approved the pursuit of a contract on a potential property for second Eden Village of Kansas City community.
OFFICIAL STAFF MEMBER
Board approved hiring the first paid staff member.
EVKC 2 – PROPERTY SEARCH
Board approved starting search for a second Eden Village of Kansas City
EVKC 1 FIRST RESIDENT
First residents were chosen and moved into Eden Village of Kansas 1. By the end of June, there were approximately 10 residents.
GROUND BREAKING
The official groundbreaking of Eden Village of Kansas City marked the commencement of construction for our community of tiny homes.
FUNDRAISING GOAL ALMOST COMPLETE
Almost There! We have raised $2 million of the $2.7 million needed to open the First Eden Village of Kanas City!
FIRST HOME INSTALLED
The first house was purchased, delivered to the property, decorated and made available for tours. It is a significant milestone and serves as a tangible representative of the Eden Village vision.
CLOSED ON FUTURE HOME OF EDEN VILLAGE OF KANSAS CITY
Closed on land purchase, we’re officially in the next steps and raising dollars for infrastructure. One step closer to offering a home to our chronically homeless friends.
FUNDRAISING GOAL MET FOR LAND PURCHASE
Property was identified and a generous anonymous donor, provided the funds for us to purchase.
501(C)(3) OBTAINED
Eden Village of Kansas City officially became a 501(c)(3) and is ready to start raising funds and making plans for Kansas City’s first Eden Village tiny home community for the homeless.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS FORMED
The NEW Eden Village of Kansas City’s board of directors was confirmed, and planning began.
EDEN VILLAGE CONCEPT EXPLORED
A group was formed to find a revolutionary way to fight against homelessness in Kansas City Metro. Discipline and research led this team to the Eden Villages concept.