Meg's Climbing on Up

A blistering cold day in January at Bardstown Road and the Watterson Expressway is where my journey began.

What about yours?

Like many people, I had seen individuals experiencing homelessness in downtown Louisville. But that day was different. Standing at the end of an exit ramp was a man and his faithful companion, his dog, trying to survive another freezing Kentucky day. I was on my way to have my windshield replaced, but I couldn't stop thinking about them.

While my car was being repaired, I searched for ways to help. By God's grace, I found Christen "Tiny" Markwell and The Forgotten Louisville. Tiny knew the man I had seen, and as I listened and learned, I realized my next step was to become part of the solution.

The following week, I began volunteering, offering my time, talents, and resources to serve Louisville's unhoused neighbors.

Today, I have the privilege of serving on the Board of Jacob's Ladder Outreach. Every week, we continue to provide hot meals, seasonal supplies, and, most importantly, relationships that remind people they are seen, valued, and loved.

But we know a meal alone isn't enough.

That's why we're building Eden Village of Louisville—a permanent tiny-home community for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, including many living with disabilities and veterans. Eden Village is a nationally proven model that provides more than housing. It creates community, stability, and hope.

This year, we reached an incredible milestone: we have entered into a purchase agreement for more than eight acres of land that will become the future home of Eden Village of Louisville.

Now, we need your help to take the next step.

Your gift will help us complete the land purchase, prepare the site, and begin building the homes and community spaces where our neighbors can finally come home.

Together, we're Building Hope One Rung at a Time until No One Sleeps Outside.

Will you join me by making a gift today? Every dollar brings us one step closer to opening the doors of Eden Village of Louisville and transforming lives for generations to come.

Jacob’s Ladder Outreach & Eden Village of Louisville

#NoOneSleepsOutside

Jacob’s Ladder Outreach provides weekly hot meals, seasonal supplies, and compassionate connection to our unhoused neighbors in Louisville. More than food and clothing, we offer community, sitting at tables, sharing stories, and reminding people they are not forgotten. We also connect individuals to housing, healthcare, and other critical services.

We believe no one should have to sleep outside. Our mission is to create permanent supportive housing and a wraparound community for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, many of whom also live with disabilities.

Every night in Louisville, hundreds of men and women have no safe place to sleep. Disability, illness, trauma, and lack of income make it nearly impossible for many to enter traditional housing. Shelters often cannot meet their needs, leaving them exposed, vulnerable, and alone.

Eden Village is a proven national model already changing lives in five U.S. cities. These tiny home communities drastically reduce homelessness, restore dignity, and create belonging. Now, it’s Louisville’s turn.

What We’re Building

With your support, we are creating Eden Village of Louisville; a 25–40 home, gated community of fully furnished tiny homes (approx. 400 sq. ft. each) built around a community center. Each resident will have:

• A permanent, affordable home where they feel safe and dignified.

• A caring community of neighbors, staff, and volunteers.

• Wraparound support including access to medical care, counseling, workforce development, and other essential services.

This is more than housing. It is belonging. It is safety. It is hope restored.

Your Impact

By supporting Eden Village of Louisville, you’re not just helping build houses, investing in lives. Every gift helps us:

• Secure land for the village.

• Lay the infrastructure for homes and a community center.

• Build the very first houses where our most vulnerable neighbors can finally come home.

Every dollar brings us closer to a Louisville where No One Sleeps Outside.

Our Progress

• Weekly, we provide meals, supplies, and relationships through Jacob’s Ladder Outreach.

• We are building the momentum, partnerships, and resources needed to launch Eden Village of Louisville.

• Families, churches, and community leaders are joining us in declaring: No One Sleeps Outside.

Join Us

This is a movement, and you can be part of it. Together, we can bring a proven solution to Louisville and ensure that every neighbor has the dignity of a home and the support of the community.