Meg Building Hope One Rung at a Time

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.

Jacob’s Ladder Outreach & Eden Village of Louisville

The Need

Every night, hundreds of men and women in Louisville have no safe place to sleep. Many live with disabilities, chronic illness, or the lasting effects of trauma that make traditional housing difficult to access. Shelters often cannot meet their unique needs, leaving them vulnerable, isolated, and without a place to call home.

Our Solution

Jacob's Ladder Outreach meets immediate needs by serving weekly hot meals, providing seasonal supplies, and building meaningful relationships with our unhoused neighbors. But we know a meal is only the beginning.

That's why we are building Eden Village of Louisville, a permanent tiny-home community on more than eight acres of land that we have proudly purchased. This community will include 25–40 fully furnished tiny homes, creating a neighborhood where individuals experiencing chronic homelessness can find safety, stability, and belonging.

Each resident will have:

• A permanent, affordable, and dignified home.
• A caring community of neighbors, volunteers, and support staff.
• Access to wraparound services, including healthcare, counseling, workforce development, and other essential resources.

This is more than housing. It's belonging. It's healing. It's hope restored.

Our Progress

We are thrilled to share that Jacob's Ladder Outreach has purchased more than eight acres of land that will become the future home of Eden Village of Louisville.

This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. With the property secured, our focus now turns to site development, infrastructure, and building the homes and community spaces that will transform lives for generations to come.

Your Impact

Your generosity will help us prepare the site, install essential infrastructure, construct the community center, and build the first tiny homes where our neighbors can finally come home.

Every gift is an investment in dignity, belonging, and lasting change.

Together, we are Building Hope One Rung at a Time, creating a future where every person has a place to call home.

Together, we can make Louisville a city where No One Sleeps Outside.