Meg's Climbing on Up

A blistery cold day in January at Bardstown Rd and the Watterson Expressway is where it began for me. What about you?

Of course I had seen homeless individuals in downtown Louisville, but here? A man and his best friend were huddled up on the side of the exit ramp looking for handouts. I was on my way to have my windshield replaced. I wasn't used to seeing someone at that spot and I was troubled. While my car was being repaired, I had lunch and searched for ways to get this man and his buddy out of the cold.

By the grace of God, I found Christen "Tiny" Markwell with The Forgotten Louisville. She knew this man, so I proceeded to listen and figure out my next step.

I began volunteering with The Forgotten Louisville Homeless Outreach the next week, offering my time, talent, and treasure to assist those in need.

I now sit on the Board of Jacob's Ladder Outreach. As we continue to provide a weekly hot meal and seasonal supplies, we have been fundraising to support our housing initiative, Eden Village of Louisville; a secure tiny-home community for chronically unhoused individuals including veterans. This is a proven model, and we believe this housing first model is needed in Louisville. 

Because of this, I'm raising $1000 to assist in securing property for Eden Village and making Louisville a city where #NoOneSleeps Outside.

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.