If You Build It They Will Come

One of my all time favorite movies is Field of Dreams, where Kevin Costner hears the mysterious voice in the baseball field whispering, “If you build it, they will come.”
This is where we are with Eden Village of Tulsa it seems. No, I did not hear an audible voice telling me to build a tiny-home community for homeless. And, at my age of 68, this was not exactly on my bucket list. However, it is a clear calling from God to do what I can, with my experience and resources, to do this.

One common question from people is, “How will you find these homeless people to live in Eden Village?” Well, that’s one of the easiest questions to answer, because literally, when we build it, they will come. Just look around Tulsa. Our streets are filled with more and more people without a home. The actual numbers are being tallied soon with the annual point in time count. Reality is that whatever that number is, you can add hundreds to it, as it’s impossible to actually count every person.

Not IF, but WHEN we build and open up Eden Village here in Tulsa, there will be no lack for “customers” or our residents. We’ll have good relationships with the front-line non-profits who serve folks on the streets, and they will help send possible residents to us, whom we will interview and vet even further.

Our focus is on the chronically homelessness in Tulsa, the 35% or so of the homeless population with the most needs. Most have mental/physical issues. Most have experienced drug and/or alcohol additions. The vast majority have no family support at all. So, our staff and volunteers will become the family they’ve not had while on the streets. This is a key element for healing and hope for them.

The emotional ending of Field of Dreams, where Ray Kinsella, played by Kevin Costner, meets his now departed Dad, John Kinsella and plays catch with him, speaks to the power of family relationships. In a sense, this is what we’ll do with the Eden Village Community…..develop a sense of family, in a dignified community, bringing hope for their futures.