PHOENIX (STN) – With housing and homelessness at the forefront of community concerns, Meadows Bank is mobilizing key players to find actionable, replicable solutions through its Community Initiative and Unity program.
“We had an idea for how we’re going to kick off 2025,” said David Scott, Arizona regional president for Meadows Bank. “We’re going to do a town hall event in Mesa, bringing together the mayor, city council, nonprofits, and faith leaders to focus on housing and homelessness.”
As a result of the effort, one organization making a significant impact is Eden Village, a replicable tiny home community designed for people experiencing chronic homelessness. Since launching in Missouri, Eden Village has expanded to 11 cities across 10 states and is being developed in the Phoenix metro area.
“This is a great opportunity for us,” said Rick McClellan, executive director of Eden Village. “We feel pretty confident that this Eden Village, like the rest of them, will be extremely successful and duplicated here.” The project will feature 21 units, a clubhouse, a community garden, a dog run, and a retail store, providing a supportive and sustainable living environment.
A new model for housing in the Valley of the Sun:
Its funding approach sets Eden Village apart—it doesn’t rely on federal dollars. Instead, it depends on local changemakers, business leaders, and community-driven investment.
“We need maverick individuals who are willing to take a chance on something a little different,” said Mark Young, president and CEO of Azura.
Beyond funding, community involvement is essential. Eden Village aims to engage 500 to 600 volunteers each month to support operations and build a strong, connected environment for its residents.
“This is a model that can be replicated over and over again,” Scott emphasized. “Once people catch on, they’ll see opportunities to bring this to Glendale, to Phoenix, and beyond.”
