Eden Village hopeful to help the homeless once more through pod-style housing
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A pod-style campground for homeless individuals could be coming to Wilmington.
It’s the idea of a local doctor and founder of the Eden Village tiny home community.
Eden Village has brought in what they’re calling “God Pods.” Now, they’re on the lookout for where these mini homes should be set up.
“We’re looking to our city officials. If they would help us with that, that’d be great. If not, we’re still looking for land for it,” Eden Village Director Shawn Hayes said.
Similar to the homes already offered at Eden Village, these pods are designed to help get folks back on their feet while they’re looking for a place to live.
The pods fit a bed, a heating and cooling system, and can charge electronics.
“It’s a very safe place for them to sleep. It’ll be a fenced in and gated campground setting. We’ll have security out there. So, our folks can be safe out there at night,” Hayes said.
Eden Village’s Director Shawn Hayes said the community has been supportive in helping to find land needed for the pods—making it safe for people in and around the area.
“We look forward to partnering with other organizations. We look forward to working with everybody so we can collectively, as a City of Wilmington, make this a place where no one sleeps outside,” Hayes said.
He said this small addition to the community has the potential to make a big difference.
One of Eden Villages Resident’s talks about the difference it’s made in his life. Six month resident of Eden Village, John Porter, said Eden Village has proven itself to be successful. He said this is just another way they’ve chosen to be someone’s helping hand.
“It’s a building block for success. Becoming independent, reengaging back into society, ya know, it’s the start. It’s the jumping off point,” Porter said.
Hayes said once a location is locked in, it should take about six months to get the campground running to both house and help individuals.
