CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Judy’s Hope, a new local nonprofit, broke ground Tuesday on a tiny-house community for women and children experiencing homelessness in Clarksville.
The project is near Crossland Avenue and South Second Street. Founder Karen Powers told Clarksville Now that Judy’s Hope plans to build 24 homes on the site, along with a community building and playground.
Judy’s Hope plans to start with one pod of eight homes, expanding to the full 24 later.
The organization estimates the cost will be approximately $685,000 for the grounds, community building, and park as well as an additional $40,000 to $60,000 per tiny home unit.
Former BWC property
The 11-acre plot of land was previously owned by the Bikers Who Care motorcycle club. The land was donated to the club by the City of Clarksville in 2003 for the construction of a playground and a new clubhouse, according to previous reporting by The Leaf-Chronicle. The site was determined unsuitable for the project.
Powers told Clarksville Now her organization purchased the land from BWC in June 2020 following the City Council’s approval, a matter that was heavily debated at the time.
A five-step approach
The Judy’s Hope community plans to also provide the families with professional development through a five-step program. They will work with local women’s shelters, providing a transition for people coming out of that environment.
“These women will find mentorship in home economics, securing a job, parenting, walking with Christ and more as they rebuild a firm foundation to live independently,” says a statement on their website.
Powers said the program will require participation in a Bible study program meant to develop “healthy emotional and spiritual habits.”
Providing a stepping stone
Judy’s Hope is named after Powers’ mother.
“My mom was a single mom raising three kids, and my sister needed so many surgeries that she couldn’t work,” Powers said. “We had family support, but so many don’t, and how we needed that stepping stone between women coming out of broken places and homelessness. Clarksville didn’t have that, so that’s our goal.”
Individuals interested in supporting Judy’s Hope as they begin construction can visit them at their website.