A tiny home village to benefit young people transitioning out of foster care took another step forward on Feb. 20.
Bill Beazley Homes announced a partnership with Bridge Builder Communities on the project, as well as groundbreaking ceremony for 10:30 a.m. March 19 in a news release.
“This project impacts not just one family or individual; it is ongoing and can benefit hundreds of young adults who have aged out of the foster system,” said Stephen Beazley, president of Bill Beazley Homes, in the release.
The village, at1140 Merry St., aims to provide housing and create a transformative environment where essential life skills and support services are readily accessible.
Bridge Builder Communities demolished an old community building on Nov. 18, 2024 to make way for the community.
In partnership with Drumgoole Family Initiatives, Bridge Builder Communities plans for a tiny home village that will “provide safe affordable housing, educational opportunities, certification completion programs, on-site counseling, job training and structured support systems to help young adults aging out of the foster care system transition successfully into adulthood,” according to the Bridge Builder Communities website.
The village will help provide a safety net for the young adults who are released from the foster care system immediately upon turning 18. About 20% of them are instantly homeless; and about 50% will become homeless within six months, according to data at the Bridge Builder website.
For Bill Beazley Homes, it’s part of a broader strategy to build thriving communities while uplifting marginalized youths in transition. The initiative will empower adults with essential life skills, support, and housing—essential tools for long-term success.
“Our dedication to community impact is rooted in Barbara C. Beazley’s legacy. In 1994, she founded the Columbia County Foundation for Children to support local youth in need. Her vision continues to inspire our commitment to our community,” the release said.
In 2010, Bill Beazley Homes was featured on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition for building a spacious three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home for the Graham family.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
I love this! Young people aging out of foster care need a safe place to live. Glad additional services and educational opportunities will be provided for these young people!