Veterans Village in Madisonville gets green light after fundraising goal surpassed
Tiny Homes for Humanity raises $870,000, unlocking $1 million matching grant for 14-unit development
CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Tiny Homes for Humanity has surpassed its $750,000 fundraising goal, unlocking a $1 million matching grant from the Cincinnati Development Fund and clearing the way for a Veterans Village in Madisonville.
The organization raised $870,000 — $120,000 more than required — before a June 30 deadline. The matching grant confirmation arrived in a letter Thursday.
“I’m happy to report that we actually raised more than 750,000,” said Earl Crossland, president of Tiny Homes for Humanity. “We raised 870,000.”
Methodist churches and a major foundation drive donations
Crossland said 40% of the funds came from individuals across 17 Methodist churches in the area. The project is slated to be built behind Gaines United Methodist Church in Madisonville.
“Since this is on a Methodist church site, 40% of that money came from individuals from 17 different Methodist churches,” Crossland said.
A donation from the Bernard & Pamela Barbash Family Foundation also played a significant role in the campaign.
“I just got a call from Bernie Barbash, and he offered to contribute $200,000 as a matching grant. So in essence, we found $200,000 more, and we had $400,000 added to the campaign very quickly,” Crossland said.
14 tiny homes planned; groundbreaking expected this fall
The project calls for 14 tiny homes to be constructed behind Gaines United Methodist Church. Construction is expected to take approximately 18 months, with veterans potentially moving in by summer 2028. A groundbreaking is anticipated sometime this fall.
The total project cost is more than $2 million. About $350,000 still needs to be raised.
Pastor Paula Stewart of Gaines United Methodist Church said the United Methodist Mission Foundation also contributed to the campaign.
“Churches small and large were just moved by this opportunity to do something for veterans in this community,” Stewart said.
Donors who contribute $70,000 or more can receive naming rights to one of the 14 homes.
“If you make a contribution, say 70,000, you could have naming privileges,” Stewart said.
Donations can be made at tinyhomesforhumanity.org.
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