How Eden Village of Richmond Got Started
How we came to be and those who got us here.
Our Journey
Eden Village of Richmond became a dream of the founder, Cathy Ritter, in 2021 after working with local groups that serve the homeless. She knew there had to be a more sustainable way to help the chronically homeless find long-term shelter and put them on the path to stability, healing, and reintegration. Cathy’s research into effective models to tackle the homelessness issue across the country led her to Eden Village of Wilmington. After a site visit with Wilmington’s staff and engaging the founders of Eden Village in Springfield, Missouri, Cathy knew she found the right model to replicate in Richmond, Virginia. Along this amazing journey, Cathy has found a wellspring of support from the City of Richmond, which has pledged a tract of land to make Eden Village of Richmond a reality. Now, we are turning to you. We ask you to join us in making OUR city a place where No One Sleeps Outside.
The Eden Village Story
How compassion has led to pride and progress.
The Eden Village Story
How compassion has led to pride and progress.
Eden Village of Richmond Timeline
MOVING CLOSER TO FUNDRAISING MILESTONE
Eden Village of Richmond continues to work with the City of Richmond City on all necessary permitting and administrative requirements for the land transfer. Our fundraising efforts are focused on meeting milestones required to effectuate the land transfer, and then clear and prep the lot for construction. To date, we have raised over $280k, which includes contributions from the home sponsorship campaign.
June, 2025
March, 2025
Land Gifted by City of Richmond
After three years of searching for property, Eden Village of Richmond got connected with the City of Richmond to buy 5.6 acres of surplus property that was previously a heliport for the City over twenty years ago. After a topographical and soil survey was completed, the Richmond City Council unanimously voted in favor of selling us the vacant lot for $100 on May 10th.Non-Profit Status Approved
Eden Village of Richmond, Inc. is notified that its non-profit application is approved!Now, under the Eden Village of Richmond banner, we can raise funds to build a tiny home community for the homeless.
April, 2022
January, 2022
501(C)(3) Non-Profit Application Submitted for Approval
We submitted Eden Village of Richmond’s Form 1023, which is used to apply for 501(C)(3) non-profit status, to the IRS for approval.CONVENING THE FIRST BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
On the same day that we signed the licensing agreement with Eden Village USA/The Gathering Tree, we convened the first board of directors meeting to elect officers, and adopt by-laws, a budget, and the licensing agreement.
December, 2021
November, 2021
INCORPORATING EDEN VILLAGE OF RICHMOND
Once the Eden Village of Richmond incorporation application was approved, we started a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the Eden Village Licensing Agreement.DISCOVERING THE EDEN VILLAGE CONCEPT
After seeing a Facebook post about an Eden Village starting in Wilmington, NC, Cathy visited their site in the early stage of construction. She met withTom Dalton, the Co-founder, and Shawn Hayes, the Executive Director, andNate Schlueter, Chief Visionary Officer for the original Eden Village of Springfield, Missouri. Ritter then decided to make her dream of housing the homeless in Richmond a family affair by bringing her daughter and husband on board.
October, 2021
August, 2021
BREAKING THE CYCLE OF HOMELESSNESS IN RICHMOND
After witnessing a homeless tent encampment being torn down at a local overflow center, Cathy Ritter attempted to engage local organizations about building homes for the homeless in the greater Richmond area. She researched other organizations from across the country that were building tiny homes for the homeless.
June, 2025
MOVING CLOSER TO FUNDRAISING MILESTONE
Eden Village of Richmond continues to work with the City of Richmond City on all necessary permitting and administrative requirements for the land transfer. Our fundraising efforts are focused on meeting milestones required to effectuate the land transfer, and then clear and prep the lot for construction. To date, we have raised over $280k, which includes contributions from the home sponsorship campaign.
March, 2025
Land Gifted by City of Richmond
After three years of searching for property, Eden Village of Richmond got connected with the City of Richmond to buy 5.6 acres of surplus property that was previously a heliport for the City over twenty years ago. After a topographical and soil survey was completed, the Richmond City Council unanimously voted in favor of selling us the vacant lot for $100 on May 10th.
April, 2022
Non-Profit Status Approved
Eden Village of Richmond, Inc. is notified that its non-profit application is approved!Now, under the Eden Village of Richmond banner, we can raise funds to build a tiny home community for the homeless.
January, 2022
501(C)(3) Non-Profit Application Submitted for Approval
We submitted Eden Village of Richmond’s Form 1023, which is used to apply for 501(C)(3) non-profit status, to the IRS for approval.
December, 2021
CONVENING THE FIRST BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
On the same day that we signed the licensing agreement with Eden Village USA/The Gathering Tree, we convened the first board of directors meeting to elect officers, and adopt by-laws, a budget, and the licensing agreement.
November, 2021
INCORPORATING EDEN VILLAGE OF RICHMOND
Once the Eden Village of Richmond incorporation application was approved, we started a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the Eden Village Licensing Agreement.
October, 2021
DISCOVERING THE EDEN VILLAGE CONCEPT
After seeing a Facebook post about an Eden Village starting in Wilmington, NC, Cathy visited their site in the early stage of construction. She met withTom Dalton, the Co-founder, and Shawn Hayes, the Executive Director, andNate Schlueter, Chief Visionary Officer for the original Eden Village of Springfield, Missouri. Ritter then decided to make her dream of housing the homeless in Richmond a family affair by bringing her daughter and husband on board.
August, 2021
BREAKING THE CYCLE OF HOMELESSNESS IN RICHMOND
After witnessing a homeless tent encampment being torn down at a local overflow center, Cathy Ritter attempted to engage local organizations about building homes for the homeless in the greater Richmond area. She researched other organizations from across the country that were building tiny homes for the homeless.Subscribe To Our Newsletter
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