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About Us

Everything we do at Homeward Bound Villages is guided by our Mission.

Our Mission is to Create Community Through Affordable Housing

We are accomplishing this by giving the power of decision-making and pride of ownership to our residents while providing the support and partnership needed to ensure long-term success through our cooperative community framework.

This proven Village concept builds community and provides housing to those most at risk in our community.

The Village Model

Our Village Model is based on the successful communities around the United States that have developed sustainable, forever affordable, cooperative villages.

Here is what makes this model so successful:

Forever Affordable Housing

Communities built by Homeward Bound Villages will remain forever affordable to residents using land trusts and cooperative ownership structures.

Cooperative Governance Model

We emphasize collaborative decision-making and resident participation in our villages, giving residents a sense of belonging, ownership, and the ability to build supportive and cooperative relationships. 

Sustainable Dwellings

Environmentally friendly principles, such as energy efficiency, eco-friendly construction materials, and the use of renewable energy sources, are integral to our village model.

Cohesive Community

Our communities focus on shared spaces and amenities such as community gardens and social gathering areas to encourage community growth and grow support networks. 

The specific implementation of the Village Model can vary from one community to another, as it is often adapted to the unique needs and goals of the residents and the local context. These communities prioritize long-term affordability, sustainability, and participatory decision-making as essential components of their design and philosophy.

Living Our Mission

Since its founding in 2017, Homeward Bound Villages has had one singular mission: to create community through affordable housing. While our mission has been singular, our work has been diverse. As an organization, we have worked tirelessly to advocate, learn, fundraise, and build partnerships to put our strategy into action. We have invited our community and possible future residents to workshops in order to ensure vital community feedback. We know that listening to the needs of our community is vitally important for our villages.

2017
  • Homeward Bound Villages is founded as a 501c3 registered charity.
  • Organization is structured with officers and a board of directors to ensure strategic growth.
2019
  • Research continues in a nationwide search for the best village models to meet the needs of La Porte County residents.
  • Homeward Bound Villages refines our mission to ensure alignment with our goals as an organization.
2020
  • Provided COVID rental assistance relief.
  • Vetted various locations for our projects.
  • Built community support and awareness of our mission.
  • Continued Fundraising.
2021
  • Property at 316 S. Karwick RD. is Purchased by Homeward Bound Villages.
  • Property rezoned from R1C single family to R3A multi-unit low-rise.
  • Funding secured to move into a pre-construction phase of development.
2022
  • Community input is gathered and incorporated in the Karwick Village design.
  • Construction development planning is completed.
2023
  • All Michigan City Departments signed off on the construction development plan.
  • Funding strategy is developed and partial funding is secured.
2024
  • Site development bidding in progress
  • Continue to secure 100% funding for Karwick Village Phase 1.
  • Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025 and the first residents at Karwick Village shortly thereafter.
2025
  • In support of our goals, fundraising continues in 2025. 
  • Construction begins in early 2025 for Karwick Villages. 
  • Q4 2025 Construction is 100% Complete for Karwick Village Phase 1

Meet Our Team

Our dedicated board has done amazing work to get us where we are today.  It is our goal that in 2025, we will hire key executive staff positions to ensure we continue momentum and growth.  Contact us if you are interested in knowing more. 

Shirley Caylor

Leigh Coburn, Founder

Jim Eriksson, Vice President

Dan Granquist

Sandi Keller, President

Tricia Kuiken, Secretary

Ed Merrion, Treasurer

Jim Musial

Nancy Nichols

Lisa Pierzakowski

Roger Potratz

Becky Simmons

Dale Cooper

Upcoming Events

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Our Partners