Some of the greatest visions are born out of everyday conversations. For Erika Rogers, the spark for Abide Village came in a moment of laughter mixed with longing.
“As a friend of mine and I were talking about our special needs children, I said, ‘I just need to live forever.’ After laughing about it, we started really talking about what we want for our special needs children when we are no longer able to care for them. And Abide Village was born!”
From that simple but heartfelt exchange, Abide Village has grown into a vision for something much larger than housing: a whole community built on acceptance, dignity, and shared life.
A Mission Shaped by Compassion
The mission of Abide Village is clear: to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive community where individuals of all abilities can live, work, and thrive.
It’s a mission that reaches beyond bricks and mortar. Erika explains:
“We are creating more than just housing. We are trying to build community.”
Through affordable housing, meaningful employment opportunities, and intentional community engagement, Abide Village is laying the groundwork for a place where those often overlooked can truly belong.
That dream is taking shape as a tiny home village — about 30 homes designed for individuals with disabilities and low incomes. But Abide Village will be much more than housing. Plans include:
- A community centre where neighbours gather, learn, and grow.
- A working farm, farm store, and tea room B&B to create jobs and welcome the wider community.
- Walking trails and a community garden, offering beauty, rest, and togetherness.
It’s not simply about bricks and mortar — it’s about fostering dignity, opportunity, and belonging.
Who They Serve
At its heart, Abide Village is for those with disabilities and low-income individuals — people who often face both isolation and lack of opportunity. The vision is a tiny home village designed to be supportive, inclusive, and empowering.
“We all have a deep ache inside of us for community and connection. At Abide Village, we are trying to build that and be the hands and feet of Jesus in people’s everyday lives.”
The Heart Behind the Work
When asked if there was a Scripture guiding their vision, Erika didn’t hesitate: Matthew 25:34–40.
“When we meet basic needs with love and compassion, a person is more willing to open themselves up to hear what you have to say. Jesus said when we care for the least of these, we are doing it for Him.”
This passage fuels everything they do — a reminder that every act of service is also an act of worship.
The First Steps
Right now, Abide Village is in its early stages — sharing the vision, building a network of supporters, and raising funds for a down payment on the land. It’s a season of preparation, filled with both excitement and challenge.
“I am not a patient person by nature, but God is teaching me that everything will work out in His timing and to simply trust and do the next thing.”
It’s a lesson many can relate to — a testimony of perseverance rooted in faith, and a reminder that the first steps of any journey are as important as the destination.
What’s Next
The next big step? A Capital Campaign to raise the funds for a down payment on land — the very foundation on which this dream will become reality.
How You Can Help
There are many ways to partner with Abide Village:
- Pray for wisdom, provision, and the right piece of land.
- You can also donate through the www.abidevillage.com website. Donations are processed through Zeffy, which covers all fees so that 100% of your gift goes directly to Abide Village.
- Volunteer time and talent once the property is secured.
Every prayer, every gift, every voice of encouragement helps bring Abide Village closer to reality.
The Heartbeat of Abide
At its core, Abide Village is about people. It’s about creating a community where those often left out have a place to belong, contribute, and thrive. As Erika shares:
“Our heart is to serve the under-served and be a place where community is built.”
⛅️ Abide Village isn’t just about homes — it’s about hope. It’s about creating a place where people of all abilities can live with dignity, purpose, and belonging.
