Louisville woman using her experience to make a difference in the homeless community

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville woman who lived on the streets as a teenager is using her experience to make a difference in the lives of those facing homelessness.

Angela Tamura knows what it's like to live on the streets.

"When I was young, right out of high school, I was actually living in my car," she said.

Tamura was 17 years old when her parents kicked her out of the house because of family problems, leaving her homeless.

"I was working two jobs, I just decided to join the Army," she said.

Tamura enlisted just so she could have somewhere consistent to sleep at night.

"You can either decide to let it make you a victim or something, or not only better yourself but better others around you," she said.

So she chose the second option, co-founding Jacob's Ladder Outreach in 2020. The nonprofit serves Louisville's homeless community, but feeding people doesn't solve what Tamura said is the source of homelessness — a lack of affordable housing.

"You just gotta stop waiting for someone else to solve the problem," she said.

That's why the nonprofit is developing Eden's Village of Louisville in the city's Portland neighborhood. Founders said for those facing homelessness, it means finally having somewhere to call home.

The community will have 35 tiny homes that are nearly 400 square-feet each, a community center and wraparound services.

While organizers have signed a contract for the land, it hasn't actually been purchased yet. They chose the plot of land because it is near a bus stop, grocery store and job opportunities. The down payment is $150,000 and each tiny home costs $60,000.

"This will all be private money, whether it comes from individuals, corporate sponsors or grants," said Nicole Lowery, who serves on the nonprofit's board. "We have no doubt we will be able to raise the funds."

The organization isn't using any government money to fund the project because they don't want to deal with the red tape that comes along with it.

The village will provide permanent housing as those who apply and get accepted can stay there forever. Each tiny house will rent for $350 a month.

Tamura hopes the village serves as a place the next 17-year-old who finds themselves in her position can call home.

"If you want something done right, you do it yourself," she said.

If and when funding is put into place, the goal is to open Eden's Village within the next year or so.

To learn more about Jacob's Ladder Outreach, click here.

If you are interested in donating to the project, click here.

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