In September, eight years of planning and praying will culminate in a truly remarkable moment. Over the course of just 72 hours starting Sept. 8, a dedicated team of homebuilders and trade partners will construct the first prototype home for the Jeremiah Community.
In so many ways, this kickoff of the physical building of Jeremiah symbolizes the collaboration and partnerships that have driven this project from the beginning. Our downtown churches have prayed for a permanent, supportive home for our unhoused neighbors—knowing that the churches could accomplish more together than they ever could apart.
Atlantic Builders will lead the build, serving as Build Captain for HomeAid National Capital Region. HomeAid is a nonprofit that harnesses the generosity of the building industry to construct safe and dignified housing and programmatic facilities for those experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. The building community has been engaged and committed to this project from the beginning. Tricord Inc. purchased the land for Jeremiah Community and donated it to Micah.
Brian Roinestad, Vice President of Purchasing and Business Development for Atlantic Builders, said the homebuilder got involved with Jeremiah early on. Atlantic helped design the architectural plans for these unique freestanding homes, and also brought together dozens of trade partners to think through specific design aspects to ensure the homes are as functional and cost-effective as possible. Atlantic will be building the 50 homes in Jeremiah’s first phase.
Planning has been meticulous, with meetings to nail down exactly how much time should be allotted to framing, electrical, plumbing and other aspects. A Fredericksburg city building inspector will be on-hand throughout the build to verify the prototype meets the same code requirements as an occupied residence.
Roinestad said the build is a fun challenge, but also shows just how much can be accomplished when people come together around a goal.
“It’s very powerful to be able to say, if there’s an individual on the street without a home, and we as a community wanted to, we could have a home for that person in under a week,” he said. “I hope this build will spark excitement and support for the life-changing impact that Jeremiah Community can have.”
But the partnerships don’t stop there. The prototype will be built at The Oberle Academy, located on Willis Street in Downtown Fredericksburg. Now in its 35th year, Oberle serves students in grades six through 12 who learn differently, and need options beyond traditional public schools. Many of those students find success in Oberle’s Career and Technical Education programs, which include classes in carpentry, and in partnership with Germanna Community College, offerings in plumbing, electric, HVAC and other trades.
Oberle students will be helping out on the prototype build, and once complete, the structure will serve as a learning lab for CTE students to practice the skills they are learning in the classroom.
“At The Oberle Academy, we are always looking for meaningful opportunities to support our community, and we are grateful to be part of this one,” said Al Fagan, Oberle’s president and CEO. “We are especially excited for our Carpentry students to be part of something bigger than themselves, using their skills, gaining hands-on experience, and contributing to a project that will make a meaningful difference for others.”
Jeremiah Community is becoming reality because of partnerships like these, and the vision of the nine Micah churches and more than 200 other congregations throughout our region who have supported our mission of cultivating a continuum of compassion with our unhoused neighbors for the past two decades.
We invite you to watch this exciting kickoff for Jeremiah Community. You can track our progress online on our social media accounts and at JeremiahCommunity.org/watch. And once the build is complete, please come tour the home for yourself at an open house on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. We will hold a ceremony to bless the house at 3 p.m.