Community members, partners, and supporters are invited to a special blessing ceremony to mark the next phase of development in a tiny home village that is taking shape at the Connection homeless shelter.

The project is dedicated to providing safe, stable housing for veterans who are experiencing homelessness.

The grounds at 413 E. Fifth St. will be blessed by Fr. Sorensen of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church at 2 p.m. Friday, May 8.

The project is named “Honor Home at Patty’s Place” in memory of Patty Evans, who once operated the Cycle Sport business from the property. The property is just south of the Connection, on the former site of a house and a row of motel rooms.

The project represents a long-term commitment to addressing veteran homelessness through dignity-centered housing and supportive services. The village model is designed to foster independence as well as community, offering veterans a place to rebuild, reconnect and find support, organizers say.

“This project reflects what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose,” Connection Executive Director Ashley Lewis said. “We’re not just building homes; we’re creating a path forward for veterans who have given so much.”

Since its initial announcement, the project has made meaningful strides, thanks to local supporters, volunteers, and partners. The upcoming ground blessing is a celebration of progress and a renewed call to action, Lewis said.

The Connection Homeless Shelter encourages community members to stay engaged and support the continued development of Honor Home at Patty’s Place. Contributions, volunteer efforts, and advocacy remain essential to bringing the vision fully to life.

Students in the Ready-to-Work program at Mid-Plains Community College in Ogallala are constructing the homes and are currently finishing the third structure, Lewis said.

“We are currently working on getting the ground ready to dig foundations for the first three buildings and then will move forward with completing needed site infrastructure updates,” Lewis said.

Photo by George Lauby

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