In the News ... "The Field’s Edge makes progress en route to April opening"

MRT Photo by Tim Fischer

• Volunteers needed to help with build-out

By Stewart Doreen, Editor
• Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Construction continues on the first pod of The Field's Edge project in southwest Midland.

John-Mark Echols told the Reporter-Telegram this week that he’s hoping for an April opening for Midland’s first housing community for the homeless.

He said that the first pod will consist of nine, single-occupancy (200 square-foot) homes, missional home for Echols and his family, a community center and the bath-kitchen-water facility. Eventually, nine more pods will be built, Echols said of The Field’s Edge plan.

Echols said in 2021 fashion there have been supply chain issues on steel and HVAC items, but that construction has started on houses and the project is ready for volunteers wanting to help.

The community is located near the intersection of Loop 250 W and Interstate 20. Included in part 1 of the project was the building of Cholla Road, which leads up to the community, and 2 miles of water line. The additional infrastructure costs pushed the cost of the first pod to $4.5 million, Echols said.

“We want to get our feet underneath it and prove the concept to funders before going back (for more funding),” Echols said. “The demand for houses will be there.”

Echols said the homeless count in January 2020 in Midland was around 227. That included men and women in shelters and in the elements (88, which Echols expected was a low number). He said that the next snapshot will take place later this year.

“We know (the homeless population) has increased,” Echols said. “We just don’t know how much yet.”

The application process for potential community members opens later this month, Echols said. The Field’s Edge will work with groups like the Salvation Army and Permian Care, where there are case workers, to determine good candidates. He did say that a potential client has to be “chronically homeless” and have lived on the streets in Midland County in the last year. Each home is for a single occupant (no spouse or no kids), and occupants must be older than 18.

The process of finishing out the first pod is similar to the build-out of a Habitat community, Echols said. Interested volunteers will help with installing siding and dry wall and performing tasks like painting and landscaping. The concrete is poured, and the walls framed up, he said.

Those wanting to volunteer can go to thefieldsedge.org. There is also contact information at the website for those with questions or those who know potential occupants ...

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