The Field's Edge, a non-profit organization in Midland, promotes human dignity by creating homes for the homeless and fostering a service-oriented community. Founded in 2016 by John-Mark and Briana Echols, the organization began with a mission to support the homeless through personal relationships and community building.
Echols told Midland Times during a tour that The Field’s Edge was designed to replicate a tiny-home community for the chronically homeless in Midland.
“In 2019, we launched a capital campaign to build the first phase that included nine single-occupant tiny homes, or pods,” as well as a “mission home, commercial bath, kitchen and laundry facility”, said Echols. The phase also included a behavioral and physical healthcare clinic space, offices, a market, and a multipurpose great room, according to Echols.
The typical age of a resident is 55 or older, according to Echols. “The average life expectancy of a homeless person on the streets is around 57, or 15 years sooner than the average person; our program gives them their dignity, safety, community, and purpose back,” he said.
The Field’s Edge offers several work options within the community acreage and a trash pick up program that pays the residents for their service. “Work creates a purpose and we are always looking for more work options,” said Echols.
The Field's Edge occupies 23.5 acres in southwestern Midland, with plans to eventually expand to 10 "pods" of tiny homes. This will provide a total of 90 homes for the chronically homeless, and 10 homes for missional residents who voluntarily live on-site to support community cultivation. The organization's goal is to empower residents through stability and relationship-building.
For more information, visit https://thefieldsedge.org.
