Eureka Christian Health Outreach is expanding its services from running a free health clinic for low-income patients to operating an affordable housing village. Dan and Suzie Bell cut the ribbon on the first phase of ECHO Village this weekend in Eureka Springs. They celebrated the construction of eight of the planned 26 homes.
Eureka Springs Health Clinic Unveils First Round of Low-Income Homes
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Dan and Suzie Bell, the founders of ECHO Clinic, cut the ribbon on ECHO Village.
Courtesy / Bill Featherstone
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Dozens of people turned out to stroll through the community and peek inside the homes.
Courtesy / Bill Featherstone
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Eight of the planned 26 homes are now complete.
Courtesy / Bill Featherstone
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The goal of the community is to provide stable and quality homes to low-income residents.
Courtesy / Bill Featherstone
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An essential part of living at ECHO Village is interaction and support between neighbors.
Courtesy / Bill Featherstone
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Rent rates for the homes are set according to HUD low-income guidelines.
Courtesy / Bill Featherstone
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The community includes a general manager and a resident manager.
Courtesy / Bill Featherstone
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Residents interested in living at ECHO Village go through an application and interview process.
Courtesy / Bill Featherstone
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ECHO Village is an extension of ECHO Clinic, which provides health care services to low-income patients without health insurance.
Courtesy / Bill Featherstone
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The Bells say the affordable housing community is a natural extension of their clinic.
Courtesy / Bill Featherstone
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A ninth home should be finished by the end of August.
Courtesy / Bill Featherstone
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A foundation has also been poured for a tenth home, which should be done by the end of the year.
Courtesy / Bill Featherstone
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The Bells hope to land a $1 million grant to hire a contractor who could complete the rest of the homes faster.
Courtesy / Bill Featherstone
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The community also has a shared hen house that will provide a fresh source of eggs for residents.
Courtesy / Bill Featherstone
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A green house is in the works to provide produce year-round, while a nearby garden plot will provide seasonal produce.
Courtesy / Bill Featherstone
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The Bells encourage volunteers to come out to help construct the homes. No experience is necessary.
Courtesy / Bill Featherstone
