An Invitation to Celebrate: 16 Years of The LOT Project

We’ve come a long way since 2009! It’s a true testament to God’s faithfulness and the generosity of people like you that we get to keep doing the work we love. As I reflect on my past three years with The LOT Project, and the 13 years that came before, I’m filled with a deep sense of humility, gratitude, and hope for what’s ahead. Just like when we were founded, we are wholeheartedly committed to following Jesus’ example of loving, serving, and meeting the needs of our hurting neighbors. 

I’m humbled by the many people who came before our current team who laid a foundation and made this work possible. I’m grateful for each individual who has given their time, resources, and financial support to help carry this mission forward. And I’m hopeful because I truly believe God is calling us into a new season of growth, intentionality, and lasting impact. 

Since joining The LOT Project I have met countless individuals experiencing homelessness, each with unique stories, challenges, and needs.

One truth that became unmistakably clear to me is captured well by James Clear in Atomic Habits:

“Environment is the invisible hand that shapes human behavior… If you want behaviors that are stable and predictable, you need an environment that is stable and predictable.”

I can’t stress this enough. Few environments are less stable or more unpredictable than life on the streets.

“Few environments are less stable or more unpredictable than life on the streets.”

That’s why we’re leaning into the next chapter of our Village Homes program. Village Homes offers affordable, adequate housing paired with relational case management and a renewed understanding of home for those transitioning out of homelessness. When we provide a stable environment alongside support and accountability, people begin to heal, rebuild, and take steps toward wholeness.

Since launching the program in 2019, we’ve housed six individuals—each for a full year. Eighty percent of those participants have successfully transitioned to independent living. Now, we’re aiming to grow this initiative by adding three new Village Homes by 2030, and we need your help to make that happen.

“Now, we’re aiming to grow this initiative by adding three new Village Homes by 2030, and we need your help to make that happen.”

The transformation we’ve seen in our residents is nothing short of remarkable. At this year’s annual fundraising dinner, Celebration 2025, we’ll share the story of one of those residents: David.

affordable, adequate housing paired with relational case management and a renewed understanding of home for those transitioning out of homelessness

David’s journey includes homelessness, addiction, incarceration, recovery, and now, service to others. His story is powerful. At the event, we’ll shine a light on the realities of homelessness in Anderson, share a bold vision for the future, and invite you to partner with us as we expand our services. 

I’m committed to making Anderson more like heaven. I’m committed to creating more opportunities for stories like David’s. I’m committed to doing the hard work so that we can say with integrity that we gave every person we served a real chance at a better life.

But none of this happens without people like you.

More than 70% of our annual funding comes from individuals and families in our community. The expansion of Village Homes depends on the ongoing financial support we receive from neighbors like you who believe in our mission. 

Would you consider joining us for Celebration 2025? I’d love to see you there.

With joy,
Nate Knox