PEACE TRAIL VILLAGE

July 2024 Peace Trail Village Update

Peace Trail Village is a project on the property of North Valley Friends Church in Newberg, Oregon.

The mission is to provide some months of affordable housing for people on their way toward more permanent homes.

Transitional Housing

The village will be a set of permanent structures on foundations with plumbing and electricity–not a tent city. The individual buildings are similar to “tiny homes,” but set on permanent foundations, not on wheels, and commonly called “cottages.” A group of cottages is called a “cottage cluster,” and we plan a cluster of eight cottages. Some similar projects have “sleeping pods” with common restroom and kitchen areas; ours will include a restroom, a shower, and a small kitchen in each cottage. There will also be a shared laundry building.

This is NOT a "homeless encampment" or transient shelter but a friendly community of vetted residents.

Secure Community

In order to live in Peace Trail Village, individuals will apply to participate through a screening process that includes criminal background checks and ongoing relationships with social service agencies. This is not a “camp” open to anyone who happens to stop by. It is a secure community of people who agree to abide by established expectations.

A group of church members and neighbors is forming in summer of 2022 to write guidelines for the Peace Trail Village community, which will be in place before the first cottages are ready for occupancy.

News and Media

Our story: how Peace Trail Village originated

Timeline: Where we are, how we got here (as of April 2023)

Podcast: The Giving Town: Local citizen and realtor Daniel Roberts interviews Pastor Leslie Murray about the project.

The Need, the Model, the Plan: an overview

October 17, 2022 article from the Newberg Graphic

September 22, 2022 article from the Newberg Graphic

June 29, 2022 article from the Newberg Graphic

April 20, 2022 article from the Newberg Graphic

Outdated Fact Sheet: Information on our partnership with Providence and the city of Newberg (newer information is in our Timeline to the left)

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Support

Wayside Friends Church in Newberg approved this statement in February 2023:

“The vision of Peace Trail Village aligns with the scriptural value of loving God and loving our neighbor, and the plans and processes are well thought through and honor the safety and security of the greater community. For these reasons, Wayside Friends Church is in support of the life-changing and life-saving work that has and will continue to blossom through Peace Trail Village.”

“Newberg First Presbyterian Church is grateful for the vision of Peace Trail Village. North Valley Friends Church is demonstrating a Christ-centered heart for the vulnerable by creating this transitional housing community in Newberg.”

Northside Community Church in Newberg sent this statement:

“For a more than a decade now, North Valley Friends Church has lead the way in Newberg to face challenges of those experiencing houselessness. This is not a new idea for them, just the next step in their pursuit of walking as Jesus does. We are taking cues and looking for our own steps in the same direction. Psalm 41:1 ‘Blessed are those who consider the poor, the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.’ ”

Gather Repertory Theatre in Newberg sent this statement:

“Gather Repertory Theatre wholeheartedly supports the goals of NVFC’s Peace Trail Village. The implementation of such a project will serve those who are under-represented in Newberg, and furthermore reflects a community that fosters equity and celebrates life.”

Examples

Our concept may be unfamiliar, but it’s not original. Others around our region have begun similar work before us. For example, please see St. John’s Village (Do Good Multnomah), who have graciously hosted us for a tour and shared information.