Moreover, a percentage of homes was set aside for single mothers, as well as for persons with disabilities. And Mencoldes made an intentional effort to invite people who came from different religious denominations. With Mencoldes' help, the families moved onto the land and began constructing temporary homes. They also installed electricity, a water system, and sewage lines. They didn't ask permission from the city, and by the time they'd installed basic services, officials weren't willing to make them go elsewhere.
Participants find irony that the project is sited on land that was destined to be a cemetery.
After the temporary housing was completed and the families moved in, Mencoldes staff began meeting with the new community to design long-term housing for the site. At the same time, as families chafed under the restrictions of living in close proximity to each other, the Mencoldes staff led workshops on nonviolent conflict resolution. When daily tensions turned violent, or community members were involved in petty theft, the Mennonite staff helped residents discover alternative ways of handling the conflict. A woman who pulled a knife on a neighbor had her case resolved before a gathering of neighbors while local police and judicial officials observed the alternative procedure. Now they're going to be just poor people with houses unless we help can help them build a new sense of community and empowerment.