Hundreds attend ceremony to dedicate Elevate Community property

Elevate Branson was the site of a special dedication ceremony on Friday as Elevate Community, the area's first tiny home community, is one step closer to becoming a reality.

A crowd of approximately 250 supporters of Elevate Branson and its endeavors gathered for the momentous occasion that included remarks from elected officials and community leaders, a tree planting, blessing of the site and tours of the tiny homes.

Six tiny homes sat on the Elevate Community property and two of those homes were furnished and open for tours. Visitors were also able to see some of the site work that has been done so far, including roads, infrastructure and more. All showed enthusiasm in seeing the progress on the long-awaited project.

Those in attendance heard remarks from State Representative Brian Seitz, Christina Carter of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Jason Ray of the Southwest Missouri Council of Governments and Pamela Yancey of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Daniel Seitz, representing Missouri Senator Brad Hudson, also addressed the crowd.

The Most Reverend Edward M Rice, Catholic Bishop from the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese conducted a blessing of the grounds, with help from Father J Friedel, of the Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Branson. The blessing included a reading from scripture and a special prayer.  

A ceremonial tree planting was conducted to honor Jack and Sherry Herschend for their tremendous support of Elevate Branson and Elevate Community. The tree planting included Bryan and Amy Stallings, founders of Elevate Branson, along with State Representative Brian Seitz, and other key supporters of Elevate Branson.

"This is a huge and complex project that requires cooperation and support from every level of government and private sector leadership," said Elevate Branson's Bryan Stallings, of the tiny home community. "We are committed to addressing every challenge and overcoming every obstacle in order to provide safe, dignified housing and holistic support that helps our neighbors improve their quality of life for good."

Stallings continued, "Work will continue in earnest on the site and permanent tiny home installations. The first residents are expecting to move in next year."