FAQs

What does Revashay Mean?

In Hebrew, “Reva” translates to “to bind” or “to be fruitful,” emphasizing themes of connection and abundance.

In Hebrew, “shay” (שַׁי) means “gift” or “present”, symbolizing something precious and valuable.

The combination of the two roots in Hebrew  leads to – precious and valuable connections with connotations of generosity, kindness, and gratitude.. COMMUNITY.

What is reGenesis Village?

reGenesis Village will be a master-planned community of permanent affordable housing created for our neighbors transitioning out of chronic homelessness together with mentors volunteering to live in community.

Can Revashay Help Pay for a Hotel Room or Provide Temporary Lodging?

We understand that finding a safe place to stay can be an urgent and difficult need, and we wish we were currently able to provide hotel assistance. At this time, Revashay Ministries does not have funding available for individual hotel stays or temporary lodging. Our focus is on developing reGenesis Village, a community of permanent, affordable homes for our Thomas County neighbors experiencing chronic homelessness, surrounded by supportive relationships and wraparound services. We are actively working through property acquisition, planning, partnerships, and fundraising to make this vision a reality. While we cannot meet immediate hotel needs at this stage, our hope is that reGenesis Village will provide a lasting solution to the need for safe, stable housing in our community.

Why Do You Use the Term “Homeless” Instead of the Socially Accepted Term “Unhoused”?

We intentionally use the term “homeless” because we recognize the significant difference between a house and a home. A house provides physical shelter, but a home is much more—it is a place of belonging, stability, relationship, identity, and hope.

We embrace the eight marks of home described in Beyond Homelessness as a framework for better understanding, embracing, and applying the meaning of home. These eight marks remind us that home is more than four walls, a bed, and a roof over someone’s head. Home is a place of permanence, a place where people can belong, and a place where they can experience the relationships, security, dignity, and other qualities that contribute to a truly life-giving environment.

We also do not believe that housing alone addresses the problem of homelessness. While permanent, affordable housing is an essential foundation, we believe community is what helps transform housing into home. People need more than a place to live; they need meaningful relationships, connection, belonging, purpose, and the opportunity to contribute to the community around them.

That is why our vision for reGenesis Village goes beyond simply providing homes. We are working to create a community where people can build relationships, experience belonging, receive support, discover purpose, and become contributing members of the neighborhood. Community helps create a sense of home, and home provides the foundation from which people can begin to flourish.

For us, the goal is not simply to move someone from homelessness into housing. The goal is to help our neighbors move from homelessness to home—from simply having a place to sleep to experiencing a place where they are known, valued, connected, and able to flourish.

How Can Someone Get Involved Or Volunteer?

We welcome volunteers and supporters to join us in our mission—please contact us through our website to learn more about opportunities.

Since You Are Faith-Based Organization, Will Residents Of reGenesis Village Be Required To Participate In Faith-Related Activities In The Community?

There will be opportunities for neighbors to participate in faith‑based activities within the village, but participation will never be required. Although Revashay Ministries, Inc. is a Christian faith‑based organization, our first priority is the inherent dignity of every human being—including their dignity of choice.
As part of our commitment to maintaining tax‑exempt status, we do not and will not discriminate against anyone.
We welcome all people into this community—our homeless neighbors seeking stability and those who desire to volunteer, serve, or walk alongside the neighbors living in the village.

What Is The Definition Of Chronic Homelessness?

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Chronic Homelessness is defined as living in a place not meant for human habitation, a safe haven, or an emergency shelter for at least 12 months (or at least 4 separate occasions in the last 3 years, as long as the combined occasions equal at least 12 months) and having at least one disability.

How are Park Model RVs (PMRVs) different from Travel Trailers and Motorhomes?

While both Park Model RVs and Travel Trailers fall under the broader RV umbrella, they serve entirely different purposes. Park Models function as small, stationary dwelling units built to residential standards and intended for long-term placement. Travel Trailers are mobile recreational vehicles designed for short-term stays and frequent movement.

For zoning purposes, Park Models align far more closely with Tiny homes (which are regulated under Appendix Q of the International Residential Code (IRC) and adopted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA)), than with transient RV use.

I’ve Lived in Thomasville All My Life. When I Was Growing Up, We Didn’t Have Homeless. Where Did They Come From?

Homelessness has been steadily rising across the nation since the late 1980s. In 1980, the U.S. homeless population was estimated at roughly 125,000 individuals. By the end of that decade, the number had surged to more than 400,000. As of 2024, the count had climbed to 771,480 people experiencing homelessness across the United States.

This dramatic increase over the last 50 years is the result of several converging factors: the widespread deinstitutionalization of individuals with mental illness, the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic, significant cutbacks to affordable housing programs, rapidly rising housing costs, and the ongoing opioid crisis. Together, these forces have created a landscape where far too many Americans find themselves without stable, safe, and affordable housing

source: The Homelessness Crisis – David S. D’Amato https://www.counterpunch.org/2025/05/03/366195/

What is The True Cost to Our Community of Continuing to Manage Homelessness Without Providing Permanent, Affordable Housing?

When we add up law enforcement, emergency services, healthcare, courts, incarceration, and other public resources it comes to approximately $87,700 per person/per year. For a breakdown of these numbers, see our page: The Cost of Homelessness

What Differentiates Our Approach From Other Housing Solutions?

After researching various models to address homelessness, we have decided to replicate the model created by Mobile Loaves and Fishes Community First! Village in Austin, TX. This model goes beyond providing housing while also empowering the surrounding community into a lifestyle of service with the homeless.

How Does Revashay Ministries Assist Homeless Individuals?

We are creating a pathway to permanent affordable housing within a supportive, master-planned community designed to promote healing and restoration.

Is My Donation Tax Deductible?

Yes, your donation is tax deductible. Revashay Ministries, Inc. is a a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

I Want To Donate By Check. Where Can I Mail It?

Revashay Ministries, Inc.
PO BOX 5724
Thomasville, GA 31758

Will A Potential Resident Need To Be Free Of Drug And Alcohol Addictions In Order To Qualify To Live In reGenesis Village?

As a replicator of Mobile Loaves & Fishes’ Community First! Village, reGenesis Village has adopted the Community First! model, which aligns closely with the Housing First philosophy. Both approaches recognize a simple truth affirmed by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: a person’s most basic physiological and safety needs—such as stable housing—must be met before higher‑level healing, growth, and recovery can take place. Lifesaving services like drug or alcohol rehabilitation are far less effective when an individual is still living in survival mode.

It is counterproductive for someone to complete rehab or receive other vital services only to be released back onto the streets. Revashay Ministries emphasizes community and relationships at every stage of creating reGenesis Village, because housing alone is not enough. Belonging, connection, and shared life create the environment where true transformation becomes possible.

Finally, the possession and distribution of controlled substances is against the law. Everyone living in reGenesis is expected to abide by three rules:
1) Pay Rent
2) Obey Civil Law
3) Obey Community Rules

Are There Any Building Code Regulations/Guidelines For Tiny Houses in Georgia?

Yes, Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) adopted Appendix Q of the International Residential Code (IRC). However, it is not mandatory statewide, as it must be specifically adopted by local city or county jurisdictions to be enforced.

Could the Development of This Village Lead to an Increase in People Experiencing Homelessness Relocating to Thomasville?

We are replicating the proven model of Mobile Loaves & Fishes Community First! Village in Austin, TX, which has been operating successfully for more than a decade. In that time, Austin has not experienced an influx or “magnet effect” of individuals seeking to relocate there for housing.

To ensure reGenesis Village remains focused on Thomas County’s own chronic homelessness crisis, all prospective residents will be required to demonstrate documented homelessness within Thomas County for one year or longer. This safeguard ensures that reGenesis Village fulfills its mission of serving our local neighbors and addressing the needs of our community.

How Long Is The Program Before A Resident Transitions Back Into The Broader Community?

reGenesis Village is permanent supportive housing, meaning neighbors may remain in their homes as long as they chose while receiving the relational, practical, and wraparound support they need—so long as they pay rent, follow civil law, and honor community guidelines.

Are There Other Tiny Home Communities In Georgia?

Yes — Georgia has multiple established tiny home communities:

1. The Cottages on Vaughan — Clarkston (Atlanta Metro)
   Georgia’s first official tiny home community, featuring 8 cottages (250–550 sq ft) with solar options, shared green space, and intentional‑community design. Recognized by the Atlanta Regional Commission for innovation.
2. Serenbe — Chattahoochee Hills
   A nationally known wellness‑oriented village with small cottages, eco‑focused design, organic farm, trails, arts, and community amenities. While not exclusively tiny homes, it includes small‑footprint dwellings within a walkable, sustainable master plan.
3. Eco Cottages at East Point — East Point (Atlanta area)
   A community of eco‑friendly small cottages with full amenities, close to the airport and downtown Atlanta.
4. River Ridge Escape — Blue Ridge Mountains
   A mountain tiny‑home village offering fully equipped small cabins, outdoor recreation, and access to Blue Ridge’s tourism corridor.
5. Sugar Mill Creek at Lake Burton — North Georgia
   A luxury, gated tiny‑home resort with 51 park‑model sites, clubhouse, dog park, fire pits, and access to Lake Burton. Offers “try before you buy” stays.
6. Pinewood Forest (now Trilith) — Fayetteville
   A creative‑industry village near Trilith Studios with small cottages, walkable design, and extensive amenities. Not exclusively tiny homes but includes small‑footprint dwellings.
7. The Grove at Correll Commons – Brunswick
   A 60 tiny home gated community developed by Hand in Hand of Glynn designed to house adult individuals experiencing homelessness.
8. The Cove at Dundee – Savannah
   A community providing permanent, affordable housing for veterans, including a medical clinic, clubhouses, and garden areas.
9. Dundee Cottages – Savannah
   A community of 46 tiny homes, 2 clubhouses with a laundromat, a medical clinic, gardens, a walking path, and a pavilion for families exiting homelessness.
10. Savannah Acres – Girard
    A 20-acre, 110-lot tiny home community featuring NOAH-certified homes built by Dragon Tiny Homes. 40 minutes from Augusta.
11. Bridge Builders Communities – Augusta
    A tiny home village under construction for young adults aging out of the foster care system as they transition into adulthood