Ribbon Cutting Recap

Event

Jun 4

On a warm afternoon in Lakeland, Gospel Inc officially opened the doors of two new buildings at Gospel Village, a permanent supportive housing community built to serve individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. Forty-eight homes are years of faith, work, and generosity made visible.

The ribbon cutting marked the end of a long first chapter and the start of something much bigger. Executive Director Ray Steadman announced that Building 1 had received its Certificate of Occupancy that very morning, with Building 2 not far behind. Residents will begin moving in immediately.

The vision for Gospel Village traces back over a decade, to the early days of Gospel Inc and founder Brian Sealy, who walked Lakeland's streets, built friendships with those living without shelter, and refused to look away. From that foundation, a community of donors, builders, church partners, and civic leaders gathered around a shared conviction: everyone deserves a place to call home.

Ceremony Video

Several people spoke at the ceremony.

Jack and Tina Harrell were among the earliest and most committed supporters. Jack, who passed before the ribbon was cut, believed in the project from the start. His wife, Tina, spoke at the ceremony, honoring his memory and the faith that carried the mission through years of uncertainty.

Greg Richey, a retired community leader, joined the project after a simple ask from Jack and became a foundational board member and campaign driver. His infectious passion for the work brought others, including major donor Greg Masters, into the fold.

Greg Masters gave generously and, when offered naming rights, declined. He asked instead that the building be named for the spirit that built it: community generosity.

Dr. Robert Marbut, a senior policy advisor to HUD and founder of Haven of Hope in San Antonio, flew in to speak about the model. He called permanent supportive housing the clearest, most effective answer to chronic homelessness and praised the Gospel Inc. team for the quality of their work.

Gospel Inc’s model draws inspiration from Community First! Village in Austin, Texas. Residents have their own space, case management support, community connection, and access to meaningful work. Phase One brings 48 individuals off the streets.

Phase Two will add administrative offices, a newly relocated Re-purpose art studio, a case management space, and a social enterprise that provides workforce development and economic support for the ministry. Phase Three will add a third residential building, gardens, and an expanded community space.

The mission isn't just to house people. It's to welcome them, hold them accountable, and walk with them toward stability. As Dr. Marbut put it: take people as they are, but love them too much to let them stay there.

Ray Steadman closed the ceremony with a reflection on the Old Testament figure Mephibosheth, a fatherless, lame young man who was called to eat at the king's table despite everything working against him. Gospel Village exists to say: whoever you are, whatever you're carrying, you have a seat at the table.