Missouri’s first intergenerational community for foster families and seniors is now under construction

WILLARD, Mo. (KY3) – Missouri’s first intergenerational community, Generations Village, is now under construction in the Ozarks.

Generations Village is a neighborhood built at 787 Hughes Rd. in Willard. It is specifically aimed at foster children and their parents, as well as older adults who want to spend their time mentoring, tutoring, babysitting and interacting with other generations.

Kristiann Hudson, board chair of Generations Village, said she has seen communities like Generations Village in other parts of the country, so now is the time to get one in Missouri.

“Seniors report having a greater sense of purpose and overall better quality of life when they live in these types of communities and feel like they can give back and support the foster families and youth living in the communities. Hudson said. “The young people also have better results. Their placement stability is greatly improved when they live in a community like this, with their graduation rates going from high school to a trade school or college. These are all greatly improved outcomes in places with these types of communities, so that’s what we hope to see here.”

Hudson said Generations Village cost approximately $15.1 million in construction costs and was funded by MDC tax credits.

There will be 12 3-4 bedroom units available for foster families, 32 two-bedroom units available for seniors, and eight two-bedroom units available for foster youth aging out of the system.

“We have many service providers that we work with. They will provide services to these children, provide services to our foster families and our seniors,” Hudson said. “Our hope is that youth aging out of foster care will be better prepared to move into permanent housing when they leave the community.”

She also said that the main goal of this project is to build a sense of community for all ages. To encourage intentional neighbors, a community center, green space and outdoor gathering areas will be built.

Hudson said Generations Village is not yet accepting applications, but you can reach out online if you are interested or have further questions. The community is expected to open to residents in early 2025.

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