Realtors® Are Good Neighbors: Jon Bomberger and Wendell Hoover

Realtors® Jon Bomberger and Wendell Hoover volunteer their time to Eden Village of Harrisburg, a not-for-profit building tiny home communities for those experiencing homelessness. 

Eden Village of Harrisburg became a concept in 2019 when three families involved in real estate were searching for a way to serve their community by meeting housing-related needs. At the time, there were about 400 individuals experiencing homelessness in the area. 

Last year, Harrisburg City Council approved Eden Village’s proposal to build 32 tiny homes measuring 400 square feet each and serving as permanent residences, as well as a community center. Earlier this year, the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors® awarded Eden Village $75,000, supporting the construction of one of the tiny homes. 

“The work that Eden Village does around the country impacts local communities in a few key ways,” says Bomberger, a member of GHAR. “First, it eases the financial burden on city and county resources that work toward helping unhoused people. Second, it reimagines and revitalizes the way real estate is used in certain areas, thereby increasing value and beautification efforts in those areas. Third, and most importantly, it raises the profile of those individuals experiencing homelessness and provides hope and stability in a supportive community that will help them thrive.” 

“Along with some close friends, I was looking for a way to live out my faith in a practical, tangible way,” he says. “Our collective experience in real estate led us to ask questions around how we could serve the most vulnerable people in our community through housing. I learned about the Eden Village model through a national publication, made some phone calls and now here we are almost ready to break ground on Eden Village of Harrisburg!” 

“As Realtors®, we have so much to be thankful for, and I am grateful to find ways to help those less fortunate,” says Hoover, 2023 president of GHAR and current board president of Eden Village of Harrisburg. “I want to be involved with nonprofits that work with housing-first initiatives to help people get back on track.” 

“I love being a Realtor®, because we are in control of our schedule, and we can decide to use some of our time to give back to the community,” he adds. 

What advice do Bomberger and Hoover have for others who want to make a change? 

“We all live in communities that have amazing causes that need help in a variety of ways,” Hoover says. “You can give time or money or a combination. I don’t donate time in order to get business, but getting involved with helping nonprofits leads to meeting new people, which often leads to more business.”  

“One, be curious about the issues in your area,” Bomberger shares. “Ask questions and get to know the people already working in that space, but also the people being impacted by the issue. You’ll learn a lot from both and then figure out how you can fit into the solution.” 

“Second, actually DO something. Anything. Start by volunteering some time. Get involved in committees or local nonprofit boards that are doing good work. Third, get to know your municipal, county and state representatives. They often want to help with the same issues that you’re seeing. They are the gatekeepers and can provide access to shine a spotlight on the work you’re trying to do.”