Combs Sponsors Elevate Community Home in Honor of His Wife

Elevate Community received a $35,000 sponsorship for their tiny home community development from James Leon Combs.

A press release described Combs as a retired business owner and “generous supporter of the Ozarks.” He is the author of “Bradleyville Basketball, the Hicks from the Sticks.” Combs is also known for his 3,000 acre Beaver Creek Elk and Cattle Ranch northeast of Branson as well as one of his many board roles or other leadership position throughout the region.

“All over the country, including the Branson area, there’s a desperate need for affordable housing,” Combs said when discussing why he decided to sponsor a tiny home. “There’s nothing like having a place to come home to after a hard day’s work. I started life with very little, but I have been so blessed in so many ways. My late wife Dot always had a big heart for those who were struggling, so I wanted to give back and honor her memory with a tiny home sponsorship.”

Elevate Community, according to the press release, “plans to support 70 tiny homes along with wrap-around support services for low-income residents of the Branson area. Tiny home sponsors have the opportunity to select the exterior colors, interior finishes, and name the home they provide.” Homes can be sponsored by businesses, individuals, families and organizations. Sponsorship can be sponsor “in honor of or in memory of a mentor, owner, friend or loved one.” Residents of Elevate Community will rent these tiny homes “for less than the average cost of an extended stay motel room.”

Missouri Governor Mike Parson visited the campus and endorsed the project earlier this month. Parson was present for the organization’s celebration of $2.9 million in “federal grants secured for infrastructure and the first 24 homes in the development.”

(Story by Jon Christopher Collins)