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OUR STORY Everything starts with heart and a clear mission: build sustainable cottage communities that keep costs attainable for working families. From one act of kindness to a full-fledged housing initiative, our story is rooted in compassion, resilience, and purpose. WHERE IT BEGAN Some missions are planned; ours was cooked up one meal at a time. In 2020, George Meringolo began delivering home-cooked meals to families experiencing financial and housing stress across Sussex County. Those small acts revealed a deeper need: stable, affordable cottages that restore dignity. In January 2024, George partnered with contractors and friends Ken Lloyd, Joe Aquilla, and Tom McElroy to design compact cottage communities, starting with plans for a 20-cottage village at 515 E Market Street in Georgetown. By August 2024, LittleLiving.Org, Inc. was a 501(c)(3) nonprofit built to bypass bureaucracy, avoid profit-driven models, and prioritize people. THE JOURNEY 2020: George Meringolo delivers meals across Sussex County, discovering the urgent need for stable homes. 2024: George partners with Ken, Joe, and Tom to design cottage plans. LittleLiving.Org, Inc. becomes an official 501(c)(3). 2025: Site plans and rezoning pass for a 20-cottage village at 501–515 E Market Street after public review. 2026: Construction begins at Market Street Village with investment from Healthy Communities Delaware and recognition from Governor Matt Meyer. First homes expected in 2027. Beyond: Plans begin to expand into Kent County with multi-phase communities tailored to local needs. HOW WE WORK We are a grassroots, all-volunteer effort. Decisions are made around a table—not lost in bureaucracy—and donations go directly into sites, materials, and infrastructure so communities take shape faster. “We don’t think outside the box, because to us there is no end to our innovation.”
