The 10-member Affordable Housing Team is looking for input from the congregation. 32 people recently attended the two Virtual Potlucks that were information meetings and Q&A sessions regarding the idea of building affordable housing on the southern 2 1/4 acres of Prince of Peace’s land.
The Affordable Housing Team was formed in March and officially chartered by the Church Council in June. “The Team has been in a learning phase,” said Pastor Betsy, “meeting with the school district homeless liaison, a city council member, a planning commission member, our state legislator, other churches that are working with homelessness issues, Lutheran Social Services and four nonprofit affordable housing developers. We have learned a lot and realize that there is so much more to learn.”
The Team is now in a listening phase. “We as a congregation are in a time of discernment. We’re listening to the congregation and want input on what to do with this land,” said Affordable Housing Team member Michael Stetzler.
“As the Affordable Housing Team we want transparency with the congregation. We want the congregation with us every step of the way and we want people to feel heard,” said Team member Gary Olson.
The Affordable Housing Team plans to provide regular updates to the congregation. Currently the Team is seeking informal input. Watch for a congregational survey coming soon. No decisions will be made on whether to use the land for affordable housing without a vote of the congregation.
Attached are the items mailed to the congregation about the project on July 3. You are invited to reach out to anyone on the team with questions or comments.