At the urging of many in the congregation and under the direction of the Council, the work in preparation for temporary homes for Valerie Roy and her resource neighbors is proceeding. We are blessed to be working closely with our new ministry partners at Settled. Here are the latest developments:
- Following an extensive application and review process, Valerie has been recommended as a suitable tenant along with the Beary Family (Misha, James & Avia), who are prepared to live alongside Valerie. It is expected that Valerie and the Bearys will become tenants of the next “Sacred Settlement” once that community is ready for occupancy.
- The Bearys will be housed in a second available tiny home, similar to Valerie’s. The previously discussed RV was not available.
- After a visit with the team from Settled, the temporary location of the two homes will be sited in the grassy area just off the southeast corner of the garage. No additional site preparation will be necessary and the homes can be leveled and secured appropriately. We expect their arrival before the end of the month.
- It was determined that the southwest classroom/nursery will make an ideal space to convert into a temporary “Common House,” some shared living space for Valerie & the Bearys. Renovations are underway to prepare this room and we’re adding some “creature comforts” to the classroom as well as the restrooms in the daycare wing and lower-level showers. Contact the office if you’re available to help with some painting or other preparations.
- An electrician that worked on the Mosaic Sacred Settlement has been contracted for the electrical upgrades to our panels and wiring to bring suitable power to the garage and install the hookups for the tiny homes. This work has begun and should be completed very soon.
- A Memorandum of Understanding with Settled and lease agreements with the tenants have been drafted and are under review now. PoP will take possession of the tiny homes just prior to putting these agreements in place. We are confirming the property & liability insurance coverage requirements. In addition to a monthly lease payment, the tenants will also be responsible for insuring their belongings.
- Our goal is to have everything in place and ready to occupy by Dec. 15 and we’re hopeful to have Valerie and the Bearys in their homes before the holidays. In the meantime, Valerie will be taking shelter for greater amounts of time inside the church and better familiarizing herself with our community. Be sure to introduce yourself the next time you see her.
- Your prayers are welcome as this process continues to move forward. We look forward to a future home blessing when we will invite the two partner congregations that built the homes to join with us in celebrating this interim step towards getting Valerie settled into her new community.
Should you have any questions or ideas of how to support this process, please contact the office or speak with Michael Stetzler or Pastor Peter.