The tiny homes project, officially called an “interim sacred settlement,*” is nearly ready for occupancy. The homes, or “micro-units” arrived this week. Preparation of the common area inside our building is nearing completion, and an agreement between PoP and Settled, Inc. for operating the project has been signed.
The agreement, or “memorandum of understanding” outlines the roles and responsibilities of Prince of Peace and Settled and is posted at here. Here is an overview of the key points:
Prince of Peace will own the two units (donated to PoP) and lease them to the residents. The lease will include access to a dedicated common area inside the PoP building as well as a bathroom and showers.
The Parties intend that income from residents will cover operating costs of the interim Sacred Settlement, except for any staff costs. PoP will collect rent and use those funds to sustain the operation and maintenance of the interim Sacred Settlement from a designated account. The Parties will regularly discuss the Settlement budget.
PoP and Settled will create a Settlement Stewardship Team to
- Provide a forum for the Parties to review interim Sacred Settlement policies and procedures;
- Consider requests, complaints and enforcement of policies;
- Resolve issues that arise concerning the well-being of the community and the reputation in the neighborhood;
- Make recommendations to PoP about resident care, property management, operations and on-site work opportunities.
Key PoP responsibilities
- Instill and promote a respectful, supportive and nurturing community among the PoP congregation, the interim Sacred Settlement residents, and the surrounding community; without a religious requirement of the residents;
- Provide work opportunities allowing for each resident (excluding intentional neighbors) to earn deductions from their rent;
- Maintain the interim Sacred Settlement, to a high quality.
- Collect rent and enforce policies in the Housing Agreement through the person fulfilling the role of Property Manager;
Key Settled responsibilities
- Assist formerly homeless residents to obtain eligible government assistance;
- Provide training opportunities for volunteers, intentional neighbors and PoP staff;
- Provide consulting and support for maintaining best practices for the Full Community operating model**
SAVE THE DATE: On January 15, 5-6pm, we will be hosting a home blessing and celebration with our partners from Settled, Trinity Lutheran – Stillwater, and Lord of Life Lutheran – Maple Grove. Trinity and Lord of Life funded and built the two tiny homes that are now housing our new neighbors.
*“Sacred Settlement” refers to an innovative, research-based way to address long-term homelessness by developing holistic tiny home communities in cooperation with a faith community. (See more at Settled.org)
**The “Full Community Model” has five elements, with the goal of creating supportive relationships, purposeful work, and a cultivated environment for permanent housing. Our PoP project, however, is designed to provide interim housing pending the development of a another larger permanent settlement to which our residents will relocate. (See more at Settled.org)