The Campus Planning Task Force met on Monday, June 19. The Affordable Housing Team reported on the extensive work they had done which was disrupted by the pandemic and had stalled. Their primary project that they had found compelling is an apartment unit of about 30 units to be built on the 2 ¼ acres of property to the south of the church building. They had reached a point with a developer, Common Ground, which had in interest in the project. The Team shared much very useful information with the Campus Planning Task Force.
Their information will receive further attention at the next CPTF meeting on June 26. In addition, a panel of people engaged in ministry with homeless shared with the task force the information they needed to enter such ministry, reactions both in support and in opposition that they encountered, and options they have seen in ministry. The panel consisted of Mark Weber, a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater; Pastor Peter (who shared about sabbatical information gathered); Deacon Nina Joygaard, from Faith Lutheran Church in Forest Lake (the church where John Klawiter is pastor); and, Anne Krisnik who is a lawyer and has lobbied for the Joint Religious Coalition, many non-profits and also Settled.
Their challenge came from a quote: “You love the poor. Name some.” They encouraged us to build relationships and be in community with those encountering homelessness. Community is key to addressing the needs of those who nobody is helping. We are encouraged to look at each person and see Jesus. Our next meeting will go deeper into both the Affordable Housing Team proposal and the approach of Settled. We will review some of the financial information of Settled and also our own finances regarding the interim tiny home community on our campus. Gabrielle Clowdus, the founder of Settled will be with us for the meeting on June 26 at 6:30 pm.
People are also encouraged to gather at the Roseville City Hall in support of our interim use permit application at two times: Wednesday, July 5 at 6:30 is the Planning Commission meeting and Monday, July 24 at 6:00 pm is the City Council meeting.