The Campus Planning Task Force met on Monday, June 26. The primary focus of the meeting was a discussion with Gabrielle Clowdus, the founder of Settled. She talked about several aspects of Settled and the Community First model for addressing chronic homelessness. She wanted to emphasize that the goal is not housing first but community first.
For Settled that means cultivating place by providing “permanent” tiny homes within a community of intentional neighbors (1 of 3 homes occupied by an intentional neighbor) and supportive friends who volunteer to walk with the formerly chronic homeless.
The previously homeless living in the settlement pays minimal rent and engage in purposeful work. She noted that housing for the homeless that is built by developers typically costs an average of $250,000 – $300,000 per unit. A community of tiny homes that was funded by government funding cost about $80,000 per unit. Settled, as a privately funded non-profit that doesn’t receive government financing, with volunteers providing some labor build their tiny homes for $35,000.
Gabrielle indicated that the chronically homeless make up only 20% or less of the homeless or under-housed population but utilize about 80% of the funds spent to battle homelessness. She believes that the Settled approach is more efficient, saves money, and is more effective than many of the traditional approaches. As mentioned earlier, the key is forming community. She noted that government can’t love but churches can.
Wednesday, July 5, at 6:30 pm the Roseville Planning Commission will consider the Prince of Peace application for interim use permit. Visitors are encouraged to attend to support our efforts. Monday, July 24, at 6:00 pm the City Council will consider the application. Again, visitors are encouraged to come in support of our application.
The next meeting of the Campus Planning Task Force will be July 10 at 6:30 pm. Cecile Bedor from Common Bond (an affordable housing developer) will be present to address the committee. All are welcome to attend.
Steve Sveom