In June, the congregation tentatively approved adding three homes to our sacred settlement. This approval was tentative primarily because members expressed concerns about staffing and financing issues. On Sunday, January 4 the Settlement Development Team gave an update on plans to address those concerns. Here is a summary of the discussion. (The full discussion can be seen here.)
Motion to be submitted to the congregation at the semiannual meeting on January 25
Motion: to approve the addition of three houses to the Prince of Peace Sacred Settlement as financing permits.
Q: Should we get City approval before voting?
A: The team intends to proceed to congregational vote first. The statute and licensing permit expansion; a plan that is reviewed by the City is required. That plan will be prepared after congregational approval of expansion.
Q: Why add three homes (to total six)?
A: We must add two or three homes to meet a required ratio of intentional to invited neighbors. Adding three additional homes (two for people exiting homelessness) will provide a stronger community and fit within current model limits without requiring another intentional neighbor.
Staffing
Current staff have been stretched; expansion must avoid increasing staff overload. A multi part plan will shift relational and management work to lay structures and leadership:
- Open Table program: trained volunteer “tables” around neighbors to provide day to day support for achieving individual goals and addressing priority needs .
- Reconstituted “huddles”, regular community meetings to build relationships and address shared goals and issues affecting the community
- Expanded Settlement Stewardship Team: oversight for property, purposeful work, supportive friends, and intentional neighbor support
- Redefined roles for stewardship team leaders (internal and external shepherds) to assume many operational tasks.
- Neutral outside mediator for conflicts that cannot be resolved internally.
- Staff will retain core operational duties (property scheduling, rent/work assignment tracking) but be relieved of many problem solving and after hours burdens.
- Time line highlights: Open Table training has happened; table kickoff/orientation occurred on Jan 11; stewardship and shepherd role changes will be phased in early in the year.
Q: What is Open Table and how will it relieve staff?
A: A structured, trained volunteer model that forms tables around neighbors to help solve everyday needs (rides, appointments, problem solving), decreasing staff as the default contact and reducing after hours calls.
Q: Who is on the tables now?
A: Tables are being formed; members notified but names not broadly publicized while relationships develop. Final training/orientation is scheduled.
Q: What is the huddle and how does it differ from tables?
A: Tables are neighbor specific support circles. The huddle is a community meeting for shared issues (space use, fridge, events) with shepherds present.
Q: How will shepherd roles change?
A: Internal Shepherd will manage day to day tasks (rent, work assignments, coordination). External Shepherd will focus on outward relations and spiritual support. These role changes are intended to move tasks off staff.
Q: How will conflicts be handled?
A: Table/huddle will attempt resolution first; if unresolved, an outside neutral mediator (initial volunteer identified) will assist.
Financing
- Estimated capital cost: approximately $190,000–$230,000 (final amount depends on infrastructure choices and contractor estimates).
- No increase in general congregational tithe for this purpose. Capital funding is separate from the operating budget.
- Capital funding plan:
a. Settled contribution: at least $70,000 in housing for the two invited units.
b. Grants – foundations, businesses
c. Gifts from individuals and congregations.
d. Possible use of Prince of Peace designated building funds for items that also benefit the church (e.g., doors, security).
e. Funding for the intentional neighbor home (~$47,000) is still to be determined (may come from Settled, the neighbor, grants, or gifts).
f. Early funding priorities: electrical service/metering and anchoring (prerequisites for construction).
g. Contingent financial risks: potential city-required upgrades (e.g., fire suppression) and possible future changes in insurer underwriting that could increase costs or reduce coverage.
h. Some capital items (decks, cabinetry, furnishings) are likely candidates for targeted gifts and in kind volunteer work.
Q: Who pays for the tiny homes?
A: Settled has offered to contribute the two invited neighbor units (≈$70,000). Funding for the intentional neighbor home is may be provided by a combination of the intentional neighbor, gifts and grants.
Q: Will the congregation be asked for more tithes?
A: No; the plan relies on Settled contributions, grants, gifts, and possibly designated funds—no general tithe increase is planned.
Q: How much will Prince of Peace contribute?
A: Some designated funds may be used for shared-benefit items such as doors and security systems, contingent on council/property committee decisions; final decisions pending. If a new security system is installed.
Q: What are the primary financial risks?
Q: Will rents cover operating costs?
A: Rents are intended to cover marginal operating costs; the Stewardship Team will perform a detailed operating analysis (including effects of rent credits) and report back.
Other Discussion
- The project is presented as mission-focused: it seeks to address chronic homelessness while forming deeper congregation community relationships and modeling neighborliness.
- Capital investments are long lived (10–20+ years), making annualized costs modest compared to some public housing expenses.
- Fund-raising and outreach to will begin immediately if the motion passes.
Q: Is this cost effective relative to other homelessness solutions?
A: Yes: the settlement model provides durable housing and relational supports that can reduce long term public costs for chronic homelessness.
Q: What are the next dates/actions?
A: Open Table orientation/kickoff Jan 11; council review of motion contractor meetings at month end to refine estimates.
Q: Will the congregation be updated on unresolved issues?
A: Yes, the team will be prepared to answers questions and provide updated estimates and at the semiannual meeting.