ST. PAUL, Minn. – Tiny homes are hoping to solve a big problem in Minnesota. They’re called Sacred Settlements, and a new law allows Minnesota churches to build them on their property.
The strategy comes as homelessness in Minnesota has risen by 6% in the past year, reaching record levels nationwide.
“I was actually living in a tent down by the river 4 years ago,” said David Doren.
Now Doren has an address and a renewed sense of security and community.
“It’s great. I have a door that I can lock. I don’t have to worry about my neighbours robbing me,” Doren said.
He’s one of eight tenants living in six tiny houses outside the Mosaic Christian Community in St Paul, known as Sacred Settlement Mosaic.
“It’s not a stop on the way to a better place, they are welcome as long as they pay rent, follow the rules and want to be there,” said Meredith Campbell, co-director of Sacred Settlement Mosaic.
Campbell said tenants pay between $200 and $400 a month. Tenants are also given a key to the church building, where there are more amenities, including showers, a kitchen, dining and living areas.
“We try to be as low-barrier as possible. We say come, come as you are, come welcome home,” Campbell said.
She said after years of zoning challenges, a new state law opened the door for faith communities to have the right to seek permits for micro-unit dwellings on religious properties.
“We were thrilled to see the legislation passed, recognising that homes built to this standard, for these purposes, on religious land like this, is a recognised form of housing in Minnesota,” Campbell said.
At Mosaic, not all tenants have experienced homelessness.
“I want to be able to spend time with our neighbours who are often overlooked, but who are amazing people who have gifts and strengths and just need a community,” said Rose Larson.
Larson lives in a tiny house and helps people find community by being what’s called an “intentional neighbour”.
“Each of my neighbours just contributes so much and it restores a sense of value and worth and that’s a distinct difference in this form of housing,” Larson said.
For Doren, it’s more than a home, it’s hope.
“Thank you. Thank you so much. I don’t know where I’d be without it, you know,” he said.
Sacred Settlement Mosaic was the first sacred settlement in the state. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Roseville now has one too.