| Name | Jens |
|---|---|
| Last Name | Christensen |
| Home Address | 1 Ozark Place Chattanooga, TN 37415 United States |
| Organization Name | Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga |
| Describe Your Role In The Organization | I am the CEO of the organization, responsible for managing all operational and developmental aspects. |
| Organization Address | 1201 East Main Street Chattanooga, TN 37408 United States |
| Website | https://habichatt.org |
| Best Phone Number To Reach You | 4237560507 |
| Alternate Phone Number | 4234907317 |
| Email Address | jchristensen@habichatt.org |
| Alternate Email Address | jchristensen@habichatt.org |
| Please Describe Your Project In Detail | Homelessness and housing are inextricably linked. As a literal solution to homelessness, housing is the only exit. But adequate supportive housing is scarce and traditional approaches, often using a rental model alone, do not address the root cause of instability in the first place. We propose a pilot model using small cottages in a confined community as a solution to homelessness. Similar to proven successes in other communities, such as Mobile Loaves and Fishes in Austin, TX, we propose the creation of a 30+ home unit on acreage in Hamilton County, TN which is owned through the United Methodist Church. If the property in question cannot be utilized, a similar property could be used, although that would delay the project until appropriate land could be secured. Several years ago, Barry Kidwell, founder of Mustard Tree Ministries, proposed a community on over 30 acres of property that the ministry currently uses as farm land and for income for folks experiencing homelessness. The community would offer supportive housing for as many as 32 formerly homeless individuals. Today, we suggest establishing that community, but powerfully tweaking the proven model by establishing the first community to utilize a shared equity model, allowing rents paid by residents to assist in building equity that could be realized by the resident when the resident chose to move. Infrastructure is largely in place for the community, although zoning would have to be improved. The partnership here could range from a little over $100,000 to prepare for and build a pilot home, to roughly $3.5 million to build out the community. The model would require investment by the municipalities benefiting, but is a model that could also enjoy substantial community support. Mustard Tree Ministries would own, manage and maintain the community, while Habitat would partner through infrastructure, design and building of the cottages. Mustard Tree would arrange for onsite supportive services to ensure the ongoing success of the residents and the community. |
| Please explain how your project meets the requirements of the American Rescue Plan | Housing and infrastructure are both direct, allowable costs of the American Rescue Plan per legislation as written. Specifically, the Interim Final Rule addresses projects such as this through the section on Responding to Negative Economic Impacts as outlined on pages 26793-26796. Below is a brief quote: Building Stronger Communities through Investments in Housing and Neighborhoods. The economic impacts of COVID–19 have likely been most acute in lower-income neighborhoods, including concentrated areas of high unemployment, limited economic opportunity, and housing insecurity. Services in this category alleviate the immediate economic impacts of the COVID–19 pandemic on housing insecurity, while addressing conditions that contributed to poor public health and economic outcomes during the pandemic, namely concentrated areas with limited economic opportunity and inadequate or poor-quality housing. Eligible services include: • Services to address homelessness such as supportive housing, and to improve access to stable, affordable housing among unhoused individuals • Affordable housing development to increase supply of affordable and high-quality living units • Housing vouchers, residential counseling, or housing navigation assistance to facilitate household moves to neighborhoods with high levels of economic opportunity and mobility for low-income residents, to help residents increase their economic opportunity and reduce concentrated areas of low economic opportunity • The community housing model directly impacts affordable housing for those experiencing homelessness. By partnering with homeless providers, not only do we meet the above criteria, but we also will improve health outcomes as described in the Affordable Rescue Plan’s Public Health Needs Section as described on page 26791. Specifically, we would be addressing the need for “Housing services to support healthy living environments and neighborhoods conducive to mental and physical wellness.” |
| Where would your project take place? | Chattanooga, TN |
| How much will your project cost in total? | 3.5 |
| Do you have any matching funding sources from other local governments, private entities, non-profits, or philanthropic entities for your project? | Yes |
| Please describe the source and list amounts of any other funding. | As this project would include numerous partners, this decision would change depending upon the selected scope. The amount listed above is total expected cost. |
| What portion of the project are you asking the city to fund? | |
| If funded, when would your project start? | December 1, 2022 |
| How long would your project take to complete? | Up to Three Years |
| What milestones would you use to measure your project’s progress? | Securing use of land. Securing proper zoning of property. Infrastructure installation. Construction of pilot unit. Capital campaign to finish out necessary funds, depending on initial level of funding. Placement of residents. Operation of community. |
| How would you ensure accountability and transparency throughout the project lifecycle? | Open data regarding numbers and expenses (protected consumer data would be redacted). Board oversight. Open communication and partnerships. The process would include community input and would be open to interested and engaged partners. |
| If successful, how would your project benefit the community? | The creation of this community would establish that cottage communities can work as a reasonably priced housing solution for people experiencing homelessness. The community created would not only serve as a prosperous and positive home environment for residents, but in addition, the shared equity model would allow residents to begin building wealth which could be used at exit to transition to the conventional housing market, to invest in education, or even to start a business. |
| How will you attract community buy-in for your project? | Without question, we face a pivotal point in our community as it pertains to housing solutions for folks experiencing homelessness. The shared community approach has been successful in other communities which show incredible buy-in from neighbors, residents and faith partners. We would follow a similar model as has been proven in other communities |
| Name | Jens Christensen |
| Contact Information | jchristensen@habichatt.org |
| Name | Barry Kidwell, Mustard Tree |
| Contact Information | cbarrykidwell@gmail.com |
| Name | Randall Taylor, Mustard Tree |
| Contact Information | Randall.Taylor@neuhofftaylor.com |
| Is there anything else you would like us to know about your project? | The concept is proven and utilized in other communities throughout the country. Supportive housing of this nature works. Equity as a component creates the potential for transformation through housing, but allowing residents to create a quasi-savings account through housing. |