New Tiny House Community Planned by Minnesota Church to Address Homelessness
A forward-thinking initiative by a Minnesota church aims to transform its grounds into a tiny house community to assist individuals experiencing homelessness. Church of the Open Door, located in Maple Grove, is collaborating with local authorities to establish this unique housing solution called a “sacred settlement.”
The innovative project plans to see the development of 12 tiny house units by the summer of 2026. This settlement will be split into two categories: four homes for “Intentional Neighbors” and eight homes for individuals transitioning out of chronic homelessness. According to Open Door Pastor David Brickey, “Intentional Neighbors” are individuals who have no history of homelessness and aim to create a robust community by being supportive neighbors.
“Our primary reason is our Gospel call,” Pastor Brickey shared. “We are followers of Jesus who practice the way of Jesus in our daily lives. Core to Jesus’ message and lifestyle is caring for the poor.”
The church has successfully contributed to the establishment of two similar settlements in St. Paul and Roseville, with one of its pastors actively participating as an intentional neighbor. These communities have demonstrated significant positive outcomes, displaying zero crime, zero police involvement, and no neighbor complaints.
Many residents of these settlements have found new employment opportunities, reconnected with family members, and experienced comprehensive healing. The proposed tiny house community will be located near the rear of the church’s main building, integrating with the natural surroundings to offer privacy.
Emphasizing the privately funded nature of the project, Brickey mentioned, “It’s important to note that because this is completely privately funded, we get to choose who moves into this community based on pre-chosen criteria.” The church’s involvement with the local homeless community helps them discern suitable candidates for this community.
Speaking about the broader mission, Brickey highlighted that Jesus taught the inseparability of private spirituality and public acts of justice and mercy. “If we are growing in the character of Jesus internally, we will also see signs of that externally in how society is reordered to look more like Heaven on earth with the spheres of influence He has called us to,” he explained.
He further added, “The resources of our church family are not ours. Every dollar and square inch of our property are God’s and to be stewarded by us for His Kingdom advancement on earth as in Heaven. Jesus is our primary example of how to live and steward these resources. In that, we have re-envisioned our land and building as being less an event venue and more a homestead of healing for our community.”
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
