Our Approach
Our initiative is about much more than housing people: it positions an underrepresented community to shape housing policy. Most importantly, Envision works to change how society views people in a homeless situation. By building our initiative from the ground up, underrepresented communities aim to organize themselves in an innovative way, creating a space for people who have experienced homelessness to advance equitable housing practices.
Designed & Led By Residents
Envision is unique. Our project not only wants to house and serve people experiencing homelessness—it is led by them. Envision will be a beacon that shows what a group of people experiencing homelessness can do, and what happens when our community stands alongside them.
Envision is more than just a tiny home village, it is a place where people experiencing homelessness can elevate themselves to be designers, problem-solvers, and decision-makers for the community they created.
Intentional Community
Envision a place where the conditions for social connectedness are considered as integral to healing as the structures that offer solitude, safety and privacy.
Microhomes & Shared Spaces
Why is a new type of housing needed? “Affordable” housing is not affordable for people experiencing homelessness. The Star Tribune Editorial Board reported in 2017, “Minnesota’s homeless population has a median monthly income of $550, according to Wilder Research’s analysis of the 2015 count. Income that low won’t pay the rent. In the Twin Cities, the average studio apartment rent the in the first quarter of 2017 was $823.” Things have only worsened since then.
As affordable housing shortages continue to drive up the cost of rent and the cost new housing development continues to rise, our team at Envision knew that we needed to offer housing that is far more affordable than anything else in our market.
Continuous Improvement of Envision
Our plans include the rigorous study of Envision during our 2-year demonstration period so that we can learn from our experience and continuously improve Envision through frequent iteration.