Restoration Urban Ministries “Mini Homes” Presentation

Roscoe Brown, from the Restoration Urban Ministries (RUM), presented at this month’s CRG meeting their plan to build “mini homes” on two vacant City lots. The homes would be designed to serve low income individuals between homelessness up to the level of those who would qualify for a Habitat home. The homes are estimated to cost $27,000 with RUM carrying the mortgage and providing case management for 18 months and then turning the balance of the mortgage over to a local lender. RUM has created a separate board to run this project and will not require any religious participation for qualifying individuals. The homes are 380 sq.ft. with the potential to add on as a family grows. The City lots under consideration are located at 801 N. Prairie and 410 W. Maple. These are lots that have been declared by Council as surplus lots and are too small for conventional construction. Representatives from Planning, Building Safety, Public Works, and Neighborhood Services will meet with RUM representatives in April to discuss the feasibility of constructing these homes on the requested City lots.