An HMG Neighborhood is a group of residents in a neighborhood living in close physical and relational proximity with the intention of creating life-giving community. These homes are arranged in neighborhood communities and residential subdivisions to promote intentional sustainable communities which are open and available to all people. While there are a range of options available to a group families and individuals or a church ministry sponsor interested in creating such a community, HMG Neighborhoods typically have the characteristics of a small neighborhood focused on common amenities, which provides supportive affordable housing for those in need, and is served by residents committed to living in Christ-centered community. Small Neighborhood Focused on Common Amenities An HMG Neighborhood is a residential condominium development of about 30-40 households. Each household owns or rents a home in the neighborhood, which are typically designed as compact single family or duplex residential units. Building design and neighborhood layouts include features that foster community, such as community dining or outdoor gathering spaces, while maintaining the privacy of each unit. Carpooling and car-sharing may be available for residents in commuting to work or running errands. Common space, which includes community kitchen and dinning area, may include features such as guest units, small group living spaces, and a playroom for children. Other options may include fitness and recreation center and computer lab which would be available for all residents and their guests 24-hours a day. These facilities are owned and controlled by the residents and sponsor through a condominium association. Larger HMG Neighborhoods may also incorporate commercial office space, parking and car-sharing facilities, day-care or primary educational facilities, and small-scale retail developments for the benefit of residents and their neighbors. These extra amenities provide a more walkable community life and provide economic development opportunities for the wider area. Providing Supportive Affordable Housing for Those in Need HMG Neighborhoods are intentionally mixed-income by providing high quality homes for both subsidized and market rate residents. The community is also mixed-tenure by providing housing opportunities for both renters and homeowners. The HMG Neighborood can be a supportive community to families and individuals living in the affordable housing. The goal is to provide stable housing developments that successfully integrate families and individuals at all income levels into a socially and economically sustainable supportive community. The HMG Neighborhood may also provide a variety of ministry services to support families and individuals, such as child care support, onsite counseling, and job training opportunties. These ministry services seek to serve and develop good neighbors and good citizens of both the HMG Neighborhood and the wider community. Served by Residents Intentionally Living in Christ-Centered Community The HMG Neighborhood is a core group of 10-20 families and individual households who have chosen to live in a specific community. This community is developed by the residents with the intention of fostering long-term life-giving relationships among the residents within that community and the wider neighborhood of which it is a part. Residents are typical homeowners and renters who maintain their property, pay a monthly mortgage or rent, protect and secure their living environment, but by living in community, these residents benefit by the intentional community that they create. Everyday events such as commuting to work, running errands, shoping for groceries, drop off and pick up their kids from school, are made easier. The "common house" or community center, provides a space for residents to build community to serve each other and their neighbors through community meals, recreation and learning spaces, and shared common facilities. This place for community gatherings, community meals, social events, ministry, neighborhood outreach and community business is an important part of HMG Neighborhood life. The common house can also be a venue to participate with meeting the needs of the wider community, city, and region. Residents value community giving, community work and community life as a way to develop strong supportive relationships. They organize and manage the neighborhood themselves to be proper stewards this life-giving community. |