In 2019, Faith Lutheran began learning about tiny house communities as a solution to the growing homelessness crisis. It is part of our mission as a church to love our neighbor.

While efforts to bring a tiny house community, known as a Sacred Settlement, to Faith Lutheran faced substantial hurdles during Covid, the enthusiasm to support this ministry was evident in other means.

Colleen Diemer, a Forest Lake resident and member of Faith Lutheran, had a personal investment in seeing this idea come to fruition. Diemer lobbied at the state capitol to advocate for Sacred Settlements to have fewer barriers for churches to go forward with their mission.

“Two years ago I had the privilege of becoming friends with someone who was living in a tent encampment,” said Diemer, who kept his name private. She met her friend while doing street outreach.

“We have shared laughter and tears on many occasions in hospital emergency rooms and courtrooms,” said Diemer. “He’s joined my family at the Thanksgiving table and we played community softball games and he’s come to my kids' activities.”

Diemer remains good friends with him and learned how difficult it is for someone facing chronic homelessness to receive the most valuable resource out there. Love.

“My friend lost the most basic human need,” said Diemer. “He needed to be known, loved, and to feel belonging. None of us can go it alone.”

A state bill with bi-partisan support was signed by Governor Tim Walz on May 25^th. The bill, effective January 1^st, allows tiny homes located on the land of faith communities to be recognized as permanent homes under MN state law. The bill removes the barrier that tiny homes were considered too small to be recognized as permanent homes.

Persistent efforts of local non-profit Settled, the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC), Lutheran Advocacy MN, and many individuals advanced this approach to providing housing for those who have experienced homelessness. 

Anne Krisnik retired as the Executive Director of JRLC in 2022 but she couldn’t walk away from seeing this bill go through.

“I knew the need, the background, the details of the bill, and legislators who were supportive,” said Krisnik. “Most importantly, I knew I could explain how this model treats each person as an individual, with dignity and love.  The intentional neighbors and community create an environment where residents are valued and can heal and thrive.”

There are many advocates working on affordable housing and there's a great need for more affordable housing. “We need a voice for those experiencing chronic homelessness,” said Krisnik. “Especially people dealing with mental health challenges or traumatic brain injury, our veterans. The JRLC [used their legislative voice] to speak to the need for this type of housing.”

There are already two sacred settlement communities in the Twin Cities. There are six tiny homes at Mosaic Christian Community on the East side of St. Paul and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Roseville has two homes while they explore their next steps.

“This isn't a quick process [for a religious community looking to establish a Sacred Settlement],” said Krisnik. “But it will be incredibly meaningful both for the future residents and for those who engage with them.”

What happens next in Forest Lake? Time will tell how our community and faith groups respond to the needs of our chronically homeless neighbors. Thankfully, there are people seeking solutions and responding to the needs of others by providing the most valuable resource they have. Love.  

Pastor John Klawiter is the senior pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, an ELCA congregation in Forest Lake. For more information, email him at