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helping homeless mothers and their children achieve self-sufficiency by providing transitional <br />housing, education, employment assistance, and long-term support while keeping families <br />together throughout the process. <br /> <br />Ms. McDermott said the organization expanded into affordable housing after recognizing that <br />many program graduates struggled to find affordable housing. She highlighted partnerships with <br />schools, local businesses, contractors, churches, donors, and volunteers that have helped <br />complete previous housing projects through donated labor, materials, and land. With available <br />land now exhausted, she said the organization is proposing the Gather mixed-use development in <br />Ramsey. <br /> <br />Ms. McDermott explained that Gather would combine affordable housing for program graduates <br />with a community coffeehouse designed to serve as a neighborhood gathering space. She said the <br />project would allow families to remain in Ramsey while staying connected to local schools and <br />community resources. Although the project represents a significant investment, she expressed <br />confidence that community partnerships, together with funding from the Local Affordable <br />Housing Aid, would make the development possible. <br /> <br />Councilmember Olson asked Ms. McDermott to explain the difference between the <br />organization's current two-year transitional housing program and the proposed affordable <br />apartments. <br /> <br />Ms. McDermott explained that families can stay in the transitional housing program for up to <br />two years while they work toward financial stability. Once they complete the program, the <br />proposed apartments in Ramsey would provide long-term affordable housing where families <br />could continue living independently while still receiving monthly support from the organization <br />and meeting basic program expectations. <br /> <br />Councilmember Buscher asked how the proposed coffeehouse would benefit the community <br />beyond providing affordable housing. <br /> <br />Ms. McDermott explained that Gather is intended to be much more than a coffee shop. She said <br />the space would host tutoring programs, local artists, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, <br />and community events. Flexible meeting rooms and gathering spaces would be available for <br />neighborhood activities and would also provide opportunities to support local entrepreneurs. <br /> <br />At Councilmember Buscher's request, Ms. McDermott reviewed the conceptual floor plans. <br /> <br />Councilmember Stewart asked whether enough space had been allowed for access to the <br />proposed staff area. <br /> <br />Ms. McDermott said the final architectural plans would likely include some hallway adjustments <br />while maintaining the overall open layout. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peters asked whether the City was required to sell the property for the proposed <br />purchase price or if the Council could reduce the price further. <br />City Council Work Session / July 14, 2026 <br />Page 2 of 14 <br />