In May 2022, the city council began considering a groundbreaking ordinance that would pave the way for the nation’s first Sacred Settlement. This video captures the first of three council meetings, highlighting the early conversations and vision behind a project that has since grown into several thriving communities.

At the time, Gabrielle Clowdus from Settled shared insights from years of research and experience walking alongside people experiencing long-term homelessness. The message was clear: housing alone isn’t enough. Many neighbors have faced trauma, broken families, and systemic challenges. Settled’s model paired truly affordable tiny homes with supportive, mixed-resource communities—creating a place where residents could heal, connect, and thrive.

Even the youngest voices made an impression. Gabrielle’s eight-year-old daughter, Ophelia, lobbied council members for more housing options, earning praise from one council member as “the most effective advocacy she has ever seen.”

Watching this video now, it’s inspiring to see how these early discussions set the stage for something truly transformative. To follow along with Settled’s current developments and learn more about our latest Sacred Settlement projects, visit our website.

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