Start with one building. Make every obligation visible.
A proposed pilot should test resident savings, sustainable operations and successful moves into independent housing before expanding.
Proposed framework · Updated November 1, 2026
A pilot worksheet—not an announced program
No site, budget, operator or enrollment process is announced here. The next step is a costed local proposal with confirmed partners. The example payment split is $900 to resident savings and $100 to construction from a $1,000 monthly housing payment. Five years illustrates accumulation; it is not an adopted residency limit.
Before accepting residents
| Workstream | Required decision or evidence |
|---|---|
| Development | Land, unit count, density, construction, infrastructure and funding commitments. |
| Ownership and operation | Building owner, operator, responsibility for common areas and major repairs. |
| Operating budget | Utilities, insurance, taxes where applicable, administration, reserves and vacancy costs. |
| Resident accounts | Custodian, separation of funds, statements, fees or interest, payout and audit rules. |
| Eligibility | Published affordability and income criteria, consistent selection and appropriate local review. |
| Participation agreement | Required payments, time limit, maintenance duties, hardship process and exit rules. |
| Evaluation | Baseline, review dates, savings returned, sustained housing outcomes and operating performance. |
Keep funds distinct
- Initial community capital pays for the residences.
- The resident portion accumulates for that household and is not available to operate the building.
- The construction contribution supports additional capacity and is not refundable under the illustration.
- Operating and major-repair funding must be identified independently.
Measure before expanding
Track occupancy, missed payments, resident savings, operating costs, repair needs, departures and housing stability after departure. Report contributions actually collected rather than assuming full occupancy and payment. Expansion should follow demonstrated operations and a costed development plan.
Read the full housing model · Contribute pilot expertise
Decisions for a first building
- Select a site and prepare a priced development plan with unit mix, accessibility and infrastructure.
- Choose an operator and independent resident-fund custodian; publish the annual operating and repair budget.
- Set affordability, payment split, eligibility, maximum stay and hardship rules through local review.
- Execute funding and occupancy agreements before enrollment.
- Publish monthly fund reconciliation and periodically measure sustained housing after departure.
Expansion should pause if resident money cannot be reconciled, operating funding fails or households leave without a sustainable next housing option.