TINY HOMES, BIG HOPE

Imagine a tiny home community providing safe, clean and affordable housing on five acres centrally located to employment opportunities in Branson, Missouri.

This community is an efficient and attractive housing solution with a philosophy of work. Multiple microbusinesses, job training opportunities, and mentorship relationships provide a productive and dignified living environment, as well as relationships with co-workers, friends and neighbors. A real community is more than housing, it’s a place to call home.

 

Imagine no more sub-standard, inadequate motel room living in our area, replaced by a fresh, safe and positive sense of community. Secure housing meets an essential and fundamental need, reduces motel living and homelessness, lifts individuals and elevates our whole community.

 

Be among the first to support this vision of hope for our neighbors who struggle in, or on the edge of poverty.

 

Help us “Elevate Branson” with this proven solution to a growing problem in our area. We can rise to the challenge of adequate and affordable housing and improve the quality of life for our neighbors, the hourly employees, and front-line workforce who support the Branson economy.

Your support is essential to make this vision a reality.

ELEVATE COMMUNITY TIMELINE

This is a large, complex project — which means there will be obstacles, challenges, and roadblocks to overcome. We are now moving forward with site development and public infrastructure. Join us on this exciting journey with the timeline below and regular project updates via Facebook and our monthly newsletter.

The Road To Today

2020

July
Elevate Branson announces Elevate Community tiny home development and brings sample home to the area

September

ARVEST becomes Elevate Community’s first tiny home sponsor.

December

Branson Bank partners with Elevate to secure $1 million through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC) Affordable Housing Competitive Funding Program for the construction of 24 tiny homes.

2021

May

A $1.9 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) is secured for the project’s public infrastructure (water, sewer, roads, etc.)

June – November

Environmental and cultural reviews, including an artifact dig are required by the federal grant, Reviews and dig were completed. Endangered bats required trees to be removed. No Osage artifacts were found.

2022

February – July

The CDBG grant requires all procurements, including engineering for the project, to be implemented with the City of Branson according to its procurement process. Once secured, engineers determined that a gravity fed sewer would need to cross adjacent property, or an expensive lift station would be needed. Neighboring property owners would not grant an easement and instead sold 10 acres to Project Branson.

August – November

Project plans went to the City of Branson Planning and Zoning and their attorneys for review, in order to assure compliance with City code.

2023

March

A $1 million American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) Grant was awarded for the construction of 18 additional tiny homes.

April

An environmental review addendum was required by CDBG, due to the addition of 10 acres to the project.

May – June

Completed engineering plans for the public portion of the development were submitted to and approved by the City of Branson and then sent on to CDBG for approval.

July – August

CDBG requested an environmental addendum requiring approval from the Army Corps of Engineers because of a waterway located on the recently added 10-acre parcel. The Corps granted their approval.

September

Project was approved by CDBG to go out for bid, but later put on hold when the Osage Indian Tribe requested an additional cultural review and artifact dig of the recently added 10-acre parcel.

October

Private infrastructure plans (such as neighborhood streets, water and sewer connections to homes, etc.) are completed.

October – February

Additional cultural review and artifact dig goes out for bid. CDBG approves selected vendor, the review and dig are conducted, and results are received. Osage Indian Tribe has 30-days to review and comment on findings.

2024

March – May

CDBG gives their authorization, and the project goes out for bid. Only one vendor responded with a price that was $1.2 million over the approved budget. A budget amendment request was submitted to CDBG, who asked for some additional items including a rebid of the project.

September – December

The project went out for bid again and received four responses. The lowest bid was $750,000 more than the approved budget from 2020. A budget amendment was submitted and approved by CDBG and the project moved into pre-construction planning. Site work was initiated in December.

2025

January April

Flat Creek Excavation continues site preparation.

May

VIP Update and Community Dedication Celebration

ELEVATE COMMUNITY F.A.Q.

Why create affordable housing with tiny homes?

Tiny homes have proven to be an efficient way to create safe, independent, and sustainable housing for low income individuals and couples, as well as those struggling on the brink of homelessness. Tiny houses have become a benchmark for these kinds of developments nationwide that provide simple, affordable and dignified living spaces in a community of mutual care and support.

What is included in a tiny home?

Our tiny homes are prefabricated, permanent, 400-square-foot homes complete with an open kitchen, dining and living area, small bedroom, one bath and a front porch. The homes come fully furnished with a bed, kitchen table and chairs, upholstered family room furniture, table and lamp as well as kitchen appliances, heating and air conditioning. Tiny homes are Energy Star rated and equipped with fire supression sprinkler systems.

What services will be available on site?

Because of the Community’s adjacent location to the Elevate Branson campus, all the connections and supportive services of the organization are within an easy walk for residents. These include mental health assessments, counseling services and more. On site laundry facilities, small store and chapel are planned. A marketplace and thrift store, art and woodworking shop, and a microbusiness to be determined will provide microbusiness job training and employment opportunities as well.

What is the timeline for this development?

Much of the timing is based on available funding, both from sponsors and from local, state and federal grant monies. Tiny homes will be placed on site in phases determined by available resources and community need. For regular progress updates subscribe to the Elevate Branson monthly newsletter at ElevateBranson.org.

Who will be able to live in the Elevate Community?

An application process allows low income residents who have been located in Taney County for at least 12 months to relocate to Elevate Community. Residents must be 18 years or older and provide identification and income documentation. A careful screening process will access applicant suitability and willingness to adhere to the rules and obligations of neighborhood living.

What rules will be in place for residents?

As in many communities, certain rules of conduct are in place to assure a safe and healthy living environment for all. Some regulations will include that yards be kept tidy and occupancy limits obeyed. Any overnight guests must be registered with the office. Illegal drug possession and use is strictly prohibited. Alcohol can only be consumed inside a home and unruly behavior, public drunkenness or other criminal behavior will be reported to the police.

How much will it cost to live there?

Residents will rent a fully furnished home for $495 per month, which includes utilities and trash removal. A small deposit will be required along with the first month’s rent in advance of occupancy.

How many people can live in a tiny home?

The homes are ideal for one person but can accommodate a couple as well. For adult couples who wish to live together, they must be an established couple who both qualify separately to live in Elevate Community, in order to occupy a single tiny home together.

Are residents allowed to have pets?

Yes. With management approval, residents may have one small pet. There is an additional pet charge and leashes are required when outside of the tiny home.

How long can someone live at Elevate Community?

Residents can live here as long as they follow the rules and meet annual income qualification guidelines. All applicants for residency execute a month to month lease contract for their tiny home. Annual income verification will be required.

How will you assure the safety of residents and neighbors?

The resident application process is conducted by professionals using an established, state-wide system with extensive databases to assure reliability. Valid social security cards and/or similar government-issued identification or fingerprint documentation will be utilized for extensive background checks.

What kind of background checks will be conducted?

Applicants will undergo a complete background check which includes credit, eviction and criminal history. No one who has committed a crime against a person (murder/manslaughter, kidnapping, child molestation, rape, crimes of a sexual nature or arson), has any requirement for sex offender registration, or has a pattern of behavior which may interfere with the health, safety or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by others will be allowed to live at Elevate Community.

Will anyone from outside our area be permitted to live at Elevate Community?

All applicants must have been a verifiable Taney County resident for at least one year.

TINY HOME SPONSORSHIP SUMMARY

Tiny Home Sponsorships Include:

Your sponsorship of a tiny home is the foundation of this community and the vision of clean, safe, stable and affordable housing for Branson where no one needs to live in a motel room ever again.

  • Your company name or logo on the front porch railing of the house.
  • Your company name or logo listed on the website.
  • A name you select for the home on a plaque near the front door

Tiny Home Sponsor Involvement:

When you, your family, business, or organization sponsors a home, you can choose to become involved in the:

  • Selection of exterior and roof colors for your sponsored home.
  • Selection of  the interior, floor, and cabinet colors for your sponsored home.
  • Enhancement of the home’s yard and landscaping.
  • Opportunity to befriend and support the home’s occupant(s).

Tiny Home Sponsorship – $45,000

Tiny Home Add-On Sponsors:

Solar Energy Sponsorship – $15,000

Tiny homes can be powered by a sponsor (and the sun) with a solar energy package. This sponsorship includes the roof panels, storage and delivery system to support the needs of one home and its resident(s) living on solar.

Furniture Package Sponsorship – $6,500

Each home comes complete with living room chairs or sofa, table and lamp, a kitchen dining table with chairs, bed, window coverings and wall decor.

Landscape Sponsorship – $7,000

A little green space around each home gives the whole street a fresh and peaceful feeling. Each tiny home yard will have grass, mulch, and an easy-care tree or shrub to compliment the neighborhood.

Home Essentials Sponsorship – $2,500

Basic supplies to outfit the kitchen, bed linens, bath towels, shower curtain and other essential items make each tiny home a fully functioning living space.

READY TO BECOME A SPONSOR?

For more information, or to become a sponsor, contact Bryan Stallings at 417.294.1300 or [email protected]

Did you know you can sponsor a home with your business, church, or in memory of a family member? You can join together with your friends or relatives and sponsor a home as well. Make someone’s dream of living in a tiny house a reality and join with these sponsors and name your home too.

Stars and Stripes

Friends of Veterans

The Dot House

James Leon Combs In Memory of Dot Combs

Rio De Esperanza

In Memory of Jesus Mena

George's Place

The Krudwig Family In Memory of George Krudwig

Committed To Community

Arvest Bank

Tiny Home

The O’Reilly and Wooten Families

Hugo's House

Peter and Jan Herschend

Idahome

The Woodward Family

Grandpa Dave’s Home

The Dave Woolery Family

Phillips House

The Gary and Diana Phillips Family

Captain's Cabin

Family of Ron Herschend

Live Well

The Bank of Missouri

Tiny Home

In Memory of Donald and Gay Combs

Refuge

Kanakuk Ministries – Woodland Hills Family Church Kids Across America

Sweet Retreat

Your Neighbor

Grandma Suzie's Bungalow

Suzanne and Dennis Newkirk

Little House On The Paddio

Veterans United Foundation

Creating Memories Worth Repeating

The Herschend Family

Adventurers Clubhouse

Zeke’s Adventurers Club

Butterfly Bungalow

The Butterfly Palace

Charlie's Place

The Earls Family In Memory of Charles C. Earls

No Perfect People Allowed

Gateway Church Austin, Texas

Pop's House

Christopher Barnes • Heather Blackwell • Jo Brooks • Cathy Brown • Annette Burbridge • John Carter • Bonnie Clare • Trevor Clemons • Timothy Crawley • Tamika Doyle • Branson United Methodist • Church Friendship Class • Mk Kelly & G Beverly • Shirley Gates • Shelley & Warren Hall • Melissa Hannah • David Howell • John Ivaska • Courtney Jane • Matt Johnston • Sue Kowalczyk • Holly & Bryan McDaniel • Janet Miller • Brandan Murray • Carol Norris • Samantha Olson • The Grove Church • Brian Pendergrass • Sally Richardson • Laurie Roberts • Brian Schroeder • Nikki Sivils • Tom & Carol Stallings • Bryan & Amy Stallings • Michael Stanfill • Shari Straight • Kellie Stratman • Lauren Thomas • Susan Weimar • The Leah L McCalmon Trust