By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

COEUR d'ALENE — When Gar Mickelson went to propose a village of tiny homes to serve as a transitional housing option for the homeless population, he first needed to take a step back.

That's because transitional housing doesn't exist in the codes of Kootenai County and area cities.

Therefore, the executive director of the Kaleidoscope Community Services, a nonprofit that assists the homeless population in downtown Coeur d'Alene, is going through the county's planning process to have transitional housing added so he can apply for a conditional-use permit for the project.

"If we can at least apply for a conditional-use permit, we can vet the model," said Mickelson, referring to the faith-based concept. "We can use that process to hone what the final outcome will be.

"If it's not this, what is it going to be? Are we OK with single moms sleeping in their cars? We chase other projects such as sports arenas, but are we OK with our most vulnerable population having a legal place to be so they're not forced to sleep on the street? We can do better."

The Kootenai County Planning Commission recently approved a code narrative for transitional housing with conditions, including the CUP process, specifying that it can only be in commercial and high-density residential zones.

The code change proposal will be considered by county commissioners after a public hearing on Jan. 11 at 6 p.m.

"We still have a long way to go before the project is a reality, but if we can get the code changed we'll have a shot to be open in the fall of next year," Mickelson said.

Homeless counts in North Idaho have hovered between 300 and 500 in recent years, but the numbers aren't an exact science because some estimates don't include minors. Further, there are different definitions of homeless, Mickelson said.

"It's hard to quantify," he said.

Mickelson said the nonprofit has secured three 5-acre site options for a "Pathfinder" tiny home village that would be leased for $1 a year. However, he declined to disclose those sites in the county or approximate locations.

"Developers don't want the sites to be pinpointed," he said, referring to why he doesn't want to disclose the location yet. "They don't want to make the neighbors mad. We've got to prime all the pumps to make sure it's a viable choice. We don't want to force this down anybody's throat. We're not out for money and not using federal funds."

Mickelson said he also doesn't want to reveal the locations until he has met with the Panhandle Health District.

He said the village concept, patterned after a similar effort in Seattle, is a two-year pilot project.

"The model cabins will be built on skids, so if it's not working, the cabins will be lifted onto a forklift and go away," he said, adding that the pilot project and yearly reports could be a part of the CUP. "If it's not working, we'd be the first ones to take it away. We're just trying to have a working solution."

Mickelson said the project would have 10 insulated cabins with electricity to start; security and medical cabins; a gated entry; a community center for dining, showers and portable restrooms; a kennel area for dogs; and a community garden.

"The focus would be serving the working poor, not the chronically homeless who don't want to change," he said, adding that there would be an application process involving referrals from other nonprofits and school districts.

Mickelson said ordinarily, such a village would be best in city limits near services, but he also sees advantages of being in the county near a city.

"You're going to have less scrutiny than being near a neighborhood," he said, adding that his nonprofit plans to buy a van to assist with transportation if it's needed. "We're not going to be too far out of a town."

Mickelson said his nonprofit has secured $50,000 from an anonymous source to jumpstart the project, plus he has also received financial commitments from area churches and businesses.

"This will be a collaborative model that brings agencies, health organizations and churches together with a common mission," he said, adding that service agencies would come to the village to help the residents get on their feet.

Not all nonprofits are on board with the concept, however, including St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho, which also provides services to the homeless.

"Nationally, transitional housing is going away," said Jeff Conroy, St. Vincent executive director. "Our transitional program has been cut down, so we're trying to get people into permanent housing so they can have independence. I'd rather deal with a cure than deal with a Band-Aid."

But Mickelson said not all homeless people are ready for the permanent step and need to be stabilized first. He said he has received a lot of support from agencies and churches in the community for the transitional housing option.

Ryan Peppers, who used to be homeless and now volunteers for Kaleidoscope, said he wishes there had been a transitional housing option when he was struggling.

"It's heartbreaking to see people living in their cars," he said. "It would be nice to have people in one place so they can receive resources. You'd have a support system and it would provide a sense of community. At least you'd feel valued and like you're part of the community."