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Regular City Council Meeting <br />NIonday, November 16, 2015 <br />Page 16 <br />in labor and materials for the homes, but also in job training, in-kind contribu- <br />tions, and other areas of support. <br />Mr. Huffinan noted additional infonnation was available at <br />ww�v.housin�outheroesmn.com and cited several print stories as well as Televi- <br />sion Channel KSTP featuring their organization. <br />Mr. Huffinan advised that he would like to return with a proposal far a similar <br />project in Roseville once a financial overview was finalized. Based on other <br />builds to-date, Mr. Huffinan estimated a proposal for six stand-alone homes or six <br />duplexes or units at a total cost estimated at $1.4 million, and potential financial <br />gap of $757,000 at this tiine. Given anticipated in-kind contributions from indus- <br />tries and available grants, Mr. Huffman opined it could be close to build status <br />based on donations received to-date. Mr. Huffinan noted the benefits to the City <br />from the proposed homes, each with an expected value of $250,000. <br />Mr. Huffman reiterated that he intended tonight's presentation as an introduction <br />for the City Council, and anticipated returning with firtner nuinbers. <br />Mayor Roe expressed enthusiasm for the project asking, "How soon can you do <br />it?" <br />Councilmember Willmus expressed appreciation for Mr. Huffinan coming for- <br />ward; and further expressed his support for the nexus being made between the <br />trades and youth involved in those trade schools, resulting in a lot of people being <br />served. Councilmember Willinus noted that one scenario coming through was a <br />true win-win those being helped along the way and the coininunity in which the <br />homes and veterans were located. <br />Councilmember McGehee also expressed her appreciation of this presentation; <br />and suggested another group to link with would be "WoinenVenture," an organi- <br />zation involved in retraining women in construction trades. <br />At the request of Councilmember McGehee, Mr. Huffinan confinned that this <br />project involved several days of bringing veterans to work on a home to feel they <br />were contributing to the build, similar to that done by Habitat for Humanity. Spe- <br />cific to jobs being inade available as part of this program, Mr. Huffman reported <br />that the instructor from St. Paul College was continually seeking help, indicating a <br />strong einploytnent market for youth and veterans in joining the construction <br />field, allowing thein to get a leg-up in their community. Further, Mr. Huffinan <br />reported that their non-profit organization had a Family Support Coordinator on <br />staff to connect soldiers to jobs, job training and other resources as applicable. <br />Mayor Roe suggested another component for educational partners in this pro- <br />grain, in addition to their students getting on-the-job training, part of their contri- <br />