Apply for a Home!
Qualifying Criteria
The Field's Edge prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or age. In reviewing the application, the following areas will be taken into consideration for each prospective resident. They include, but are not limited to the following:
Must be over the age of 18 – show proof of age (valid DL, state ID, military ID, etc.).
Source of Income – as a resident of The Field's Edge you must pay your rent in full and on time (failure to do so will result in fines and/or potential eviction). All applicants must have a verifiable, stable source of income. Applicants will show proof of income, which could be from employment, disability income, retirement income, etc. There may be opportunities available to work on site at the village as an independent contractor.
Proof of Homelessness -- To ensure The Field's Edge is addressing the problem of chronic homelessness in Midland, applicants must be chronically homeless and must be able to show verifiable proof of homeless dwelling for at least one year within the Midland County.
A minimum of three (3) personal references who are not family members are required. Applicant(s) must provide contact information with their application.
All applicants must execute a Lease Contract for a The Field's Edge home and the lease term may vary depending on program participation. Rent is due on all units in advance.
Public Data Search/Criminal Background Check/Fingerprinting/Credit Check -- Every applicant will be required to be fingerprinted and submit to a public data search and a criminal background check processed by the FBI or other.
You will keep your property clean and allow TFE staff to do regular inspections of your home.
All applicants must follow the TFE pet rules and other community rules.
All applicants must complete a mental health screening at Centers for Family and Children.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply to live in a The Field's Edge Home?
You must be chronically homeless, meaning that you've been homeless for at least a year, or at least a total of 12 months over the past three years. You must be currently homeless and you must have lived in a place not meant for human habitation (park, woods, etc.) or an emergency shelter. This does not include situations such as living with family or friends (couch surfing).
You must have an income to pay rent. There are no minimums or maximums, you just must be able to comfortably pay your rent.
You must have lived in Midland County for the past year.
We do not allow roommates and cannot accommodate families. Couples who both qualify separately are allowed but each home can only hold one occupant.
IF YOU DO NOT MEET THESE QUALIFICATIONS PLEASE DO NOT PROCEED WITH THE APPLICATION
2. How can I apply?
All potential residents will agree to a criminal background check. To ensure that The Field's Edge is addressing the problem of chronic homelessness in Midland, we will require potential residents to show proof of homelessness for at least one year within Midland County.
If a program has an opening for which you qualify, they will attempt to contact you directly. Be absolutely sure you have some way for us to reach you.
3. What if I have a criminal record, will that eliminate me from the program?
No! However, at this time we are not able to place those who are registered sex offenders. Additionally, those who have a violent criminal record such as murder, attempted murder, accessory to murder etc. will be screened to ascertain compatibility with the community. We work closely with those that have a criminal record but make no guarantees of placement.
4. What housing options are available and how much do they cost? Tiny Homes: $300/month most bills included
Each home will be heated and air conditioned and will include a sink, refrigerator, fresh linens and new bed, living and sitting area and ample storage space. The homes DO NOT have a restroom, shower, or full kitchen. Restrooms, a commercial kitchen, showers, and laundry are available to all neighbors in the community Bath House located in your pod. Guest WIFI is available in several common areas on property, but WIFI is NOT guaranteed in your home.
5. Can I have a pet in a The Field's Edge home?
The Field's Edge residents may have one pet limited to dogs, cats, mammals, birds, fish, non-venemous reptiles, and insects. Pets may not exceed 80 lbs except for medical reasons with a doctor's note provided. Pet deposits are based on weight and must be paid in advance. Pets must be neutered/spayed, must have up to date vaccines, and must be kept on a leash outside your home. You are responsible for cleaning up their droppings. TFE staff must receive proper shot records and deposits BEFORE pets are brought onto the property. Fines will be imposed for infractions of the pet policy. Residents must acknowledge that they have received and understand The Field's Edge Pet Rules found in a separate addendum to your lease agreement. Residents will be responsible for complying with all of the pet rules and regulations from TFE, the RV community in which they reside and the City of Midland.
6. Will I be able to live independently?
The purpose of The Field's Edge is for you to live independently. We do provide case management and can also refer you to other services we are aware of in the city. We want to encourage you to pursue other avenues of support such as food stamps, food pantries, soup kitchens, etc. in order to make it easier on you to live on a very limited income.
Statement of Independence
The Field's Edge is an innovative program and is designed to provide independent, affordable, sustainable housing with dignity to those who are experiencing chronic homelessness. Chronic homelessness is defined as being continuously homeless for one year or more or being homeless at least four times totaling 12 months over the past three years or living in a place not meant for human habitation.
It is the expectation that all applicants will be able to live independently as single occupants in tiny homes in a community environment. The occupant(s) will be expected to maintain a clean and orderly home, maintain healthy hygiene, bathe regularly, and clean up common areas after use without assistance including the kitchen, shower, laundry, and bathrooms. ?TFE staff will make randomly scheduled and periodic inspections to insure the home is kept in an orderly fashion.
Our tiny homes DO NOT have restrooms or kitchens. The Bath House (bath/kitchen/laundry facility) in each pod of homes may be up to 150 feet from the occupant's front door. The occupant must be able to use the Bath House facilities without assistance.
The Field's Edge does not provide counseling or medical care, though these services may be made available on site in the future through partner agencies. The Field's Edge also does not provide food, clothing, or other personal items. All services that an applicant may need will have to be obtained from outside sources at the applicant's own initiative and expense.
We are aware that transportation may be a challenge for some, and we will do our best to assist in coordinating transportation for what we deem to be vital services. We hope to have a bus stop in the coming years, but for now we will be dependent on our volunteers, our missional community, and staff to provide rides so transportation will be limited.
The Field's Edge and applicant(s) acknowledge that it is very difficult to live on a limited income. It will be important for the applicant(s) to understand what other services are available in the city that would help offset the cost of everyday living.
You must agree to this statement before filling out the application. You understand that any inaccuracy or incomplete information provided could cause your application to be rejected.