RS EDEN’s model for sustainable design in affordable housing

Today, the development company upholds their mission of assisting underserved communities. Out of 13 apartment buildings, 12 are comprised of 100% unstably housed individuals. RS EDEN is one of the leaders in development for tackling racial and income inequalities that systemically keep BIPOC and low-income populations at a disadvantage. As an added bonus, they ensure their buildings are sustainably designed to decrease negative environmental impacts.

There is an income maximum to qualify for housing in these units to ensure that they are supporting their target population — people with unstable living situations and low-incomes. RS EDEN does not require a credit check for tenants to apply and move in to their units. To increase accessibility, RS EDEN does not turn away people with a moderate criminal history, understanding that sometimes people must make tough decisions that do not align with the law in order to survive.

RS EDEN’s mission does not end there. While they tackle huge socioeconomic injustices, they also work to promote environmental justice. The company recognizes that they must do their part to uphold environmental stewardship and raise the standard for development groups and landlords. They knew that solar panels were a must for this property to decrease their carbon footprint. While solar energy does help increase energy savings and decrease energy burden for low-income people, Lois Mueller mentioned that “The project was not about saving money so much, it was about saving the environment.”  

The team at RS EDEN faced many obstacles to reach their goal of moving tenants in by the end of 2021, including labor shortages as staff managed COVID-19 quarantines and isolation. It was even more important to provide housing for tenants during the extreme winter weather in Minnesota that left many unsheltered people without adequate materials to combat the cold.  

RS EDEN is a housing model that proves development and environmental justice can work together to support individuals who have historically received little to no support. They are leaders in the future of sustainable development, which can both protect the environment and provide a safe and supportive space for all people.