ROSEVILLE, MINN. — Visitors to the Artisan Home Tour will help support the BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation, the charitable arm of BATC-Housing First Minnesota. A portion of proceeds from each Artisan ticket sold will be donated to the Foundation to help continue their good work.
For more than 20 years, the Foundation has tapped the talents and resources of BATC-Housing First Minnesota member builders, remodelers and suppliers to help families who otherwise might not have the opportunity to have a safe and affordable home. The Foundation builds, remodels and repairs homes for Twin Cities families in need, often in partnership with local charities and organizations.
2017-2018 Projects
AVIVO Project
The BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation/HomeAid Twin Cities, together with Crystal Kitchen Centers and The Kingdom Builders, renovated four apartment units for Avivo. These renovations transformed the units in the brownstone building through new flooring, appliances, cabinetry and more. The other four units in the apartment complex are planned to be completed in 2018.
This Avivo apartment complex is home to women and their children who participate in Avivo’s family treatment program. Housing is critical for mothers to focus on recovery, go back to school, and find employment. The major renovations to these apartments will provide a better quality of living to help Avivo’s women and children achieve their goals of life-long wellness and success.
“I can’t even say enough about the importance of this remodel,” said Kelly Matter, president and CEO of Avivo. “Women are living with their children here and working really hard at recovery, at career training, and at getting back on their feet. This housing allows them to do that. This housing raises the bar in a way for these women that is essential. It is a difference-maker.”
Renovation for Homeward Bound
The BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation and build partners, Minnesota Rusco and Contract Interiors, celebrated the completion of their latest project for Homeward Bound this January. The project included the renovation of two bathrooms and new flooring in a Brooklyn Park residence that houses 32 individuals with disabilities.
These renovations allow for much easier access and safety measures within the bathrooms. The durable, high-quality carpeting will provide a more welcoming environment for many years to come.
A New Home for Veteran Families
Last summer, the BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation and build partner Lennar worked in collaboration with the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) to build a five-bedroom residence to house veteran families as they transition from homelessness. Owned and operated by MACV, the home is a special place for veteran families as they receive the support and tools they need to get back on their feet.
While in the home, residents will work with MACV case manager who give homeless veterans the support and confidence to once again find success for a brighter future. The hope is that this home will function as a safe haven for veterans and their families during their period of transition.
St. Michael Project
In October 2017, the BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation teamed up with Minnesota Design and Construction to update a kitchen and address safety issues in a group home run by the Saint Michael Foundation, a charitable organization established to provide financial and educational assistance to individuals with developmental delays.
Minnesota Design and Construction alleviated some of the space and safety concerns in the home and provide much-needed space for these four residents by building an addition at the back of the house to enlarge the kitchen and dining areas.
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The BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation, the charitable arm of BATC-Housing First Minnesota, is a nonprofit organization with the mission to work in partnership with others to provide safe, quality, affordable housing for those in need.