Unique partnership to build new housing for veteran families experiencing homelessness
The Housing First Minnesota Foundation and build partner Lennar will break ground on transitional housing for homeless veterans and their families in North St. Paul on Friday. The home is being built in partnership with the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) on a lot conveyed to the Housing First Minnesota Foundation for charitable purposes by the City of North St. Paul. After construction, MACV will own the four-bedroom residence which it will operate as transitional housing for veterans and their families who are experiencing homelessness.
Representatives of the Housing First Minnesota Foundation, Lennar, the City of North St. Paul and MACV will kick off the build project that will provide much-needed housing for Minnesota veteran families. This is the fourth Housing for Heroes project in the metro area.
“It is an amazing accomplishment when the housing industry, nonprofit organizations and local governments can work collaboratively to leverage our collective resources to ensure housing is available for our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness, especially during such unprecedented times,” said Donnie Brown, manager of the Housing First Minnesota Foundation.
Currently, there are 246 veterans on the state’s Homeless Veterans registry, with 175 located in Ramsey and Hennepin counties. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has made eradicating veteran homelessness in Minnesota one of his administration’s priorities.
WHEN: Friday, May 22 at 11 a.m.
LOCATION: 2557 12th Avenue E., North St Paul, MN 55109
WHO: The partnering organizations will make brief remarks during the groundbreaking, including representatives from Housing First Minnesota Foundation, build partner Lennar, MACV and the city of North St. Paul.
WHAT: The Housing First Minnesota Foundation and build partner Lennar will construct a four-bedroom, single-family home that will be owned and operated by MACV. The lot for the home was conveyed to the Housing First Minnesota Foundation for charitable purposes by the City of North St. Paul. The home will provide shelter for veteran families experiencing homelessness. While in the home, residents work with MACV case managers to overcome their housing, employment, and legal barriers. This critical program gives homeless veterans the support and confidence needed to find success once again.
SAFETY: Due to COVID-19, the following precautions will be taken: No more than 10 people will be allowed to assemble on the homesite, and CDC guidelines such as social distancing will be followed.
About the Organizations:
Housing First Minnesota Foundation: The Housing First Minnesota Foundation is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization, composed of members of Housing First Minnesota, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The Housing First Minnesota Foundation taps into the talents and resources of member builders, remodelers and suppliers, in partnership with other local organizations, to provide safe, dignified, affordable housing for homeless veterans and others in need.
Lennar: Lennar has over 30 communities in the Twin Cities. In the past two years, Lennar and the Housing First Minnesota Foundation have built three new homes for MACV that house homeless veterans in the Twin Cities.
Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans: MACV is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has provided critical intervention assistance to homeless veterans and their families since 1990. In 2016, MACV comprehensively served more than 1,729 veterans and their families throughout Minnesota with their mission to provide assistance to positively motivate veterans and their families who are experiencing other life crises.
North St. Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA): The North St. Paul HRA coordinates the City’s efforts to preserve existing neighborhoods and promotes development and redevelopment that enhances North St. Paul. The HRA was happy to provide the lot for the current project and is excited to see the project begin. North St. Paul Veterans Park which was completed in 2015, is adjacent to the vacant lot. The Park features a walk of more than 1,300 engraved pavers, commemorating those who served our country in war and peacetime.