The clang of a hammer and the hum of a saw are the sounds of hope for some Minnesota veterans who are looking to build new beginnings. What started as four vacant lots in North Minneapolis will soon be a safe place for veterans experiencing homelessness to take a deep breath, exhale, and learn how to dream again.
Building four consecutive homes with four accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on four empty lots is a first for the Housing First Minnesota Foundation, Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV), and Lennar partnership. Construction on the first two homes started in the fall of 2022. Two more homes will be under construction this winter. All four homes will be completed in 2023.
Over the past five years, this partnership has built seven homes, but the latest four consecutive Housing for Heroes community builds are a massive undertaking. This project will add 20 more beds for unhoused veterans to the 31 that we’ve already constructed, bringing our total to more than 50 beds.
Currently, there are 272 individuals on Minnesota’s homeless veteran registry. This number does not count veterans who might be couch surfing or who might be in other unstable housing arrangements.
Housing impacts everyone. And when it’s not available, the effects on families and individuals are devastating. It’s heartbreaking to think of the obstacles standing in their way. If you want to help us continue to build and renovate homes to end homelessness in Minnesota, please consider donating to the Foundation.
Become a community build partner
We fundraise all year to help our mission to build futures through housing stability and community build projects. We are always looking for partners — builders, remodelers, and trade partners — to help us build and remodel homes for Minnesotans experiencing homelessness.
Learn how you can be a Foundation build partner and make a positive impact in the community at housingfirstmnfoundation.org.
Join us for our annual fundraising gala
You’re invited to a night of industry generosity that will bring together builders, remodelers, suppliers, and Foundation supporters to continue the life-changing work of building and renovating transitional housing for veterans and Minnesotans experiencing homelessness. Get tickets >
