The Housing First Minnesota Foundation strives to bring housing to Minnesotans struggling with homelessness—and we could not do this without our build partners. A build partner is a member of Housing First Minnesota who donates their time and resources to our build projects. Since we are a non-profit, we need their resources to continue to do the work that we do.
Our build partners are the cornerstones of our work, the ones who make everything possible with their skills, talent, and generosity. Their knowledge, expertise, and passion for those in need create powerful results.
What does it mean to be a build partner?
When you become a build partner, you are investing in the community by building and renovating housing for the people experiencing homelessness while saving nonprofits thousands of dollars in construction costs.
“It isn’t like other charitable efforts where you write a check and that’s it,” says Jim Soderberg of Soderberg Apartment Specialists. “This is actually a hands-on project where you get to see the direct results.”
Becoming a build partner offers you life-changing community service, employee engagement, and volunteer experience. Your whole team will grow together as an organization as you offer hope for families in need. In return, you’ll receive satisfaction and fulfillment from helping people secure a place to live, as well as recognition and acknowledgement both during the project and after it is completed.
What are the expectations?
We have many different expectations for our build partners, including:
- Providing project plans and estimating the construction timeline of the project
- Managing permit applications and inspections
- Helping develop and fine-tune the scope of work for the project
- Creating, implementing, and managing the construction budget
- Identifying and recruiting subcontractors and suppliers to assist in construction to provide a discount in product or services as an in-kind donation
- Providing regular communication to the Housing First Minnesota Foundation staff
- Providing a project manager/superintendent to oversee the construction process
- Helping maintain records on trades to include contact information and the dollar value of in-kind donations
Providing these services for the Foundation team helps us increase our reach and bring housing to as many people as possible.
What is the process?
The whole construction process for our team is completed in several different steps.
Partner
First, we partner with a nonprofit service provider based on their request of a new construction or renovation project for transitional housing.
Recruit
This is where you come in! A build partner is now recruited from the Housing First Minnesota membership.
Donate
We must now find the resources we need. Donations of labor and material are secured from trade partners and industry associates.
Construction
Let’s get the project started! A groundbreaking event kicks off the construction project.
Recognition
Since we couldn’t do anything without our partners, we make sure to recognize them. After completion, the construction project is dedicated to the service provider at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Building Futures Through Housing
Residents move into a new or updated transitional housing residence where they receive care and supportive services.
How can I help?
Are you interested in becoming a build partner and making a lifelong difference in the world? Visit our website for more details or email Foundation@HousingFirstMN.org to get started today.
