Latest news with #HousingFirstMinnesotaFoundation
CBS News
21-04-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Veterans housing initiative breaks ground on 15th Minnesota home
A new housing project in St. Paul is helping the ongoing effort to end veteran homelessness. The groundbreaking for the 15th home in the Housing for Heroes initiative took place Monday. The effort is a partnership between the Housing First Minnesota Foundation, homebuilder Lennar and the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV). The St. Paul site will feature a three-bedroom main home and an accessible dwelling unit (ADU) in the backyard. "So we're standing at the site of our 15th home for heroes in partnership with Lennar and Housing First Minnesota," Sarah Regal, chief housing officer for MACV, said. MACV says the homes provide both transitional and permanent housing for veterans who face significant barriers, including criminal records or long histories of homelessness, that can keep them out of traditional rental markets. "A lot of the veterans that we serve maybe have a long-term history of homelessness, might have some justice involvement, that might make a traditional landlord say, 'I'm sorry we can't accept your application,'" Regal said. "So we really serve the vets that often have no other places to go." The program prioritizes flexibility — serving individuals, families and senior veterans, many of whom need accessible living arrangements. About half of MACV's clients are 55 or older. "We get to house single adults, we get to house families, people who are in transition or people who are ready for something more permanent," Regal said. Lennar Vice President of Operations Scott Rothrum said the new home will be a slab-on-grade build with three bedrooms, while the ADU will be designed with accessibility in mind. "It'll have three bedrooms, and then on the back side, we'll also have an ADU. More one-level living in the event that somebody is more confined to being in a wheelchair or walker," Rothrum said. Rothrum has helped oversee the construction of 13 homes with the initiative. "Each new home we construct brings a sense of excitement, knowing that a deserving veteran will soon have a place to call home," he said. Acquiring land for these homes is often a challenge. The St. Paul lot was previously owned by the city and transferred to Dayton's Bluff Home Ownership before being donated for this project. "We worked with them for quite a long period of time to make sure that they were really excited and comfortable with being a partnership with us," Regal said. Once construction is complete, MACV staff will go door-to-door to introduce themselves to neighbors. "A lot of folks will see our flag go up and say, 'We're excited to have you here,'" Regal said. During Monday's ceremony, Regal said that while progress has been made, the work is far from finished. "There's a very, very real veteran and a very, very real family that is afraid right now, who doesn't have the home they need," she said. "We need to continue to serve those that have served us, and make sure that every veteran in the state of Minnesota really does have a long-term, stable housing opportunity."
Axios
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Twin Cities weekend events: Parade of Homes, International Women's Day, Mario party
Stop that Zillow-scrolling — there's a more satisfying way to get some serious house envy this weekend. Driving the news: Over 360 homes are opening their doors starting Friday for the Spring Parade of Homes, a biannual "open house" of new builds across the metro for potential homebuyers (or those looking for inspiration). While almost all the homes are free to tour, those looking for Zillow Gone Wild IRL can pay $5 to check out one of five " Dream Homes" — like this $4.8 million contemporary rambler in Wayzata. Admission benefits the Housing First Minnesota Foundation. Details: Most doors are open Fridays-Sundays from March 7 through April 6. No registration is required; just map your route on the Parade of Homes website and show up. In other entertainment news ... 🌸 Get inspired as spring approaches at the Minneapolis Home and Garden Show, featuring hundreds of exhibitors, Minnesota landscapers and talks by HGTV stars today through Sunday. There's a plant sale for one hour before close on Sunday with flowers, trees and more. $13+ for ages 13 and up; $5 ages 6–12; kids 5 and under free 🍀 Start the St. Patrick's Day spirit early at Kickin' It Irish, a mix of show-style Irish dance and live music in St. Paul. Performances start Friday and run through March 17. $30 🛍️ International Women's Day is this Saturday, and Modist Brewing in North Loop is hosting a packed maker's market exclusively featuring local women-owned and -run businesses selling apparel, home goods, food and more. Free entry 📚 Bookworms and vinylheads unite this Saturday at the appropriately named Vinyl and Book Market at BlackStack Brewing in St. Paul, featuring 10 local sellers and bookstores from around the metro. Free entry 🕹️ March 10 is Mario Day (MAR10? Get it?), but Can Can Wonderland is celebrating early on Sunday afternoon. Activities include local "video game musicians," Mario trivia and open-play Nintendo games. Included with $16 admission
