On Oct. 9, 2025, the Housing First Minnesota Foundation reached an important milestone as it gathered with industry partners to celebrate and launch a vital project serving youth in crisis in the southwest metro suburbs. At the center of this initiative is Hope House, a youth crisis shelter, being built in collaboration with Build Partner John Kraemer & Sons, Inc. and Open Hands Foundation.

A partnership with purpose

From the earliest planning conversations to the groundbreaking celebration, John Kraemer & Sons, Inc. stepped forward to invest its time, expertise, and passion, going above and beyond in its role as a build partner. “As part of the southwest metro business community, I feel this will be a very impactful and positive project that will provide housing and resources for teens in crisis,” said Jeff Kraemer, president of operations at John Kraemer & Sons, Inc.

This collaboration among a major Twin Cities builder, the Housing First Minnesota Foundation, and a service organization in need of housing solutions reflects a growing trend in the housing industry: leveraging builder expertise and philanthropic partnerships to deliver supportive housing where it’s needed most.

What is Hope House?

Hope House is a new two-story, trauma-informed shelter in the southwest metro designed to provide a safe, welcoming environment for up to six teens at a time. In addition to comfortable living spaces, the home will feature thoughtfully designed areas—both indoors and outdoors—that promote healing, reflection, and a sense of community. “Our new Hope House represents so much more than a building—it’s a promise to teens in crisis that they are not alone,” said Rod Provart, executive director of the Open Hands Foundation.

This project offers more than just shelter—it represents hope, providing young people with the tools and support they need to break the cycle of homelessness and build a brighter future.

Key components of the project include:

• High-quality, safe housing designed specifically for young people.
• On-site integration of supportive services, including education, mental health, and workforce development.
• A nurturing environment grounded in dignity and stability, serving as a lifeline rather than just a temporary housing option.

What this means for builders and transitional housing

For builders like John Kraemer & Sons, Inc., Hope House exemplifies a new way of looking at homebuilding—moving beyond traditional home construction to become mission-driven partners in supportive housing initiatives.

Across the housing sector, there’s growing opportunity for builders and trade professionals to use their skills to serve those in need while creating meaningful community impact. Projects like Hope House demonstrate how cross-sector collaboration—pairing dedicated builders and trades with nonprofits in need of housing—can produce a partnership that truly responds to community needs.

What’s next

The first phase of construction at Hope House is underway, with completion anticipated in the summer of 2026. For the housing industry, the Hope House initiative stands as a powerful example of how builders and service organizations can work together to deliver transformative housing solutions and take one step closer to ending homelessness in Minnesota.