Building a brighter Minnesota for all in 2026
As 2026 begins, the Housing First Minnesota Foundation is preparing for another impactful year addressing homelessness through its Community Build Projects. With two projects underway and strong relationships growing among service providers, build partners, and trade partners, the Foundation is set to make a meaningful impact across Minnesota—reaching new communities and serving multiple populations.
“As we enter 2026, we are inspired by the progress we’ve made and the hope that lies ahead,” said Sofia Humphries, senior director of community impact for the Housing First Minnesota Foundation. “Homelessness continues to challenge communities across Minnesota, but our collective response remains strong. Together, we are meeting this need with collaboration and a commitment to ensuring everyone has a safe place to call home.”
The Foundation currently has two projects that will be completed and begin serving those in need in 2026. Avivo Village – St. Cloud is a newly designed, 48-bed shelter that will feature eight pods of six rooms, providing housing for up to 48 residents at a time and annually serving approximately 120 individuals experiencing homelessness in the St. Cloud area. Construction on the warehouse that will house the living pods is already underway, thanks to Build Partner BCI Construction.
Meanwhile, the foundation recently broke ground on Hope House, a two-story shelter for youth in crisis in the southwest metro suburbs. Built in partnership with Build Partner John Kraemer & Sons, Inc. and Open Hands Foundation/Hope House, the project will provide housing and wraparound services, including education support, mental health resources, and workforce development training for teens.
Together, the Avivo Village and Hope House projects will add 54 new beds for individuals in need. These projects mark an exciting milestone for the Foundation, expanding its reach beyond the Twin Cities metro and into greater Minnesota while serving new and critical populations experiencing homelessness.
As the Foundation continues planning for 2026, it aims to extend its impact even further by serving single mothers and children, survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence, families experiencing homelessness, and female veterans. By supporting these groups, future projects will strengthen families, restore dignity, and transform lives—bringing Minnesota closer to a future where everyone has a safe place to call home.