Building Futures Through Housing
The Housing First Minnesota Foundation is a nonprofit organization that builds and remodels transitional housing for Minnesotans in need. We believe every individual has worth and human dignity and deserves the basic provision of shelter as a necessity of life. Every time you visit a Dream Home on the Parade of Homes or Remodelers Showcase, you’re helping to support the Foundation’s work to end homelessness in Minnesota.
Lack of family housing is a barrier to recovery. Over the past three years, the Housing First Minnesota Foundation and its build partners renovated eight Avivo family recovery housing apartments that provide mothers and their families housing while working on recovery. These apartments have been critical to women working on recovery and increasing the wellness of the entire family.
Avivo serves individuals coming out of homelessness, abuse, and extreme poverty who are taking steps to lasting sobriety. Avivo’s transitional recovery housing is key to their lasting wellness and success.
For mothers like Torey*, the pairing of housing with treatment is the only way to focus on recovery.
Torey experienced numerous traumatic events growing up, triggered by her parents’ drinking, moving around, and homelessness. Her own struggles with addiction began as a teen. Without support, life became years of relapses, living on the streets, and involvement with the justice system. She was pregnant when she found Avivo.
“At Avivo you have family housing, [treatment], and childcare,” shared Torey. “Avivo helped me get my kids back. I want to create a life I enjoy living, and for my kids to be able to trust me and know that I am here to stay.” Today, she is sober and living with her children in her own apartment, and planning her next steps.
“Having a safe and healthy place to live while doing the hard work of recovery gives women the support they need to succeed,” said Kelly Matter, Avivo’s president and CEO. “We are so grateful for the Foundation and the build partners’ support. It’s a gift that keeps giving year after year and for decades to come.”
Since the 2018 renovation of Avivo’s family recovery housing building, 33 mothers and their families have found a new place to call home. They found stability and the opportunity for the whole family to recover together, allowing them to take the next best steps for their health and advancement.
“Housing First Minnesota Foundation supporters understand that housing is the key to ending homelessness,” said Donnie Brown, Housing First Minnesota Foundation director. “An investment in people and the community allows individuals and families struggling with financial hardships, substance use, mental health crisis, or other barriers a chance to hit the reset button to begin rebuilding their lives.”
This year, the Housing First Minnesota Foundation joined forces with three build partners, The Kingdom Builders, Plekkenpol Builders, and John Kraemer & Sons, to renovate six additional one-bedroom units for Avivo. Every dollar collected at a Dream Home during the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase helps to fund our work of transforming lives and living spaces.
*NAME CHANGED, FOR PRIVACY
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