Each year, the Parade of Homes inspires thousands and helps Minnesotans find a place to call home. But this beloved event is more than a home tour; it’s an opportunity to support life-changing initiatives through the Housing First Minnesota Foundation. This year, the Foundation’s work is highlighted by a deeply impactful project: the Veteran Village, a first-of-its-kind initiative to create a townhome-style community for veterans experiencing homelessness.
The Housing First Minnesota Foundation has long been dedicated to addressing housing insecurity in our communities. Its most recent effort, the Veteran Village project, exemplifies this mission. Partnering with the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) and build partner Lennar, the Foundation is building a first-ever townhome community specifically for veterans in need. This initiative is fueled by the Foundation’s largest fundraising campaign to date, with the goal of providing safe, stable housing and a path to independence for those who have served our country.
“Veteran Village represents not only a place to live but a foundation for rebuilding lives,” says Jessica Ryan, vice president of development for Housing First Minnesota. “Through this partnership, we’re making a tangible difference for veterans facing homelessness.”
The Veteran Village is the result of a powerful partnership between organizations committed to addressing veteran homelessness. MACV brings decades of expertise in supporting Minnesota’s veterans, while Lennar contributes its industry-leading homebuilding experience. Together, these organizations — with the support of the Foundation — are creating a sustainable solution to one of the state’s most pressing challenges.
“MACV, Housing First Foundation, and Lennar formed a partnership seven years ago with the vision of ending veterans homelessness in the state of Minnesota,” says Bill Burgess, division president of Lennar Minnesota. “After building 15 homes, along with the start of Veteran Village in Eagan, Minnesota is on the cusp of being only the fourth state to be able to declare an end of veteran homelessness.”
This initiative will provide more than just housing. The homes are designed to foster community, offering veterans a sense of belonging and stability. Support services through MACV will also be available, ensuring residents have access to the resources they need to thrive.
The Housing First Minnesota Foundation’s work is made possible by generous contributions from the community — including Parade of Homes attendees. The tour’s 6 Dream Homes play a crucial role in supporting the Foundation. Visitors who explore these Dream Homes are directly contributing to projects like Veteran Village through the admission fee. Each entry not only offers a glimpse into some of the Twin Cities’ most stunning residences but also helps create homes for those in need.
Veteran Village builds on the Foundation’s history of creating lasting change. Recently completed projects include three homes for veterans in North Minneapolis, built in partnership with MACV and Lennar. These homes have already transformed lives, offering stability and security to veterans who previously faced housing uncertainty.
“We are proud that our association, industry, trade partners, and associates have been so focused on making this vision become reality,” says Burgess.
To learn more about the Housing First Minnesota Foundation and support its initiatives, visit HousingFirstMNFoundation.org.
The Federal Reserve announced this week they would make cuts to interest rate levels for the first time since March 2020. It marks a major turning point for homebuyers, particularly, after nearly two years of high mortgage rates and a significant slowdown in housing market activity.
If you're in the market to buy a home or looking to refinance, this rate cut could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.
A house has become so much more this year. It is a sanctuary, a safe place, a salon, a school, a chef's domain, and more. Owning a home builds self-esteem, wealth, and even communities. A house is a place where life happens with all the messy beauty and real love that goes with it. We need to build more houses so more people can benefit, because homeownership is all of it, but it is not attainable for everyone.
