There’s something sacred about the concept of home. It’s where we find comfort, restore our spirits and build the next chapter of our lives. For many, it’s a place to reflect our personal style and story. But for some, home is still a hope, not yet a reality.
Photography provided by Housing First Minnesota Foundation
Currently, more than 170 veterans are experiencing homelessness across Minnesota. In response to this urgent need, the Housing First Minnesota Foundation, alongside presenting build partner Lennar, the Lennar Foundation, premier build partner Pulte Homes of Minnesota, LLC, Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans and foundation supporters, is bringing a bold vision to life: Veteran Village. Breaking ground this spring, this first-of-its-kind multi-unit community will offer housing for up to 36 Minnesota veterans and their families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Veteran Village is more than a collection of buildings, it’s the vision for a life-changing community. Born from the foundation’s ongoing Housing for Heroes initiative, this project represents the natural evolution of a partnership rooted in compassion and action. Since 2017, this collaborative effort has created more than 39,500 square feet of supportive housing where Minnesota veterans can heal, rebuild and, ultimately, thrive. But with so many veterans still experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the state, the need is urgent. That’s what makes Veteran Village so essential.
“This isn’t just about housing, it’s about restoring a sense of belonging and respect for those who’ve given so much for our country,” says Jessica Ryan, executive director of Housing First Minnesota Foundation. “Veteran Village will offer a space where veterans and their families can rebuild with stability, dignity and community.”
Last year, the foundation launched its most ambitious fundraising campaign to date, raising nearly $1.5 million thanks to a $500,000 matching grant from the Lennar Foundation and the generous support of Minnesota’s housing industry. And the work isn’t over. With a new phase underway, Housing First Minnesota Foundation’s fundraising for this incredible project will continue through the fall, aiming to raise an additional $1 million to see the vision fully realized.
The impact? Life-changing. Once this project is completed, the Foundation anticipates that Minnesota will be ready to declare the effective end of veteran homelessness statewide. While it doesn’t mean that no veteran will ever face homelessness, it signifies that there will be a process and resources in place to ensure housing for any veteran in need. As Veteran Village comes to life, it’s a call to all Minnesotans to invest in something enduring: a future where every veteran has access to stable housing.
Project Partners
Learn more or support this transformative project from Housing First Minnesota Foundation.
