Exterior perspective of an apartment building under construction

VOA is Meeting the Challenge of Minnesota’s Affordable Housing Crisis

January 23, 2024

For VOA, housing is more than just a roof over one’s head. It is the base from which an individual or a family can build a better life.

Recently, VOA MN/WI President and CEO Julie Manworren sat down with Senior Director of Housing Operations and Services Michele Myers to talk about VOA’s growing base in housing and housing services across Minnesota.

Volunteers of America Minnesota is helping people from many walks of life who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. In addition to over 250 people in our residential reentry centers and over 3,500 people in Minneapolis Public Housing Authority buildings, we currently support people in over 811 houses and apartments, while working with partners to add over 300 new affordable units which are set to open over the next several years.

While there are numerous organizations working to advance affordable housing, and many nonprofit behavioral health providers and human service nonprofits, there are few that do all three, and even fewer still that intentionally align and integrate their services. VOA is excited about the possibilities that open up when it can leverage both its own strengths and those of its partners in communities across the state.

That’s why Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho took time recently to tour Nolte River Place Apartments and laud VOA’s efforts.

"With the aging of America - the aging of Minnesota, it's certainly easy to see why we need units like these and we're so grateful to have Volunteers of America dedicated to this kind of work," she said.

two women in hard hats outside of a construction area

For more housing information:

Take a look at Julie’s and Michele’s conversation to learn more about how VOA is helping address the state’s affordable and supportive housing challenges.

rendered image of the exterior of an apartment building

The first residents of Nolte River Place Apartments, the newest expansion to Volunteers of America National Services' (VOANS) Homestead at Anoka, arrived in early January. When it is fully leased, Nolte will offer 80 affordable apartments for older adults, including units for homeless senior veterans. VOA MN/WI is proud to serve as the property manager, ensuring that residents are connected with the human services they may need.

Other housing projects VOA is involved in are planned for Rochester, Hopkins, Shakopee and Richfield.

interior of an apartment unit showing living space and kitchen

Each unit at Nolte River Place Apartments features a dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave oven, range, and individually controlled heating and cooling systems.

community room in an apartment building with many tables and chairs

Site amenities at Nolte River Place Apartments include a community room (pictured), exercise room, conference room, underground and surface lot parking, hair salon, laundry room on every floor and a library/resident room.

interior view of an apartment building lobby with orange chairs and couch

The lobby at Nolte River Place is a bright and welcoming space with a fireplace and seating area.

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Another housing project VOA is involved in is Aster Commons, which will include 30+ deeply affordable apartments for neurodivergent young adults. Care coordination and services will be provided to residents through VOA MN/WI's Vona Center for Mental Health.

Photo credit: Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative

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Thanks to a partnership between VOA MN/WI and Beacon Interfaith Housing, Aster Commons will braid together mental health services and housing to help young adults, 18 to 24, to build hope, resilience, and well-being.

Photo credit: Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative

rendered image of an apartment front desk and lobby

Another partner in the development of Aster Commons is Fraser, who will be providing consultation on the development of the building to ensure the building is inclusive to meet the various needs of residents.