Last Wednesday, November 17, we were honored to take part in the groundbreaking of a new home in North Minneapolis that will provide housing for military veterans transitioning out of homelessness. The home is the latest “Housing for Heroes” project, funded in part by a $25,000 donation from the Minneapolis Area REALTORS® Foundation. This donation was especially impactful, as it allowed for the construction of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) behind the home—meaning that an additional individual or family will be able to transition into a safe, stable place to live. This will be the first “Housing for Heroes” project with an ADU. “Housing for Heroes” is a partnership of the Housing First Minnesota Foundation, Lennar and the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans.

David Siegel, Executive Director of Housing First Minnesota, says this will be the seventh “Housing for Heroes” home completed by the partnership, totaling 20,000 square feet of housing and 30 beds. The MAR Foundation previously helped fund the construction of a “Housing for Heroes” project in Maplewood in 2018.

This project is a great example of the investment MAR members continue making to help neighbors in their communities. “Every donation to the MAR Foundation goes to a housing based non-profit, making a direct impact on the Twin Cities community,” said MAR Foundation Chair Matt Wandzel.

MACV’s Metro Housing Team Leader David Nguyen says transitional housing like the “Housing for Heroes” project makes a huge difference, especially with shelters operating at reduced capacity due to COVID. “With the support of our community we are able to quickly serve and house veterans at a time when they need it most.”

The latest Housing for Heroes project, which is located at 3530 Humboldt Avenue North, will be completed in about four months. We’re proud to be part of the impact this life-changing home will have for our Minneapolis neighbors. Hear from MAR Foundation Chair Matt Wandzel below!