Avivo to help 24 unhoused adults find housing in new Minneapolis apartment building

Laughter, tears of joy, and giving hugs are now regular sights for Melissa Luna, program director at Avivo. Melissa and her supportive housing team have already helped seven residents move into the brand-new homes at a new apartment building in Minneapolis. It is a new partnership between Avivo, Alliance Housing, and Property Solutions & Services. The housing property opened at the end of November and includes 64 units of deeply affordable housing.

Avivo will be service provider for at least 24 of the 64 apartments, which are reserved for people experiencing chronic homelessness. Potential residents of this new apartment building are referred to Avivo through Hennepin County’s Coordinated Entry System. Residents Avivo houses will have the opportunity, should they choose, to access Avivo’s wraparound services such as career education, employment services, and recovery services.

“The timing of this new apartment couldn’t be better with winter moving in. So far, we’ve already placed seven people into these new units, and one more person is moving in this week,” Luna shares. “To see these folks get their own place and find housing is super exciting.”

“The timing of this new apartment couldn’t be better with winter moving in. So far, we’ve already placed seven people into these new units, and one more person is moving in this week,” Luna shares. “To see these folks get their own place is super exciting.”

The remaining 40 apartments are deeply affordable, income-limited units. This means they’re priced for people earning 30-50% of the area median income (AMI). For many residents and soon-to-be residents, these studio apartments may cost less than $500/month if they qualify.

Melissa shares that as individuals move into their housing they could use direct help furnishing their apartments.

“Starting the new year fresh can be very exciting, but when you move off the street you don’t have the basic things to set up your new home. That’s what new residents are needing to help their new place feel like their own. We are also looking for futons for these individuals to help maximize their [studio] living spaces.”

If you’re interested in donating to help support new residents as they find housing and move into housing, visit our Urgent Needs page to see what’s needed. If you’re someone who needs housing supports, please visit our Ending Homelessness page.