Toni reconnects with family after receiving housing support from Avivo

“This is the first time in years that I had a place where all my boys could come and visit,” shared Toni. She moved into a new efficiency apartment on December 1, happy to leave the vulnerability and harshness of homelessness behind.  

Toni has spent most of her life in south Minneapolis. She lived on White Earth Reservation for a couple of years, but according to Toni, she felt it was desolate. 

“This is the first time in years that I had a place where all my boys could come and visit.”

“You need a car to get places [there],” she shared. “I came back to the southside of Minneapolis. It’s easier to go out and visit.” 

For two years, Toni lived in a tent in south Minneapolis along the Midtown Greenway, a 5.5-mile long former railroad corridor with bicycling and walking trails. She spent two summers and two winters there. She said that she would find places to be by herself. 

“You are vulnerable. I never knew where I could clean my clothes or take a shower. “ 

In December of 2020, the Midway Greenway was being cleared of encampments. “Avivo outreach staff had known me for a couple years. I was at the hotel [program] and then I moved into Avivo Village. Avivo is helping me to find a place to call my own.” 

Toni was one of the first residents who moved into Avivo Village. She stayed for three weeks before moving into her first apartment in St. Paul. She lived there for two years, and it just felt too far away from her community in Minneapolis. Avivo helped her move into her brand-new efficiency apartment on December 1, 2022. 

“I like it here. I am getting to know some people,” shared Toni. “It allows me to reconnect with my family. I can pay attention to my health so I can stay healthy.” 

“I like it here. I am getting to know some people,” shared Toni. “It allows me to reconnect with my family. I can pay attention to my health so I can stay healthy.” 

“I never went back to that life, and I don’t want to.” 

Avivo staff members are on-hand to help her with paperwork and other community connections. 

“I work my hobbies, art and beading. I am starting to think about [what to do for] work. I am slowly getting better at taking care of myself.”