Housing: Foundations for a Stable Family
A home is more than a shelter—it’s a foundation for stable, flourishing lives. We understand the critical role housing plays in integration and well-being, which is why our housing initiatives are dedicated to helping BIPOC and low-income communities navigate the complex landscape of housing options. Through education about tenant rights, assistance with housing searches, and advocacy for fair housing practices, we empower families to find homes that are not just affordable but are also gateways to community involvement and personal development. Our commitment extends beyond finding a house; we develop housing where dreams and futures take root.
TEA
TEA – At the core of our housing initiatives, we recognize the power of knowledge and collective action in transforming lives. Our Tenant Education and Advocacy (TEA) program empowers residents with the critical skills and information they need to navigate the complexities of the housing market. Through workshops and one-on-one counseling, we educate tenants on their rights, responsibilities, and the mechanisms available for addressing issues such as repairs, security deposits, and unlawful evictions. This foundation of knowledge not only enhances individual confidence but also fosters a sense of community and mutual support among residents
Beyond education, we actively engage in organizing and advocacy to ensure that the voices of tenants are heard and respected. Our organizing efforts bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds to form a unified front that can effectively advocate for fair and just housing policies. By facilitating tenant and landlord meetings, we create platforms for dialogue and action that lead to tangible improvements in housing conditions and policies. Through advocacy, we challenge systemic inequities in the housing system, working tirelessly to secure a future where every individual has access to quality, safe, and dignified housing
F.A.I.T.H.
The F.A.I.T.H. (Families and Individuals Thriving in Housing) project is a comprehensive initiative designed to address the unique housing challenges faced by BIPOC and low-income communities in St. Cloud Metro and Twin City Areas. This initiative focuses on three primary goals: preventing homelessness among these communities by addressing its root causes, reducing the overall incidence of homelessness within the community, to make it a rare and exceptional event, and limiting the duration of homelessness for those affected by facilitating their swift return to stable housing.
These goals are achieved through comprehensive services focusing on housing counseling, financial education, employment support, and legal and social services. Through personalized guidance, job skills training, and access to legal and social resources, the FAITH project empowers participants to secure stable housing, manage their resources effectively, and achieve long-term financial independence
These goals are achieved through comprehensive services focusing on housing counseling, financial education, employment support, and legal and social services. Through personalized guidance, job skills training, and access to legal and social resources, the FAITH project empowers participants to secure stable housing, manage their resources effectively, and achieve long-term financial independence.
Iskufilan
The Iskufilan project is setting a new standard for workforce housing, focusing on the unique needs of large families. Derived from the Somali term for “self-sufficient,” Iskufilan is not just a place to live but a thriving community hub spread across nearly four acres. This multifamily mixed-use development is being designed to provide spacious and functional living spaces, fostering a sense of belonging and community among its residents. Additionally, it incorporates essential services such as local businesses, community resources and educational centers, facilitating convenience and fostering economic growth within the community.
By prioritizing the needs of large families and integrating both economic and social development opportunities, Iskufilan is poised to become a foundational model for community development. This project exemplifies how housing can transcend basic accommodation to become a catalyst for community empowerment and self-reliance, promising a sustainable and prosperous future for the residents of St. Cloud.
Beyond education, we actively engage in organizing and advocacy to ensure that the voices of tenants are heard and respected. Our organizing efforts bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds to form a unified front that can effectively advocate for fair and just housing policies. By facilitating tenant and landlord meetings, we create platforms for dialogue and action that lead to tangible improvements in housing conditions and policies. Through advocacy, we challenge systemic inequities in the housing system, working tirelessly to secure a future where every individual has access to quality, safe, and dignified housing