CommonBond Communities, the Midwest's largest nonprofit provider of affordable housing, recently held a ceremonial groundbreaking event for new Fort Snelling development project. On May 29 the organization invited distinguished guests to celebrate the restoration and construction of a new affordable housing community for Veterans and their families experiencing homelessness. The development project will transform five historic structures into 58 new apartments on the Fort Snelling Upper Post.

In addition to providing affordable housing, the community will offer clinical health care services, support counseling, job training, and much more. The $17.2 million project was funded through a collaboration of public-private sector partners, of which UnitedHealth Group and Minnesota Housing were major investors. The housing community is scheduled to be completed in spring 2015, adding to CommonBond's 100+ unique communities throughout the upper Midwest.

Andrew Michaelson, Director of New Business Development at CommonBond, believes that the project will positively affect the Veterans community in a number of ways. "The housing is a key component of adding stability to these Veteran households, but cannot succeed without the on-site services that CommonBond will provide in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and so many other organizations already serving Veterans. Our services will include spouses and children as well, ensuring that all residents receive the supports they need." In addition, the housing project will preserve an invaluable piece of both Minnesota and U.S. history.

CommonBond is currently taking names and contact information of interested Veterans, but won't be in a position to offer housing until closer to completion. Michaelson said those who have reached out prior to completion will be included in the leasing efforts when the time comes. CommonBond plans on working with Veterans Affairs, county, city, and other referral groups to identify Veterans and families who meet the eligibility requirement. The organization's goal is to fill all 58 units as soon as possible. More information is available on CommonBond's housing hotline at 651-290-6228 or vetshousing@commonbond.org. Those who have immediate housing needs are encouraged to contact LinkVet at 888-LinkVet or MinnesotaVeteran.org.

Above: Rendering of the affordable housing community for Veterans and their families.
Top photo by CommonBond Communities.