On Friday, Oct. 2, CommonBond Communities held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their new Upper Post affordable-housing community for homeless Veterans at Fort Snelling. Five historic structures were transformed into 58 units of affordable housing. This new housing opportunity features studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments along with support services for homeless Veterans and their families.

The ceremony included remarks from Deidre Schmidt, President and CEO of CommonBond Communities, Mary Tingerthal, Commissioner of Minnesota Housing, Warren Hanson, President and CEO of the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund/MN Equity Fund, Tom Wiffler, COO of UnitedHealthcare Military and Veterans, Dave St. Peter, President of the Minnesota Twins, Patrick Kelly, Executive Director of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, U.S. Representative Erik Paulsen, and Residents and Veterans Austin Poons and Judy Ganino.

"For the First time in years, probably more, I feel at peace. I am in a better place mentally and I love this place. Everything is so convenient - the Veterans Administration is a couple of blocks away and I have a park nearby. I feel like I am home for a long time." said Poons.

The Upper Post Veterans Community is equipped with central air, vaulted ceilings, and walk-in closets. Common areas feature such amenities as a computer lab, courtyard, elevators, a laundry facility, lounge, media center and community room. The Upper Post also has "The Advantage Center" which provides onsite social support counseling and monitoring, academic job training, and other services for residents.

To learn more about the Upper Post Veterans Community, make a donation to support Veteran residents, or volunteer to serve as a mentor and family companion to support residents and their families, visit commonbond.org or call (651) 291-1750. Photos from the ceremony are available on our flickr page.