Families Moving Forward strives to be part of the solution to family homelessness, rather than just an emergency band-aid.
Because we are so concerned about stability for the families we serve in our emergency shelter and for other families in our city like them, Families Moving Forward has expanded its mission to include affordable rental housing for families.
Third Avenue Townhomes
Using a combination of county, state and federal grants, loans and income tax credits, Families Moving Forward built its second housing development, in south Minneapolis.
This new building contains twelve two-level townhomes containing two, three or four bedrooms. Unlike most similar units, our larger townhomes have two full baths. All of the units are equipped with washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers and microwaves.
A Families Moving Forward staff member works half-time on-site, providing support to all of the tenants, especially the five families who qualify for intensive case management. The entire building has been designated a "Section 8" project by the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority - no tenant family will have to pay more than 30% of income for rent.
Mel's Place
Families Moving Forward owns a 6-plex in north Minneapolis, thanks to the generosity of a sweet gentleman named Mel. Mel made a gift of the 6-plex to Families Moving Forward when he decided to retire from owning and managing real estate.
Using donations and federal grant money, we rehabilitated and upgraded the building into clean, safe, affordable rental apartments for families.
A member of the Families Moving Forward staff works on-site, providing supportive services to all of the tenants, but especially to the four families who have qualified for special rental assistance.
Self-Sufficient Families Transitional Housing Program
To meet the needs of some families that require on-going case management in order to be successful, Families Moving Forward created a program of transitional housing.
Self-Sufficient Families provides rental assistance and intensive social services for 18-24 months. This is a scattered site program, allowing families to choose their own apartment in any neighborhood they prefer.
Brandes Place
Families Moving Forward is pleased to have been chosen by CommonBond Communities to provide social services to a new 16-unit rental project in Fridley, MN.
All 16 units have Section 8 rental assistance.
A Families Moving Forward staff person provides supportive services and resources to the tenant families on a part time basis.
Future Projects
Families Moving Forward has partnered with MetroPlains, a St. Paul-based development firm, to create 30 new units of affordable housing in northeast Minneapolis, near the corner of Central and Lowry Avenues. During 2007, we secured about half of the necessary funding. We are expecting to secure the rest of the funding in 2008 and to break ground by Spring 2009. The Board and Staff of Families Moving Forward are very proud of this new opportunity!
In addition, The Families Moving Forward Board is designing a template for future housing projects. Check back frequently to find out where, when and how many families we will house!
