U.S. Sen. Tina Smith visited the recently completed Conifer Villas project in Bemidji Friday. During her stop, the senator spoke with project stakeholders about the future of affordable housing in Minnesota and beyond.
BEMIDJI -- The recently finished $10 million Conifer Villas project can be an example of how to build supportive housing for the country.
That was U.S. Sen. Tina Smith's message Friday during a visit to the new housing complex in western Bemidji. Finished in July, Conifer Villas is a 32-unit, 39,000 square-foot supportive housing complex.
The project is the second of a three-phase housing initiative helmed by the Headwaters Regional Development Commission. The goal is to ensure quality affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households throughout the region and to break the cycle of homelessness for families.
The first phase of the project was Conifer Estates, a 20-unit, $4 million complex that opened in 2012. The third and final phase of the project will be the $7 million East Conifer Estates. The eastern complex broke ground in mid-August and will offer 24 units when completed in 2022.
To make the housing supportive, project proponents are including on-site services to residents. The services can range from helping with transportation, assistance with help and employment aid.
"This gives people a chance," said Bemidji Ward 4 Councilor Emelie Rivera during a roundtable with Smith. "Some people don't have a supportive network in their personal...
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