Housing update: 131 new and 53 renovated homes coming soon
While national decision makers dramatically shift the role of the federal government in funding basic needs, communities are left wondering how to respond. The work of the Beacon Collaborative is needed more now than ever.
Beacon’s work in supportive housing sits in the middle of what we call the housing continuum (see image below). It is a transition point from when an individual or family is experiencing or may be on the verge of experiencing homelessness, to a more permanent solution where stability can start to take shape.
Beacon and our supporters are helping effect real change locally. In addition to sustaining the 22 properties we have already developed, Beacon is making progress on advancing the development of 131 new and 53 renovated Beacon homes to serve more individuals and families in the Twin Cities Metro.
Thanks to all of you: volunteers, supporters, advocates, and partners whose contributions are helping make home possible for more Twin Cities neighbors!
2025 Highlights
We’ve already opened 90 new homes for families in 2025 – 50 at Vista 44 in Hopkins and 40 at Emerson Village in Minneapolis.
42 more homes for families will open at Prairie Pointe in Shakopee before the end of the year
The Kimball Court expansion and renovation in St. Paul is moving forward. This essential work will bring more affordable, supportive homes for individuals in need to St. Paul and help provide an improved home and community experience for residents and the neighborhood. The new space is on track to open in 2026.
New homes in development
Prairie Pointe (Shakopee)
It’s been a busy year for Prairie Pointe, supportive homes for families in Shakopee. Construction started early in the year, the community celebrated the groundbreaking in May, and we anticipate construction will be complete and residents will begin moving in before the end of 2025! Watch for opportunities to tour Prairie Pointe before residents move in! [link to tour site]
Once open, Prairie Pointe will provide 42 high-quality, professionally managed affordable apartment homes for families. Volunteers of America (VOA) will provide onsite supportive services and community connections for residents. We celebrate Carver County’s commitment of $15,000 in Local Area Housing Aid (LAHA) funding for VOA to support their delivery of services support to Prairie Pointe families in 2025.
As we get closer to opening, there has been a great deal of interest in living at Prairie Pointe; interested community members can contact resident@sheltercorp.com to learn more about renting one of the 14 non-supportive, affordable family units.
The Aragon (St. Paul)
The Aragon’s 53 apartments are planned to be a mix of 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom units. The East St. Paul building will include homes for families who earn between 50-60% of the area median income (AMI), as well as apartments that are affordable for lower income households. Approximately 13 supportive homes will serve families or individuals with barriers to housing stability due to a disability or history of homelessness.
We are excited to announce that The Aragon onsite supportive services provider will be Solid Ground, a White Bear Lake–based organization. Solid Ground is an award-winning nonprofit whose proven, holistic approach helps families build the strong foundations they need to emerge from homelessness into a brighter future. Solid Ground will provide on-site staff to help residents strengthen their physical and mental health, access job and education opportunities, improve financial literacy, and build parenting skills. Beacon has a long track record of supporting residents facing housing barriers by helping them find success in achieving housing stability.
Applications for funding for The Aragon have been submitted to HUD and Minnesota Housing. We anticipate hearing decisions from these funders later this year.
Aster Commons (Richfield)
The Beacon team continues to apply for funding for Aster Commons – 38 affordable apartment homes specially designed to serve autistic and other neurodivergent individuals at risk of homelessness. A deepening partnership with Red Lake Nation allows Beacon to prioritize at least 12 homes to serve individuals referred through the Mino Bimaadiziwin Wellness Clinic in Minneapolis.
Applications for funding for Aster Commons have been submitted to HUD and Minnesota Housing. We anticipate hearing decisions from these funders later this year.
Gladstone Crossing (Maplewood)
When complete, Gladstone Crossing will provide about 40 apartment homes focused on creating a supportive environment for young families. Our partner in this project is Solid Ground, a nonprofit based in White Bear Lake that has been working with young families experiencing housing instability for decades. We anticipate that Gladstone Crossing will close in early 2026.
Renovations and Expansions
Renovation: The NorthView (Minneapolis)
When fully renovated, The NorthView will include 31 units of family supportive housing scattered across three separate properties. Public funding for this recapitalization project will provide much-needed physical improvements and rental assistance resources to keep each home affordable to future residents. The NorthView is expected to close and start construction in early 2026.
Renovation & Expansion: Kimball Court (St. Paul)
The Kimball Court renovation and expansion project (see rendering above) will enhance housing quality, resident experience, and safety, allowing Beacon to better deliver a Housing First model.
Construction is in progress. The foundation of the new addition is complete and framing underway. Exterior masonry work on the existing building continues through the summer. We are on track for the new addition to be complete early in 2026; rehab work on the existing building will continue through the summer of 2026.
Renovated program and community spaces, coupled with enhanced entry security, will address concerns expressed by some residents and neighbors, and provide a quality, positive experience for residents.
Vista 44 (Hopkins)
Already occupied, Vista 44 in Hopkins has received a few updates in recent months including ADA-accessible community garden boxes, games for the teen room, additional outdoor play equipment and weights for the fitness room.
Beacon’s Critical Role
These homes create more supportive housing for local individuals and families. The work sits in the middle of what we call the housing continuum. It is that transition point between when an individual or family is experiencing or may be on the verge of experiencing homelessness. This is what Beacon provides: stability and home. On the left side of the continuum, non-profit developers like Beacon do the heavy lifting, igniting a powerful community response building new and renovating existing homes so increase and maintain the supply of housing in the Twin Cities. Supportive housing is a community resource that is foundational to individual and family stability.
