Jeremiah Program came to Rochester in 2016 at the invitation of a cross-section of community leaders, and in the fall of 2020, they opened the doors to the Rochester/Southeast MN Jeremiah campus, which includes 40 affordable homes for single mothers and their children.
The campus includes on-site childcare provided by Families First of Minnesota, as well as staff offices, a community room, and supportive services. The families will benefit from deep subsidies which allow them to pay no more than 30% of their income toward rent each month. Twenty of the units are subsidized by project-based vouchers from Olmsted County, and the remaining 20 units have been subsidized for at least 15 years through a reserve fund established by the funders.
GMHF provided a $450,000 deferred gap loan with 0% interest for 40 years, and additionally provided construction financing of $8,300,000. Other funding sources included 9% tax credits and significant contributions from the Rochester community and several philanthropies.
This allows single mothers to focus on their careers, schooling, and childcare while maintaining the balance needed to thrive. Once participants obtain postsecondary degree and complete the program, Jeremiah Program staff assists them in securing permanent, safe, affordable housing in the community.
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