The Duluth Inn was a Class-C motel in downtown Duluth. Churches United in Ministry (CHUM) was previously leasing half of the rooms to provide a safe isolated environment for homeless senior citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, CHUM is acquiring the property to convert it to permanent supportive housing for people formerly experiencing homelessness. Plans include 43 living units with services and conversion of two rooms into offices for service providers. These offices will be equipped with technology to enable residents to participate in telehealth appointments with medical providers. The purchase of this property represents exciting progress in expanding the availability of affordable housing for the city of Duluth.
GMHF congratulates CHUM on taking the lead in acquiring the property.
Several organizations and private donors participated in funding this project, including St. Louis County HRA, the Duluth HRA, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and Blue Plus.
This project represents advancement in GMHF’s Minnesota Health and Housing Initiative, which works to improve health outcomes through industry collaboration and expansion of affordable housing.
