Greater Minnesota Housing Fund recently welcomed partners, supporters, board members, developers, lenders, investors, and community leaders to Duluth for an anniversary reception celebrating 30 years of building and preserving affordable homes in Minnesota.
The evening was an opportunity to reflect on the partnerships that have made GMHF’s work possible and to recognize the collective impact achieved over the last three decades. Since our founding in 1996, GMHF has invested more than $1.4 billion in 200 communities across Minnesota, helping create or preserve 28,754 affordable homes and mobilizing an estimated $4.6 billion in total capital investment.
During the reception, Board Chair Stephanie Cummings reflected on GMHF’s start as a visionary solution to address local housing challenges in rural communities, small towns, and Tribal nations and its evolution into a trusted statewide partner dedicated to ensuring all Minnesotans have access to safe, stable, and affordable homes. She also recognized the critical and enduring support of the McKnight Foundation and Blandin Foundation, whose initial investment helped launch GMHF and laid the foundation for three decades of impact.
President and CEO Andrea Brennan highlighted the power of collaboration across the housing ecosystem, sharing examples of partnerships that are expanding affordable housing opportunities throughout Northeast Minnesota and beyond. From supporting emerging developers like Deyona Kirk and Divine Konnections, to advancing homeownership opportunities with One Roof Community Housing and the Duluth HRA, to financing permanent supportive housing with Center City Housing Corporation, she showcased the impact that is possible when organizations come together around a shared vision
“While much has changed over the last 30 years, our mission remains the same: ensuring all Minnesotans have access to safe, stable, affordable homes,” said Brennan. “The challenges we face are complex, but our greatest successes have always come from working together to find solutions. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together, and even more excited about what lies ahead.”
Check out these photos from the reception to see some of the people and partnerships that have been an important part of GMHF’s journey:
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