Celebrating the Grand Re-Opening of Clare Apartments

After a summer of construction, Clare Housing now has a newly renovated apartment building for 32 residents to enjoy for years to come.

Clare Apartments NE originally opened in 2005 as its first apartment building providing supportive housing for Minnesotans living with HIV.

The renovation project included updates to resident units, shared community spaces, nursing offices, and outdoor facilities that provide stable and quality housing for the residents who call Clare Apartments NE home. Some of the improvements include new windows and flooring, new plumbing and lighting fixtures, a new elevator, new furniture for the community room, and a full HVAC system replacement.

These renovations were made possible by partners including Hugh J. Andersen Foundation, Minnesota Housing, City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, Minnesota Equity Fund, Cinnaire, Frerichs Construction, and LHB Architects.

Founded during the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, Clare Housing has evolved alongside advances in HIV treatment. What began as volunteer-run care homes for people with AIDS has grown into a nonprofit that serves about 500 residents annually through four supportive housing properties, adult foster care homes, scattered-site housing and housing assistance programs.

Clare Housing Executive Director Phoebe Trepp said the organization’s mission has remained consistent even as the needs of residents have changed.

“Housing is health care,” Trepp said.

She noted that many residents arrive after experiencing homelessness while also managing chronic health conditions, mental health challenges, disabilities, or substance use disorders. Stable housing, she said, creates the foundation for people to access medical care and remain healthy.

The renovated building represents more than updated apartments for Kendall, a resident who shared his story during the ribbon cutting celebration. It symbolizes dignity, stability and the opportunity to build a future.

“Home, to me, means comfort,” he said. “It means appreciation and gratitude.”

Read more on the Clare Housing website or see the coverage from the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

Photo credit: Clare Housing