Transforming Lives: Native-Focused Health and Housing Community Takes Root

Imagine the heart of south Minneapolis pounding with renewed hope and promise—a promise embodied in the ambitious new project launched by the Native American Community Clinic. This initiative, through its innovative approach, aims to knit the fabric of health and housing into a seamless garment of support for the Native American community. A place where healing and home are harmonized.

A Community Dream Realized

In a heartfelt ceremony, the earth was turned for the 30,000-square-foot development that marries health care with affordable housing. Dr. Antony Stately, the visionary behind the clinic’s journey, speaks of the project as a “love song” to the community that nurtured him. His deep connection to the area fuels his drive to lead this transformative initiative, emphasizing the crucial role that stable housing plays in improving health outcomes.

Addressing Pressing Needs

The pressing need for housing within the Native American community is echoed in the chilling statistics from the 2023 Minnesota Homeless Study, revealing that 18% of Native American adults in the metro area face homelessness. Dr. Stately underscores that housing stability is not just a need but a foundational pillar for community well-being and health.

A Vision of Affordability and Accessibility

Promising more than 80 apartments, tailored for families and those with special needs, the development pledges affordability to residents making below 50% of the area’s median income. By focusing on “deeply affordable” housing, the project ensures it’s addressing the most vulnerable should it be those earning less than 30% of the median income.

Building Stronger Connections

Partnering with Wellington Management, the clinic aims to integrate health and housing services, setting a benchmark for similar initiatives. As President David Wellington aptly puts it, this collaboration isn’t just about housing but is about creating deep connections between culture, health, and community care.

Crafting a Healing Sanctuary

At its core, the clinic envisages a haven where individuals can seek medical, dental, behavioral health, and substance abuse treatments in a single, comforting space. The new facility will bring together four disparate sites, broadening its reach to potentially 3,000 more patients annually. Dr. Stately dreams of a place where every community member feels welcome, whether they’re in need of healing or celebration.

The Path Forward

Set to open its doors in two years, this project is a beacon of what’s possible when health, culture, and housing intersect. As highlighted by Brett Edelson of UnitedHealthcare Minnesota, it exemplifies the powerful link between stable housing and health enhancement, pairing what’s essential with what’s inspiring.

Across Franklin Avenue, between 11th and 13th Ave. South, soon stands more than just a building; it represents a vibrant promise to echo the drumbeats of resilience and renewal. “MPR News”