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Each night in the Twin Cities, about 400 people with HIV/AIDS are living on the streets and in shelters.  When non-profit Clare Housing opened Clare Apartments in 2005, more than four times as many people applied for apartments as the number of units available.  Five years later, after putting in place a financing package, Clare Housing is again building an apartment building.

A groundbreaking ceremony for Clare Midtown, 45 units of safe, affordable housing and supportive services for people living with HIV/AIDS, took place in late May at 3105 23^rd Ave. South, near the Hiawatha light rail stop at Lake Street in the Corcoran neighborhood.  The building will open early in 2011.  Future residents will be primarily people living in poverty with HIV/AIDS who have experienced long-term homelessness or are at risk of homelessness.

“Right after we opened Clare Apartments in 2005, we started work on the complex financing package that a project like this requires,” said Clare Housing executive director Lee Lewis.  “Clare Apartments was six years in the planning.  This one has taken just three years.”

“Like the residents of Clare Apartments, those living in Clare Midtown will be at different places in their journey with HIV/AIDS.  Some will need intensive care, some will work and pay rent, and others will be at various stages of independence with need for support.  We’ll have assisted living services, nursing services including care and medication administration, 24/7 front desk security and a resident services coordinator to provide information, support, referrals and advocacy.”

Clare Housing secured $9.3 million from the City of Minneapolis, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, Hennepin County, National Equity Fund and Minnesota Housing for this Midtown project.   The design was done by Cermak Rhoades Architects with Frerichs Construction as general contractor.  Both worked on Clare Apartments in 2005.

A capital campaign is underway.  Private donations will be used to add more energy efficient materials, landscaping and furnishings.  The campaign will also establish a service start-up fund and four-month operating reserve.

Tags | Clare Housing, Minneapolis, Minnesota, multi-family, St. Paul

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