MIWRC in MN to Expand Housing and Support Services for Native American Community

Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center Breaks Ground on Renovation to Expand Housing and Support Services for Native American Community

On November 20, the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC) broke ground to celebrate the launch of a comprehensive redevelopment at its Minneapolis property. This project will create 24 permanent supportive housing units for individuals with disabilities and those at risk of homelessness, while expanding MIWRC’s capacity to provide culturally centered on-site services addressing the needs of the American Indian community. The event featured remarks from state and local leaders, project partners, and MIWRC’s CEO Ruth Buffalo.

The project, supported by a coalition of public and private funders, is a major step forward in MIWRC’s mission to empower American Indian women and families through a holistic, culturally responsive approach.  “This project is an investment in our community’s future, ensuring that our people have a safe and supportive place to call home,” said Ruth Buffalo, Executive Director of MIWRC. “Our expanded space and services will allow us to provide even more comprehensive support, fostering resilience, stability, and connection to culture for the families we serve.”

The event included members of the local community and began with a ceremonial prayer and song to celebrate a landmark step towards housing stability, cultural resilience, and well-being for American Indian women and families. The new development will be named Oshki Gakeyaa, which means New Way. The MIWRC rehabilitation project not only expands vital resources but also embodies a shared vision of community-centered progress in Minneapolis.

“The MIWRC exemplifies what we should all strive for: meeting people where they’re at,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “By preserving and expanding supportive housing and culturally rooted services, this work ensures that individuals at risk of homelessness have not only a roof over their heads but also the tools and community connections they need to succeed. This work uplifts our entire city by addressing critical needs with sensitivity and care, and I’m proud to invest in this kind of thoughtful, inclusive approach.”

MIWRC’s four-story, mixed-use building will undergo significant renovations, transforming the third and fourth floors into 24 deeply affordable units, including 20 studio and four one-bedroom apartments. Each unit will feature modern amenities including electric ranges and central air conditioning. The first two floors will house MIWRC’s administrative offices and service spaces, allowing for the delivery of essential resources all rooted in MIWRC’s holistic culturally driven programming. Additional building amenities will include secure access, bike storage, a playground, laundry facilities, and surface parking. PCL Construction is the general contractor for the project.

Mary Kunesh, Minnesota State Senator and descendent of the Standing Rock Nation said, “We know that our women and our children are the future of our indigenous community and they are usually the most vulnerable in our community. MIWRC has been such a tremendous resource supporting this most vulnerable population. They saw a need and found a way to fill it with this project. MIWRC cares deeply about their community and demonstrates the support and resources for our neighbors when they need it most.

“PCL has been a strong supporter of the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center, the members of its board, the hard-working staff, and the community that it serves. We are humbled to be a part of this vital project that will help further propel the mission of empowering American Indian women and advocating for justice and equity. We are looking forward to getting started and completing this much needed expansion and renovation of the existing center.” said Trent Johnson, district manager of PCL Construction’s Midwest Operations.

The rehabilitation project has been made possible through the support of multiple funding partners, including the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota Housing, Cinnaire, Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, and the Minnesota Equity Fund. UnitedHealth Group’s major investment of $9.4 million, representing approximately two-thirds of the total $14.1 million project cost, is instrumental in realizing this vision. This investment, facilitated through a partnership with the Minnesota Equity Fund, utilizes Low-Income Housing Tax Credits allocated by Minnesota Housing.

“UnitedHealth Group is honored to support the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center to expand affordable housing and additional health and social support services,” said Brett Edelson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare of Minnesota. “Safe and affordable housing has a strong connection to health and well-being. By helping to improve access to care and working to reduce health disparities, we are supporting our mission of helping people live healthier lives.”

“GMHF is thrilled to support MIWRC’s building rehabilitation by providing construction financing, facilitating UnitedHealth Group’s equity investment, and sponsoring this groundbreaking event. MIWRC is an indispensable resource for Native American women and families who need affordable housing with support services, and GMHF is proud to be MIWRC’s partner on such an important project.” said Andrea Brennan, President & CEO of Greater Minnesota Housing Fund.