Impact in Action: Housing
The Foundation Convenes Minnesota Experts on the Housing Continuum
Housing leaders emphasize the economic and social benefits of addressing the state's growing housing crisis.
By Chris Garner, Communications Specialist
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation recently gathered a panel of Minnesota’s housing experts to share information with donor advised fundholders and staff at a Giving+Together event on April 24, 2025.
It has become harder than ever for Minnesotans to access affordable housing and homelessness continues to rise. The panel spoke about the importance of affordable housing and advocacy as well as what everyone can do to make a lasting impact.
Speakers included:
- Chris Coleman - President and CEO of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
- Jennifer Ho - Commissioner of Minnesota Housing
- Elizabeth Glidden - Deputy Executive Director of the Minnesota Housing Partnership
The panelists discussed the criticality of stable housing, with their discussion exploring the intertwined influences of race and economics on both securing and maintaining it. Chris Coleman, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Twin Cities, shared insights gleaned from his organization's work with new homeowners. Notably, their data indicated that Black applicants faced greater obstacles to homeownership through their program, citing the sweat equity requirement as one such barrier.
Jennifer Ho, Commissioner of Minnesota Housing, underscored the profound value of stable housing, drawing on her experience to highlight how affordable housing not only paves the way for individual success but also serves as a foundation for wealth building.
Adding to the conversation, Elizabeth Glidden, deputy executive director of the Minnesota Housing Partnership, offered her perspective on the government's role in addressing current housing challenges. While acknowledging existing efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities, she emphasized that the current capacity falls short of meeting the escalating demand.
In seeking to address these issues, each panelist urged donors to engage with their local officials. Commissioner Ho emphasized the potential impact of individual outreach, stating, "one call can make a difference."
The Cost-Effectiveness of Affordable Housing
“Homelessness is expensive. Housing people is actually a more cost-effective societal response than not doing it.”
Jennifer Ho, Commissioner of Minnesota Housing
Correcting Racial Disadvantages in Homeownership
Chris Coleman, President and CEO of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
"We are a long way away from creating equity in home ownership in the Twin Cities. The work we do at Habitat is piece of that puzzle, so we’re going to continue to stand up because our community needs us now more than ever."
The Looming Federal Shadow on Affordable Housing
"In addition to the lack of affordable housing, many people are now cost-burdened, where they’re paying a larger share of their income for housing, often neglecting other bills."
Elizabeth Glidden, Deputy Executive Director of the Minnesota Housing Partnership
Donor Perspectives on Complexities of Affordable Housing
“I think housing is increasingly something we want to pay a little more attention to," said Ronnie.
"I think it's so hard right now realizing that there's so many needs and we can't seem to count on our national government the way many of us who worked in these fields for a long time have.”
Foundation fundholder Ronnie pictured with her husband Roger
Foundation fundholder Janet
“All three speakers were great, but Chris was saying something about reminding us of the adverse legacy we have that still haunts us, and that's the problem," said Janet.
"Those issues still resonate and are fundamentally driving the things that are currently in place.”
The Foundation's Impact in Action
Our Giving+Together events bring fundholders together to gain relevant and timely insights into charitable giving while exploring key community issues from multiple perspectives.
As communications specialist, Chris Garner supports the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation’s work by highlighting it to the community through words, photo, video and other media. Chris has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Alabama State University and a Master of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University.
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