A Dream Come True

“It was like a dream come true for me to live here,” said Melkua Guanje, who has lived in BROWNstone since it opened. Before moving in, she struggled to find affordable housing that accommodated her physical disability.

“It's hard for immigrants,” Melkua said. “Usually when people hear my accent, they don’t want to help. They don’t think we’re human.”

Now, Melkua feels like she’s part of the community.

Pamela Ollikan, a fellow BROWNstone resident, feels the same way. For her it's nice to live in an environment where she feels safe.

“The last place I lived didn’t have security doors. There was a whole inch gap around my door, and my apartment was broken into six times in one year, while I was sleeping,” said Pamela.

In addition to safety, Pamela’s new home has also made her more independent and confident, something she has not always felt due to health concerns. Its proximity to public transportation also makes it easier for her to get around.

“One of the biggest benefits to living here is the location,” Pamela said. “I use the train to go to my meetings and doctors’ appointments in downtown Saint Paul. You can hop on the train and you’re there in 10 minutes.”

The BROWNstone development created a central hub for the Frogtown neighborhood and provides much-needed affordable housing for residents, many of whom are immigrants, people of color or low-income families. Proximity to transportation makes it easier for Frogtown residents to get to and from their jobs, schools and other aspects of community life.

“People are proud to be here,” said Max Johnson, a Model Cities employee. “The BROWNstone is a community within a community.”