MHP established the Housing Institute in 2010, bringing together housing leaders and stakeholders to share experiences and best practices to catalyze the development of affordable housing throughout the state. This peer-to-peer exchange drives the formation of regional partnerships through a team-based approach, capitalizing on local expertise and resources.

Now in its eighth iteration, the 2022-2023 Housing Institute (HI8) features four teams from Southeastern Minnesota communities: Janesville, Wabasha, Winnebago, and Winona. Throughout the next year and a half, the teams will pursue a specific project addressing the housing challenges they face. MHP supports these efforts via direct technical assistance and workshops.

This past month, MHP kicked off HI8’s first workshop in Rochester, Minnesota with a hybrid in-person/virtual format. MHP worked with the teams in identifying community housing challenges they each hope to address―establishing a firm foundation for the work to come.

Future workshops will include exploration of development models and strategies, existing resources, funding opportunities, and more. Curriculum is tailored to each teams’ needs, driving solutions in supportive and senior housing opportunities, addressing homelessness, and identifying viable building territory. Keep an eye on our website to see how teams progress at the Institute! Questions about the Housing Institute? Contact Housing Institute Coordinator Harlan Buckalew via phone at 651-925-5536 or harlan.buckalew [at] mhponline.org.