Minnesota winters are extremely cold, with temperatures often dropping below -30 degrees Fahrenheit. These harsh conditions can be deadly for people experiencing homelessness, as hypothermia can set in at temperatures below 35 degrees.
To address this, Minneapolis opened Avivo Village. It's an indoor community of 100 private tiny homes located inside a warehouse. This village offers a safe, secure place for people who would otherwise be on the streets.
A New Approach to Shelter
Avivo Village provides 100 individual 8-by-8-foot units. Residents have their own space and can come and go freely. Since opening in December 2020, the village has helped over 800 people with temporary housing. It has also moved 340 people into permanent homes and reversed nearly 250 overdoses.
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The village offers "wraparound services." This means residents can access important support like treatment for substance use disorder, mental health therapy, medical care, and social work. It operates on a "harm reduction model," welcoming people regardless of their sobriety. Even pets are welcome to stay with their owners.
David Jeffries, Avivo’s program director, noted that traditional shelters don't always work for everyone. He said residents often arrive exhausted and emotional. Once they are at Avivo Village, they can finally relax and feel safe.
The living space is simple, with units arranged in a grid and plain colored walls. Volunteers regularly help maintain the community. There are also shared spaces like picnic tables.
Building Community and Finding Solutions
Residents can stay in their units temporarily, with no set time limit. Experts are on hand to help them find permanent housing and employment. Staff and security are present 24/7.
Kelly Matter, Avivo president & CEO, stated that the village offers stability and security first. It provides a safe place out of the cold where people can work towards permanent housing. Trained staff connect each person to the right services.
Residents also play a role in the community. Heather Day, another program manager, explained that people take on different roles. For example, one resident is a barber, and another helps cheer up those feeling down. Everyone contributes, just like in any community.
Avivo Village started as a two-year pilot project and has now been running for over five years. It receives funding from the state, county, city, and private donors. Emily Bastian, vice president of ending homelessness at Avivo, pointed out that while it's not cheap, a night in Avivo Village costs no more than a night in a correctional facility.
