Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans and the CenterPoint Energy Foundation celebrate the renovation of safe, affordable housing for Veterans

Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans and the CenterPoint Energy Foundation celebrate the renovation of safe, affordable housing for Veterans

CenterPoint Energy Foundation grant accelerates the renovation of the LaSalle Building

Friday-September-20-2024

​Minneapolis - Sept. 20, 2024 - Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) and the CenterPoint Energy Foundation celebrated the completion of major renovations for the 29-unit LaSalle Building in Minneapolis with a ribbon cutting event. Every unit in the building is reserved for Veterans who have been affected by homelessness, providing former service members with a secure and stable place to call home and age in place with dignity.

Originally scheduled to be completed over several years, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation provided a $500,000 grant to accelerate this project so the most critical updates could be completed this year. The support funded the remaining 11 units that needed renovation and replaced all the building's exterior windows, increasing energy efficiency, comfort and safety for residents.
The event included remarks from public officials, MACV and CenterPoint including Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs Commissioner, Brad Lindsay and Hennepin County Commissioner, District 7, Kevin Anderson. Each of the speakers highlighted the vital need for supportive services and housing opportunities for Veterans who have experienced homelessness. Following the remarks and ribbon cutting event, attendees toured the building to view the renovations that occurred within one of the units.

"The Veterans at LaSalle are finally able to turn the page to a new chapter in their lives. LaSalle represents one of the largest steps forward in addressing a significant housing shortage in the Twin Cities, especially for accessible residences where tenants can gracefully age in place," said Sara Riegle, Vice President of Property Operations at MACV. "Our team here at MACV is honored by the opportunity to serve these Veterans, and the dedication shown by our partners at CenterPoint Energy."

According to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, there are 192 current Veterans experiencing homelessness in the state. Projects like the LaSalle property target the Veterans with the fewest housing options and long-term barriers to housing stability. Residents are also connected to supportive services helping each Veteran resident to live as independently as possible.

In his remarks, CenterPoint Energy Vice President for Minnesota Gas Brad Steber stated, "The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is proud to support MACV in providing affordable units Veterans can call home. Through safe, energy efficient and accessible housing for our Veterans in Minnesota, we can show our gratitude to those who have given so much to serve our country and take strides in ending Veteran homelessness."

This building will focus on accommodating the needs of Veterans aged 55 and older by offering residences that allow each person to age in place comfortably and safely. The LaSalle building helps address the growing need for long-term housing solutions during a historic affordable housing crisis that especially affects individuals with mobility needs. The property is centrally located in Minneapolis for ease of access to community resources, supportive services and transit.

The CenterPoint Energy Foundation strives to be a catalyst in the communities it serves by leveraging everyday opportunities and resources to increase the vibrancy of these communities. Grants are awarded to eligible nonprofit organizations whose primary address is located in CenterPoint Energy's footprint and has programs that support community vitality and education. ​

About MACV
The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to ending Veteran homelessness in Minnesota. With over 30 years of experience, MACV provides comprehensive services to veterans and their families, including housing assistance, supportive services, legal advocacy, employment services and benefits counseling.

About the CenterPoint Energy Foundation
The CenterPoint Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where CenterPoint Energy customers live and work. The Foundation contributes close to $2 million annually in charitable gifts to Minnesota and is funded by CenterPoint Energy shareholder dollars. More information about the Foundation can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/Foundation.

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