A Unique Opportunity to Give Back

It was not a question of whether we would do the project; it was a matter of how many units were left and when we could start. Last Spring, when Housing First Minnesota Foundation approached us about a unique opportunity, we were eager to jump on board.

Avivo, a substance abuse and mental health service provider, partnered with Housing First Minnesota Foundation in their search for general contractors who would be willing to renovate the units in one of their on-campus apartment buildings. The building, shown above, is 100 years old and has been home to many women and their children while they go through Avivo’s treatment program.

Avivo is a wonderful organization with a unique approach to rehabilitation. They believe in encouraging mothers to live with their children in a safe environment while in recovery. Usually when a mother goes through a treatment program, she is separated from her children, making the already difficult time that much more difficult and strenuous for everyone involved. At Avivo, they believe keeping a mother with her children during that difficult time helps motivate them to complete treatment and create a better life for themselves and their family.

Not only does Avivo help with addiction, they also help those in need find jobs and safe places to live. Here are a few of Avivo’s amazing statistics.

“Homelessness is something that is easily put out of mind when you go home every day from work, but it is real for so many people. The partnership that the Housing First Minnesota Foundation has created, along with Avivo and build partners, is amazing. It is making a real difference in so many peoples’ lives who may otherwise not have a place to sleep at night or get the treatment they need to fight addiction.”
Matt Holmstrom, Senior Vice President of Nor-Son Custom Builders

Initially, Avivo and Housing First asked Nor-Son Custom Builders to renovate two of the four remaining units. But after the team learned more about Avivo and their mission, Nor-Son decided to renovate all four units, plus the connecting hallway corridors. Our team was determined to help in the most impactful way possible.

“Giving back is something Nor-Son Custom Builders considers daily. We are honored to work with Housing First Minnesota Foundation, Avivo, and all our outstanding partners in helping women recover from addiction while having a clean, safe environment for their children.”
Andy Anderson, President & CEO, Nor-Son Custom Builders

Below is a list of the talented trade partners we worked with to complete the project.

• ABC Cabinetry
• Mal-O-Sen
• Kohler
• Brush Masters
• Contract Interiors, Inc.
• Flare Heating and AC of Golden Valley
• M&M Insulation
• Miller Electric, Inc.
• QTC Construction, Inc.
• Scherer Bros
• Solid, LLC
• Street Plumbing
• Team Vail Heating and Air, Inc.
• Lyman Companies
• Warner’s Stellian, Co. Inc.
• YB Construction, LLC

These contractors also donated their resources and/or services to the project. With their help, all four units went from being stripped down to the studs to completion in just five months.

The entirety of the project expanded over five years, and during that period six build partners contributed to the renovation of the apartment building. The other build partners are Mega Remodel, Cardinal Remodeling, Plekkenpol Builders, The Kingdom Builders, and John Kraemer& Sons.

“Avivo’s mission to provide housing to recovering women and their children is truly incredible. Family is the most important aspect of life so the opportunity to provide a stable home environment made our job so special and worthwhile. It was an honor to give back to the community alongside Avivo, the other build partners, and Housing First Foundation.”
Nick Stastny, Project Manager, Nor-Son Custom Builders

On November 8^th, Avivo and Housing First Minnesota Foundation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the project. Nor-Son, along with many other representatives and partners, attended the event and were able to walk through the newly renovated building. Seeing the transformation of the building was incredible and we were told families would start to move in the following week. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was televised by KSTP, and you can watch the clip here.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to be involved in such an impactful organization. We extend our greatest thanks to Avivo, Housing First Minnesota Foundation, and all vendor partners for their efforts. If you are looking to learn more about Avivo, please visit their website here. https://avivomn.org/ 

Photo credits: Housing First Minnesota Foundation