Avivo Village
Avivo Village is a first-ever, indoor community of 100 secure, private dwellings or “tiny houses” that provides shelter and wraparound services to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Avivo Village is located in Minneapolis. All services at Avivo Village are designed to support each person, with a goal of moving into permanent housing in the community and/or taking next steps toward their well-being.
Impact since opening in December 2020
As of March 31, 2024, Avivo Village’s success is measured by:
- 520 total individuals served since opening in December 2020
- 197 individuals moved on to safe, permanent housing
- 194 overdoses have been reversed
- 18 babies were born to Avivo Village residents
- 54% of people housed identify as Native American
- 30 pets (20 dogs, 10 cats) have lived with residents
Avivo Village is designed to be a dignified, safe, and COVID-aware alternative to outdoor encampments. It is a low-barrier shelter that operates as a transitional housing and harm reduction model. It serves adults experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Minneapolis and Hennepin County. It offers dignity and access to essential services, like substance use disorder treatment, mental health therapy, medical care, and pathways to overall well-being. Residents begin to discover next steps for permanent supportive housing, obtain employment, and receive healthy living supports.
Avivo Village houses service providers, case managers, and security services. Our Housing First approach is culturally-responsive and trauma-informed. Avivo staff and security are on site, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We coordinate whatever wrap-around services are needed for residents to be successful in living at Avivo Village and be successful in moving out into permanent housing.
How is someone referred to Avivo Village?
There is not a “direct” referral process to Avivo Village. It is designed for individuals living unsheltered who are not using the traditional shelter system and are living outside or other places not suitable for living. Many outreach teams and other providers working in Hennepin County utilize HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) to designate an individual, fitting Avivo’s target population, as preferring Avivo Village.
To learn more, check our Frequently Asked Questions.
Why invest in an indoor living community to address unsheltered homelessness?
The homelessness crisis in the Twin Cities has become more visible with the alarming spread of COVID-19 and civil unrest ignited by the murder of George Floyd. It is not safe at any time to be living outside in conditions not meant for human habitation. We must care for the needs of people living outside with Minnesota’s severe and wintry weather conditions.
Avivo Village started as a two-year pilot project — the result of the extensive work by Minneapolis-based advocates, elected officials, nonprofit community and philanthropic leaders. It is inspired by the Indoor Villages community building concept – secure, private dwellings or “tiny shelters” in an indoor space.
“Avivo Village is a tremendous example of what can happen when the community rallies together to address the issue of unsheltered homelessness.”
“Avivo Village is a tremendous example of what can happen when the community rallies together to address the issue of unsheltered homelessness,” shared Avivo President & CEO Kelly Matter. “It offers stability and security, first. A safe place out of the elements to take personal steps to permanent housing. The tiny structure model is COVID-19 aware, helping alleviate fears many individuals have in seeking shelter. The indoor community is surrounded by trained staff who walk alongside each person, connecting them to just the right services that help them find permanent, safe places to live. It’s one of the things Avivo does best.”
Generous funding has been provided from state, county, and city sources, and includes community development funding the City of Minneapolis approved from the CARES Act. We are proud to have received initial generous funding support from Target, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Lynne and Andrew Redleaf Foundation, the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation, and other philanthropic support. Funding also comes from Housing Supports and other fees for services. Avivo continues to raise funds for ongoing operations.
Please consider making a gift to help Avivo in its work to end homelessness. You may give online or reach out to Bruce at bruce.wenger@avivomn.org.
If you have additional questions, please reach out to Kim Sheagren at kim.sheagren@avivomn.org.
Avivo Village in the news & releases
Resident of tiny home village welcomes safety, security, stability of Avivo – MPR News, October 2023
Outpouring of support for Avivo Village – Avivo update, August 2023
Avivo Village shines as solution for unsheltered homelessness in Minneapolis — MPR News, February 2023
Avivo Village staff provide resources for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness — KARE 11 News, January 2023
Minneapolis invests 1.2M more in tiny-home shelter Avivo Village — WCCO, CBS Minnesota, October 2022
Avivo Village offers tiny homes for 100 homeless people in North Loop warehouse — Minneapolis Star Tribune, September 2022
‘Tiny house’ indoor village for the homeless opens March 8 in Minneapolis — Minneapolis Star Tribune, February 2021
Indoor tiny house village for homeless people set to open next month in Minneapolis — Minnesota Reformer, February 2021