CM Jamal Osman Secures Funding for Avivo Village South Project, Advancing Alternative Housing Initiatives
CM Jamal Osman Secures Funding for Avivo Village South Project, Advancing Alternative Housing Initiatives
September 18, 2023 — Minneapolis, MN — In another demonstration of his ability to find common ground and swing his colleagues in the right direction, Council Member Jamal Osman (DFL, W6) is proud to announce a significant milestone in his ongoing fight for universal housing - and sustainable solutions to support the unhoused and homeless.
"For the past three years, I've passionately advocated for fair rents and affordable housing - and addressing the growing needs of the unhoused in our city.
Today, I'm honored to stand alongside my dedicated co-authors, CM Jason Chavez (DFL, W9), and CM Emily Koski (DFL, W11), in celebrating a unanimous City Council vote (12 Ayes, 1 Absent)," said CM Osman.
This vote marks a significant step forward in expanding the Avivo Village model. The City Council has approved the allocation of $1,000,000 from the City's "Contingency Account" to the 'Community Planning & Economic Development' Department.
These funds will provide vital support for the pre-development and development of the Avivo Villages South Project - representing a 10% match from the city.
"From the moment I stepped into the door of Avivo Village, I could understand why this model was working and why we needed more resources," shared CM Koski. "A hundred tiny homes create a real community, a safe environment for each resident."
Avivo Villages offer a dignified and secure alternative to outdoor encampments. These low-barrier shelters function as transitional housing and harm reduction models, serving adults experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Minneapolis and Hennepin County.
They provide access to essential services, including substance use disorder treatment, mental health therapy, medical care, and pathways to overall well-being.
"Avivo Village embodies the innovation and collaboration that our city needs right now. It's about providing dignity, services, and pathways to well-being for our unhoused neighbors," CM Osman explained.
The Avivo model includes service providers, case managers, and security services, with a Housing First approach that is culturally-responsive and trauma-informed.
Staff and security are on-site 24/7, coordinating wrap-around services to help residents succeed at Avivo Village and transition to permanent housing.
"While we recognize that this funding alone won't solve the complex housing crisis - it represents a substantial step in the right direction. It's about aligning our resources with our values," CM Osman emphasized.
CM Osman is committed to moving beyond the status quo - and accelerating policies and offering practical solutions.
He believes we need immediate funding, resources and sanctioned ‘safe sleeping and storage sites’ in response to the undignified, unsanitary and unsafe encampments - alongside long-term solutions that ensure permanent, affordable housing for all.
"We can't just promise solutions - we must deliver progress. That's been my commitment to the Ward from day one - even when I've been met with opposition, I’ve kept fighting to move past the status quo," CM Osman stressed.
"I’ve not stopped pushing my colleagues forward - and advocating for new approaches like 'safe sleeping and storage sites,' which have proven successful in cities from Seattle to San Diego. We need to bring these programs to our city."
The funding secured for Avivo Village marks a promising beginning. CM Osman has continually advocated for a multi-jurisdictional alliance to address the complex challenges related to encampments and unhoused individuals.
His approach is grounded in empathy, compassion, and practical solutions - informed by his personal experiences as a war refugee, who understands firsthand the hardship of losing everything and living outside without a stable home.
"Unregulated encampments, haphazardly located are not a sustainable solution. We don’t allow unregulated housing anywhere in the city for real health and safety reasons.
Nobody should ever be encouraged to live in unhealthy, unsanitary and unsafe conditions - and it's our collective duty to ensure they don’t by offering actionable housing alternatives like ‘safe sleeping sites’," CM Osman declared.
His primary goal is to provide safe and stable permanent housing options for those currently residing in encampments - but he is currently advocating with his colleagues for the creation of city-established and regulated outside 'safe sleeping and storage sites' where services and outreach can be more effectively provided when no other shelter beds are available.
CM Osman will continue to champion redirecting resources to create affordable housing solutions, low-barrier shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing.
"We must offer a path to stability for our unhoused neighbors because it's the right thing to do," CM Osman emphasized.
Additionally, he recognizes the need for tailored support services, especially for individuals facing addiction and mental health challenges. CM Osman is committed to increasing access to culturally-competent substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, and job training programs to help individuals regain stability and reintegrate into society.
His approach emphasizes collaboration with government partners, local nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and service providers to address the root causes of homelessness.
"We need all hands on deck to make meaningful change happen - and hopefully the unity we saw displayed today can continue forward as we look for more ‘tools’ we can use to tackle the on-going crisis in housing - and exploring alternative housing initiatives for our residents who are unhoused," CM Osman asserted.
CM Osman is dedicated to fostering dialogues that involve residents, businesses, and individuals impacted by homelessness, working collectively to develop solutions that benefit everyone while ensuring public health and safety.
"In our great city, nobody should be without a safe and dignified place to call home," CM Osman concluded.
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Resources & Background
For more information on this article, please visit:
Avivo Website | Avivo Village
Minneapolis City Council Resolution | General Appropriation Resolution: Avivo Villages South Project
Minnesota Public Radio | ”Avivo Village shines as solution for unsheltered homelessness in Minneapolis”
StarTribune Editorial | ”Support homeless programs that work”
*For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Osman Volunteer Committee
Communications Lead
info@jamalosman.org