An Edina affordable housing development for homeless youths was awarded $8.3 million in state funding on Thursday, ensuring construction of the project.
The city approved 66 West Apartments last year, but funding from Minnesota Housing, the state's housing finance agency, was necessary to complete it.
Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, the project developer, is grateful to the state, the city and "the grass roots support among community members that … has carried us forward to this point," said Executive Director Lee Blons.
The project received widespread support from churches in Edina and other west suburban communities.
The development, across W. 66th Street from Southdale, will include 39 studio apartments with supportive services. Residents will be primarily young adults between 18 and 22 who have been living on the street or in shelters. They will be responsible for paying their own rent at a subsidized rate. On-site services will be geared to helping the residents with education and employment opportunities.
Construction is expected to begin in the spring, with a total cost of about $11.2 million.
JOHN REINAN
