Avivo Village, spanning 48,600 square feet, has provided sanctuary and support for individuals experiencing homelessness and living outdoors. The project originated as a response to the crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and racial disparities highlighted during the Black Lives Matter protests and civil unrest perpetuated by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Avivo Village successfully bridges the gap between traditional shelters and permanent housing. Situated within an existing warehouse in a historically redlined area, the village offers individual tiny homes paired with trauma-informed care, housing assistance, and wrap-around services to its residents.

Characterized by its innovative approach, Avivo Village transcends local requirements by interpreting zoning regulations and building codes to create a harm-reduction, low-barrier shelter. Its strategic architectural intervention within a warehouse not only meets the urgent need for shelter but also fosters a sense of community and dignity among residents. Notable features include private rooms equipped with essential amenities, non-gendered and ADA-accessible facilities, and comprehensive support services on-site.

Beyond its physical footprint, Avivo Village serves as a testament to collaborative effort and community resilience. Through partnerships with Avivo, White Earth Nation, city officials, county and state government leaders, neighbors, local organizations, and neighborhood associations, the project navigated bureaucratic hurdles and public scrutiny to emerge as a beacon of hope in the fight against homelessness. By exceeding local requirements and challenging conventional housing models, Avivo Village exemplifies a transformative approach to urban development, offering a model for compassionate, inclusive communities.

The site selected for Avivo Village, situated on the border of North Loop and Near North Minneapolis, holds a history shaped by systemic inequalities. Historically redlined, this area reflects the enduring legacy of discriminatory housing practices, perpetuating racial disparities and economic segregation. Key milestones in the project’s development stem from urgent societal needs magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic and heightened racial injustices. The encampment crisis in Powderhorn Parkunderscored the acute shortage of low-barrier shelters with a harm-reduction approach, prompting a cross-disciplinary team to propose an innovative solution. Led by Avivo and White Earth Nation, the project garnered support from local authorities and community stakeholders. Navigating bureaucratic hurdles posed significant challenges, the project required zoning text amendments, code alternate requests, and emergency regulations from the Mayor of Minneapolis. Designing a barrier-free shelter within existing zoning frameworks pushed architectural boundaries, demanding creative solutions to meet both regulatory and humanitarian needs. Despite these challenges, Avivo Village offers a transformative model for addressing homelessness. Through collaborative efforts and innovative design, the project provides an alternative to conventional shelter models, providing a dignified sanctuary for those in need. Its development reflects a collective commitment to social justice and community resilience, paving the way for more inclusive urban development practices.