The Beltrami County HRA played a critical role in supporting development of Conifer Estates, a 20-unit supportive housing project that will be located just north of the Bi-CAP office. The HRA supported this supportive housing project both by providing a building site and agreeing to own the housing upon completion.  Project partners plan to close on financing with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency and Greater Minnesota Housing Fund and start construction this summer. 

The HRA has also provided support for development of a new homeless shelter in Bemidji.  Village of Hope is a new homeless shelter being developed by Ours to Serve House of Hospitality to replace an existing eight-bed shelter.  The existing shelter is located in an old home that could be described as over capacity and difficult to keep up. By contrast the new shelter will be energy efficient, easier to maintain and staff, even though it is significantly larger.

Once completed, the Beltrami County HRA will own the Village of Hope.  Ownership of the Village of Hope and Conifer Estates is a significant commitment by the HRA to homeless families in the region.

“The HRA has focused its efforts this past year on responding to the tremendous need of housing for homeless families. We’re proud to support both the Village of Hope and Conifer Estates housing developments,” said Rich Jaranson, Beltrami County HRA Chairman.  The Headwaters RDC provides staff support to the Beltrami County HRA.