Bloom Lake Flats Grand Opening — February 28, 2023

Grand Opening of Bloom Lake Flats

A collaboration between Project for Pride in Living & Clare Housing, Bloom Lake Flats had its grand opening on December 8^, 2022, at 4:30 pm.  More than 75 guests were present to view the new building and celebrate this accomplishment.  Bloom Lake Flats is a supportive housing apartment complex with 42 units for people living with HIV who have experienced homelessness or housing instability.  This building will feature 15 2 and 3-bedroom units for families, a first for Clare Housing’s supportive housing program.

A brief ceremony included comments from PPL President and CEO Paul Williams, Clare Housing Executive Director Phoebe Trepp, Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, City Council member Jason Chavez & Clare Housing Resident Terry.  The program ended with a ribbon cutting at the front door.

The President and CEO of Project for Pride in Living, Paul Williams, opened the ceremony with a land acknowledgement. “As partners we seek to know our history and work to dismantle persistent structures of oppression. To address ongoing actions that are perpetrating trauma for Black, Indigenous and People of Color. And to rebuild our physical community and neighborhood economy equitably through meaningful partnerships and by centering the voice of people who call this place home.” He continued in acknowledging the pain that Lake Street has felt in the past few years.

The energy at the event was palpable.  In her remarks, Phoebe Trepp said, “We are so excited – we’re brimming with joy that in less than a month the units above us and behind us will be filled with people who can call this place home!”  Included in her gratitude, Trepp emphasized the importance of the people working in the buildings every day. “It’s the staff and the resident relationship that makes this all work.”

Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho shared her personal connection to the HIV positive community.  She also pointed out the benefits of housing for the community at large.  “Not only does supportive housing save lives, [but] it’s also good for the public.  When we invest in stability it makes more sense to the public.  We know it so deeply, but we forget to tell it to people who don’t know it. Investment in housing is what makes strong community, investment in housing is smart for the taxpayer overall, and 2023 needs to be the year we just knock it out of the park in terms of making smart investments in housing. Communities across the state need opportunities just like this.”

Mayor Frey spoke about the City of Minneapolis’ commitment to affordable housing, citing the good this type of housing does for the entire community.  He said Bloom Lake Flats is “good for the ecosystem on Lake Street, and good for all of us.”

Clare Resident Terry explained how living in a place like Bloom Lake Flats will impact the future residents in his on personal story. “Having a safe and permanent housing solution was a beginning of my return to wellness.  Since living at Clare Housing, I’ve maintained an undetectable level of HIV.  As of this very day, I’m at exactly 16 months of sustained sobriety.  I’m grateful and proud of my recovery, and this is my biggest achievement by living at Clare Housing…I’m fortunate to be a part of a community that is committed to expanding housing solutions to Minnesotans living with HIV.”

Also present at the event were several potential future residents, who were very excited to see the completed building.  One unit had furniture and welcome basket contents displayed so visitors could see what new residents will be receiving as they move into their new homes. Residents will begin to occupy Bloom Lake Flats in early 2023.

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