Housing in Action

Building Homes

Minnesota has one of the highest overall homeownership rates in the country. Yet, the racial homeownership gap is one of the worst in the nation. In the past 20 years, BIPOC homeownership rates have steadily decreased while white homeownership rates have climbed.

Closing the racial gap in homeownership

As interest rates and development costs continue to rise, so does the price of homes, pushing the dream of homeownership further and further from community’s reach. Our neighbors need affordable homeownership options—owning a home is not only one of the best tools for generational wealth building but creates a safe space for neighbors to call their own.

Housing in Action is working to close the racial gap in homeownership by developing high-quality, energy-efficient rehabilitations and new constructions to be sold at affordable rates to low- and middle-income, first-time homebuyers.

This welcoming two-story home reflects Housing in Action’s commitment to providing dignified, affordable housing. Its modern gray and red exterior, accented by white trim, embodies empowerment and housing justice. A cozy porch invites community connection, while the surrounding autumn-kissed trees highlight the home's integration into a serene Twin Cities neighborhood dedicated to equity for all.
Aerial view of two green-sided houses with dark roofs, embodying dignified and sustainable living in the Twin Cities. The nearest house features solar panels, emphasizing affordable and environmentally conscious housing solutions. A white van and several cars are parked in the driveways, illustrating vibrant community connectivity. Trees surround the houses, casting gentle shadows that enhance this harmonious neighborhood focused on empowerment and housing justice.
A dignified, one-story home in Minneapolis-St. Paul showcases gray siding and a vibrant blue front door. Snow blankets the yard and roof, while bare trees stand against a clear blue sky. Black-railed steps lead to this welcoming haven, representing community connection and housing justice in every square foot.
Interior view of an affordable housing project in the Twin Cities under construction. Wooden framing and trusses illustrate the beginning of a dignified home foundation, with a ladder symbolizing progress and empowerment. Insulation material lines the wall panels, highlighting our commitment to quality and sustainability. Tools scattered across the plywood floor reflect community collaboration and dedication to housing justice, while an opening frames a glimpse of the vibrant neighborhood beyond, representing community connection and equity.
A dignified two-story home with a green and cream exterior, featuring large rectangular windows, embodies the mission of providing affordable housing in the Twin Cities. The peaked roof shelters a snowy yard, surrounded by bare trees against a clear blue sky, symbolizing hope and empowerment for community connection and housing justice.
A dignified, modern two-story home with a blue and white exterior is surrounded by a neatly maintained lawn and trees, embodying the vision of affordable housing in the Twin Cities. The home features a welcoming covered front porch and multiple windows, reflecting community connection and empowerment under a clear blue sky.
A yellow excavator works on creating a foundation for future dignified and affordable housing in front of a beige two-story home with a gray roof in the Twin Cities. Bare trees stand around the building, symbolizing growth and change, while an orange safety barrier emphasizes community safety and collaboration.
This beautiful two-story gray house with white trim and a welcoming wooden porch embodies the mission of providing dignified, affordable housing. Situated in a snow-covered yard under a clear blue sky, it represents our commitment to housing justice and community empowerment in the Twin Cities.
A welcoming two-story home with green and white siding features a wooden porch and steps, embodying dignity and affordability. Enclosed by a chain-link fence, the snowy yard offers potential for community connection. Bare trees under a clear blue sky symbolize resilience and the vision of housing justice in the Twin Cities.
Workers in safety gear diligently construct a concrete foundation, laying the groundwork for future dignified and affordable homes in the Twin Cities. Nearby, existing residences symbolize the community's ongoing commitment to housing justice and empowerment. A clear blue sky overhead reflects hope and unity in creating equitable communities.
A future home taking shape in the Twin Cities, featuring exposed wooden roof trusses and partially completed wall insulation. A crane with a lifting platform supports the construction process, symbolizing progress towards dignified, affordable housing. Scattered materials on site highlight our commitment to building stronger communities and advancing housing justice for all residents.

Transferring ownership to community left out

Our goal with affordable homeownership development is to transfer community ownership to BIPOC community members who have been left out of homeownership for centuries.

We work to ensure sale prices and downpayment assistance are accessible for various household sizes and incomes. We also build strong relationships with Housing in Action rental residents who want to pursue homeownership and provide resources and support to make their dream a reality through our Homeownership Pathways program.

Properties Under Construction

All of these homes are available for purchase from households earning less than 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

1338 N Logan Ave
New Construction - Cooperative Triplex: 1338 N Logan Ave
COMING 2027: triplex with (3) 4 bed, 3.5 bath units with finished basement & 1 stall in shared garage
2401 Ilion Ave N
Rehabilitation: 2401 Ilion Ave N
COMING FALL 2026: 3 bed, 1 bath (between $160,000-$190,000)
3246 N Oliver Ave
Rehabilitation: 3246 N Oliver Ave
COMING 2027: 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath; 2-car detached garage and solar panels (between $140,000-$170,000)
2015 Queen Ave N
New Construction - Passive: 2015 Queen Ave N
COMING 2027: 4 bedroom, 2 bath with solar panels, 2-car detached garage, & unfinished basement (between $170,000-$200,000)
2501 N 4th St
New Construction - Passive: 2501 N 4th St
COMING MID 2027: 4 bedroom, 2 bath with solar panels, 2-car detached garage, & unfinished basement (between $170,000-$200,000)
2818 N Girard Ave
New Construction - Passive: 2818 N Girard Ave
COMING MID 2027: 4 bedroom, 2 bath with solar panels, 2-car detached garage, & unfinished basement (between $170,000-$200,000)
3332 N Bryant Ave
New Construction - Passive: 3332 N Bryant Ave
COMING EARLY 2027: 4 bedroom, 2 bath with solar panels, 2-car detached garage, & unfinished basement (between $170,000-$200,000)

By the Numbers

Since 1995, we’ve built and renovated homes that provide lasting stability, with 50% of buyers still in their HIA home today.

Map of Minneapolis-St. Paul highlighting vibrant Northwestern neighborhoods like Cleveland, Folwell, and Harrison with blue markers. The Mississippi River runs along the right side, symbolizing Housing in Action’s commitment to providing dignified, affordable housing and nurturing strong community connections for housing justice and empowerment in these areas.

113 Homes

We’ve built 113 homes sold since 1995:

  • 75 were HIA-renovated homes.
  • 38 were HIA new builds.

50%

Nearly half of all homebuyers still live in their HIA-built home.
5.5 Years

Median length of stay for a Housing in Action homebuyer.

74%
Of those who disclose, 74% of HIA homes were sold to BIPOC or single-headed households.

It’s the little things that I didn’t realize were occupying my brain because I’m a renter. I’ve never painted a wall before. When my kids are loud, I’m used to shushing them. I don’t have to do that anymore. I’m making substantive changes because I can and it's mine. I didn’t realize how cool that would be. That I didn’t have to ask permission to do things in my house.

Amber Buck

HIA Homebuyer