Minnesota Schools Win Grants to Build Homes, Train Future Construction Workers

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – A new program is helping students learn valuable construction skills — while also tackling Minnesota’s housing shortage. Minnesota Housing has awarded over half a million dollars to six school districts for affordable housing projects across Greater Minnesota.

The $560,000 in funding comes from the newly launched Housing Challenge Funds for Schools. The grants support school-led initiatives that combine hands-on learning in the trades with the construction or rehab of single-family homes. The homes will serve families earning between 80 and 115 percent of the area median income.

Projects are happening in counties including Beltrami, Goodhue, Sherburne, and Lac qui Parle — all led by public school districts in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, local nonprofits, and technical colleges.

Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho says the projects not only provide affordable homes, but also address workforce shortages by training the next generation of skilled labor.

“I’ve traveled across the state and heard firsthand from developers who are struggling to find skilled labor,” said Ho. “These projects do more than create affordable homes, they build the workforce our communities need. We’re excited to continue our housing investment in Greater Minnesota by supporting students and schools.”

Each awarded district will begin construction during the upcoming school year, with grant contracts expected to be finalized by August. Future funding will be available through Minnesota Housing’s 2025 Single Family Request for Proposals.