White Oak Estates Supports Those in Great Need

Baxter, Minnesota has faced a complex problem with community members experiencing homelessness. But, through the combined efforts of the Central Minnesota Housing Partnership (CMHP) as well as Grow America, a project known as White Oak Estates is helping to fight the problem.

We’re going to create an environment where individuals can hopefully live and prosper. It’s more than just a place to live. It’s a place to live and get services that you need.

Jim Ested Baxter Police Chief

“A short-term housing solution doesn’t necessarily work,” said Baxter Police Chief Jim Exsted. “We want to think long-term. If we can create stable housing and create a conduit to get people to services quicker, hopefully that will keep law enforcement out of the picture.”

This new construction includes 40 units, which were built with the use of 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. The project also benefits from long term tax exempt debt provided by Minnesota Housing. One building holds 20 walk-up style units, while two townhome-style buildings contain another 20 units. It serves a combination of 30-60% AMI (Area Median Income) individuals and families, in one, two, and three-bedroom homes.

With few options for affordable housing in the Baxter area, White Oak Estates aims to do more than simply house its residents. Of the total $10.3 million for development of the project, Grow America provided an investment of $2.7 million.

A portion of the White Oak project provides support services to tenants suffering from severe and persistent mental illness issues. Those services are provided by a local service partner, Nystrom and Associates. Targeted case management includes medication supervision, financial planning assistance, and a 24/7 front desk.

“I think the Key Aspect was having the Region V+ Adult Mental Health Initiative on board right from the start, and having them help identify what was needed and where it should go,” said CMHP Executive Director Deanna Hemmesch. “That was definitely instrumental in making the project successful and identifying potential partners within the community.”

“As we were going through the process it became evident that there was a huge need in that area — not only for supportive housing but for affordable housing in general,” said Larissa Rippley, of Rippley Richard Real Estate Development Services.

Community members in need of assistance could start with a Housing Choice Voucher or Housing Support, both offered by the Department of Human Services, but housing is a crucial part of the support structure that was lacking. “They could look for housing in the community, but there was no housing to be had,” Rippley explained.

“I think it’s extremely important that legislators watch projects like this as we move forward, so they can be aware of how helpful they are to communities,” Exsted said.

Hopefully such projects will continue to spring up in the community and provide its people with the support they need.
Residents of the area can access Housing Choice Vouchers here and Housing Support here. Mental health support in Crow Wing County is also available through the Adult Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Adult Protection Teams.