Introduction Placard
In communities across Greater Minnesota many of our neighbors struggle daily to maintain family stability, safety and dignity under extraordinarily difficult living conditions. The images in "Portraits of Home" reveal the deeply challenging circumstances faced by working families, new immigrants, children and vulnerable adults struggling to persevere despite poor housing conditions and few resources.

As revealing as these photographs are, they tell only a whisper of the stories of the people captured in them. They cannot portray the details of difficult lives where temporary job loss can lead to financial ruin and where paying for groceries and medicine can take precedence over needed housing repairs. They cannot reveal the obstacles already overcome and yet to be faced by new immigrants or frugal seniors living on fixed incomes in substandard housing.

Despite their hardships, many of these individuals and families display amazing resiliency, pride, and hope for a better future. Like so many before them, they continue to work for a better life for themselves, their children and grandchildren. The chance to live in safe, decent and affordable housing provides both families and their communities with greater stability and opportunities for success.

The common bond for all Minnesotans -- one that crosses economic, social and racial lines -- is the need for a healthy and stable home. These stories remind all of us that we can and must do more to help meet the housing needs in our state so that each citizen and each child has the greatest opportunity to succeed.

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Greater Minnesota Housing Fund