In advance of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, GF announced its support of Veteran Village, a first-of-its-kind housing community for Minnesota veterans. In partnership with the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV), Housing First Minnesota Foundation, and Lennar, Veteran Village stands behind the mission to end veteran homelessness across Minnesota.

More than 200 partners, trade professionals and in-kind donors offered their time, skills and resources to create this 22-unit housing community. The project will have the capacity to house up to 36 veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. GF provided Uponor ServicePEX pipe for water service lines connecting each home to the water main in addition to Uponor AquaPEX pipe for the plumbing system in each unit.

MACV supports Minnesota veterans and their families that are homeless or at risk of homelessness by connecting them to a variety of services including employment help, housing and legal assistance. Housing First Minnesota Foundation is the charitable arm of Housing First Minnesota, a trade association for home builders and remodelers. The foundation provides resources, donations and volunteer labor from the building industry to create safe, durable and affordable housing for vulnerable populations in Minnesota.

This project underscores the organizations’ commitment to ensuring every veteran in Minnesota has a place to call home. After their service, veterans face a complex array of challenges transitioning from active duty to civilian life. Military life provides structured routines, defined roles and camaraderie that make civilian life difficult. Veteran Village provides a means to restore dignity, provide safety, and offer hope to those who have served our country.

“We are so incredibly grateful for the overwhelming generosity of our construction trade partners,” said Sofia Humphries, senior director, Community Impact at Housing First Minnesota Foundation. “More than $1.25 million in-kind donations have already been contributed to the Veteran Village project. We simply could not construct Veteran Village without the support of companies like GF, the Uponor brand, and so many others who’ve stepped up.”

As advocates for veterans and their wellbeing, Housing First Minnesota Foundation is not just building houses and communities, they are restoring dignity and hope for veterans.

“Not only does Veteran Village serve as a place for veterans to call home, but it also provides a sense of stability as they navigate life after active duty,” said Jon Lovald, chief operating officer at MACV. “We’re grateful for partners like GF and all those involved in bringing this community to life to support those that have sacrificed more than we can imagine.”

“As a fellow veteran, I can personally relate to some of the struggles that our service members face once they leave active duty,” said Nate McIntosh, retired master gunnery sergeant, United States Marine Corps and director of Logistics and Warehousing at GF Building Flow Solutions Americas. “In the military, we’re taught to look out for one another and to ensure that our brothers and sisters are being taken care of; the Veteran Village project is in direct alignment with this core leadership responsibility. No one who has worn the uniform should be left without a roof over his or her head, and I’m extremely proud to work for a company that supports this local initiative.”

Veteran Village is slated for completion in December 2025. When the community opens, MACV will provide ongoing support and services to help veterans achieve long-term stability.