Mayo Clinic provides funding to boost community housing efforts in Rochester

Mayo Clinic recently announced its support of the Coalition for Rochester Area Housing with a funding commitment of $4 million over the next two years. The coalition to address local housing needs is a collaboration among the Rochester Area Foundation, Olmsted County, the city of Rochester and Mayo Clinic.

The Rochester Area Foundation plans to raise $6 million over the next two years to fund the initiative. The coalition will use the funds to create and preserve affordable housing in the Rochester area by supporting efforts suggested by the community. These efforts include:

• Identifying and prioritizing opportunities to address regional affordable housing goals
• Developing projects that test innovative housing solutions
• Distributing resources to create or preserve affordable housing in the Rochester area
• Ensuring participation and involvement from major stakeholders and funders
• Encouraging ongoing fundraising from the community

Affordable housing has been a long-term challenge for the growing Rochester community. Over the years, Mayo Clinic has been a key supporter to local efforts, including the First Homes Initiative and, more recently, through the Olmsted Housing Initiative.

“Serving our community is a core value for Mayo Clinic,” says Jeff Bolton, vice president, Administration, Mayo Clinic. “Mayo has a long history of working with our community to address affordable housing. We are proud to work with the Rochester Area Foundation, the city, county and the many others committed to finding long-term solutions to meet this challenge.”

Jennifer Woodford, executive director, Rochester Area Foundation, says the coalition plans to work closely with local nonprofits, housing experts and community members with housing challenges.

“We expect that, in the coming months, many more organizations, companies and nonprofits will sign on to the charter to join us in this effort,” Woodford says.

Addressing housing needs through the coalition also affects community health priorities, such as mental health and financial stress, and helps those in the community live healthier lives.