In Faribault, Rice County, the long-anticipated Twin Oaks subdivision has marked a significant milestone with the dedication of its first home, set to welcome a first-time homebuyer and her family. The development, aimed at easing the local affordable housing crunch, is finally seeing the fruits of years of coordinated effort.
Launched by the Rice County Habitat for Humanity, and involving students from the South Central College carpentry program, Twin Oaks is steering towards addressing the critical housing shortage for larger families, and last week, the key parties commemorated the completion of one of the six homes planned in the first phase, a home built for Nurto Mudey who with her family eagerly awaits move-in day—a day that for a certain small one couldn't come soon enough as they darted towards the new front door. The neighborhood project, occupying 7 of the 109 acres bought by the county in 2021, is fortified with deed restrictions that guarantee these abodes remain owner-occupied and within reach financially.
Participants in the dedication event, including state and local dignitaries, recognized the collaborative work that has gone into making Twin Oaks a reality. "Twin Oaks is a great example of what can happen when a community collaborates to meet a need," said Joy Watson, Rice County Housing Director, highlighting the blend of federal, state, and local funds and partnerships that underpin the project's success.
Educators too have a stake in the this initiative; Dave Brokl, the South Central College carpentry instructor, spoke of the profound impact of building safe and secure homes, while the Dean of Business and Industry at the college, George Taylor, summed up the project's essence by saying, "You have built more than walls and windows," a sentiment echoed by many witnessing the tangible results of their dedication. The second phase of Twin Oaks, promising eight additional five-bedroom homes, has been announced to take place later this year, moving forward the goal of housing affordability and community growth.
With Minnesota Housing stepping in to provide down payment assistance through two grants, the prospective homeowners of the remaining 14 houses, either under construction or in the planning stages at Twin Oaks, have a financial leg up. Many local officials, including Representative Keith Allen and delegates from the offices of Minnesota’s U.S. senators and Congressman Brad Finstad, offered their congratulations and support for a project that represents a promising blueprint for other communities grappling with similar housing challenges.
