The fourth time’s the charm for Three Rivers Community Action. On its fourth try the southeastern Minnesota housing nonprofit won state financing support for a planned 36-unit affordable apartment complex aimed to address the need for affordable housing options.

Five of the planned apartments will be for people with disabilities. The proposed block-long Rochester complex was among 76 projects receiving a combined $191 million in statewide support.

“We’re thrilled that more Minnesotans will soon have access to safe, stable and affordable housing in communities throughout the state,” Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho said in announcing the statewide funding aimed at creating 2,276 homes.

It is one of 21 rental projects approved throughout the state. It will be supported through 4 percent state tax credits and the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program. It is expected to receive approximately $19 million in financing support, which will include loans, for the proposed $20 million project.

The local community action agency is also slated to receive $480,000 in financial support from the Coalition for Rochester Area Housing and $545,000 from Rochester’s state housing aid. First Homes is also donating a lot to the site, which is otherwise completely owned by Three Rivers.

“I think teamwork and timing are kind of the two keys (to success in the recent state application),” Laura Helle, Three Rivers’ housing development director, said of the project dubbed Eastside Apartments for early planning purposes. “Sometimes it’s just the right time for the project and being persistent pays off.”

Plans call for the creation of nine one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom units and nine three-bedroom options.

It will also include some supportive housing options for qualified tenants, with a full-time housing advocate working out of the building.

(Source: Rochester Post-Bulletin)