MODEL CITIES OF ST PAUL INC

Model Cities of St. Paul, Inc. is a long-established Saint Paul nonprofit (founded 1967) that operates across the housing continuum: emergency shelter (Safe Space), supportive and affordable housing (including the BROWNstone development), financial education, homeownership counseling, and neighborhood real estate and business supports. The organization centers services for marginalized and underserved residents—particularly Black Minnesotans—while partnering with local funders, government agencies, and neighborhood organizations to create pathways from homelessness and housing instability toward stability and homeownership.

In recent years Model Cities has expanded and adapted services to meet growing needs: piloting seven-day bed reservations at its Safe Space shelter to reduce access barriers, launching a Homeownership Accelerator to increase BIPOC homebuyer readiness, and maintaining a mixed-use affordable housing and commercial property to support workforce housing and BIPOC entrepreneurship. The agency publishes audited annual reports and continues active community partnerships to deliver direct services and neighborhood development initiatives.