St. Cloud’s CAIRO Plants Roots on 33rd Ave, Commits to Equitable Housing with New Development Project

(KNSI) — Highlighted as a major need for the community, St. Cloud is getting a new affordable housing complex.

The Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization, known as CAIRO, has bought a property on the 300 block of 33rd Avenue North and intends to build the development there to reaffirm its commitment to equitable housing. Officials with CAIRO say they are “building a community that empowers and uplifts our residents, fostering a sense of belonging and stability.”

They say it is the first step to developing multifamily affordable housing to address the pressing need for accessible housing in the St. Cloud metro area.

Mayor Dave Kleis addressed the broader benefits of the project by saying “The growing community of St. Cloud, just like the rest of the state and nation, is in dire need of more housing options. This particular project aims to provide families and individuals with better opportunities to secure housing they need to thrive and succeed.”

Abdikadir Bashir, Executive Director of CAIRO, expressed his optimism about the project: “This acquisition represents a significant stride in our mission to create equitable opportunities for the families we serve. We are laying the groundwork for a development that symbolizes hope, stability, and progress in St. Cloud.”

Stearns Bank N.A. and the Initiative Foundation are lending support, with IF President Brian Voerding saying in a press release, “Partnering with CAIRO on this transformative project aligns with our commitment to empowering communities. We look forward to the positive impact this development will have on providing essential housing and community space.”

Kelly Skalicky, President and CEO of Stearns Bank, added that supporting CAIRO and its drive to create such a place is a “testament to our dedication to community-driven development. We’re excited to contribute to CAIRO’s efforts in community growth and look forward to deepening our partnership.”

CentraCare’s CEO, Dr. Kenneth Holmen, congratulated CAIRO on the purchase and emphasized the link between housing and community health. “Affordable housing is essential for the physical and social well-being of our residents and the economic vitality of our community.”

The space for the project is on land once owned by Wells Fargo. No construction start date has been announced.

___