Community Action Center (CAC) has long worked to collaboratively alleviate hunger, homelessness, and all forms of poverty that impact families and individuals in our community. CAC believes in immediate response to crisis, but also prioritizes systemic approaches to support long-term change that aligns with CAC’s mission of creating a caring, healthy, and just community for all.
Images have been digitally enhanced to illustrate the anticipated completed appearance of the property. Landscaping, paving, and other site improvements are subject to change.
Emergency shelter and accessible housing are vital to the fabric of our community.
CAC’s two current emergency shelters in Faribault are full 365 days per year – providing over 700 nights of shelter to families and neighbors in need. On average, CAC maintains a shelter waiting list of 10-15 households.
CAC currently spends thousands of dollars each year on hotel rooms, providing temporary shelter, but never a home.
With an affordable housing vacancy rate at less than 1%, families struggle to leave CAC’s emergency shelters.
Rice County is the third most expensive housing district in Minnesota, outside of Rochester and the Twin Cities.
Local employers struggle to retain a high-quality workforce because their employees are unable to find affordable housing in Faribault.
"Everyday I see examples of homelessness in Faribault and CAC is working diligently to address this issue. I am especially excited about the community they are building at Ridgeview Heights. Housing is a basic need, and everyone deserves a safe place to call home."
– Sara Caron, former City Council & HRA Member
Various community partners, employers, and low-income families have repeatedly identified affordable housing as a need in Faribault over recent years. CAC is responding in a way that continues to center the voices of neighbors, businesses, families and community leaders in Ridgeview Heights’ development and construction.
The goal in building Ridgeview Heights is to foster a supportive community that helps families and individuals gain the resources needed to move from emergency housing to affordable housing, all the while contributing to a rooted workforce and thriving economy.
CAC recognizes that climate change will disproportionately affect the same low-income families our organization aims to support. Gaining recognition for its innovative process and design, CAC has brought together leaders from the construction and environmental community to design Ridgeview Heights as a Zero Energy Ready project that addresses both homelessness and climate change in a shared community effort. Ridgeview Heights will generate significant savings for both owner and residents through reduced operating costs and lower utility bills. This project furthers CAC’s mission of creating a just community by bringing affordable housing and environmental justice together.
Project Details
- 2 Buildings, 8 Units Total (2 are ADA-Compliant)
- 6 Three-Bedroom Units, 2 Two-Bedroom Units
- Mixed-Use: 2 Emergency (Free) Units, 6 Market-Rate Workforce Units
- Net Zero Energy, Eco-Friendly Design
- Financially Self-Sustaining Cash Flow
What is Net Zero?
We’ve all heard the term net zero, but what exactly does it mean?
Put simply, net zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) that’s produced and the amount that’s removed from the atmosphere. It can be achieved through a combination of emission reduction and emission removal.
Environmental Impact
- 62% Reduction in Energy Use Compared to New High-Quality Construction
- Possibility of Adding On-Site Solar to Further Reduce Annual Heat and Electric Per Household
*Annual Energy Use Comparison (kBtu/sf/yr)
We believe in providing an equitable and just application process for all prospective tenants. Working in partnership with Trekk Properties, who provide property management services, our approach is designed to be respectful and responsive to the needs of individuals seeking housing. Together, we are committed to facilitating a fair tenant selection process that prioritizes dignity and respect for all applicants. All applications are evaluated using established screening criteria and in accordance with applicable fair housing laws.
For availability and application, please contact Trekk Properties at 507.334.3499
FAIR HOUSING STATEMENT
Trekk Properties is a fair housing provider. We do not discriminate against people on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, physical and mental disability, creed, marital status, public assistance, ancestry, and sexual or affectional orientation. We are prohibited by company policy and fair housing laws to answer questions about these characteristics regarding our residents and the surrounding area, or from considering these characteristics when determining which apartments we show you.
Images have been digitally enhanced to illustrate the anticipated completed appearance of the property. Landscaping, paving, and other site improvements are subject to change.
CAC’s vitality depends on the community — from volunteers to donations to program-specific support — so that we can continue to meet our neighbors’ basic needs.