Providing affordable housing through home ownership—the Habitat for Humanity model
Tue, October 27, 2026, at 11am
Chris Coleman
President and CEO
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
Midland Hills Country Club
2001 Fulham Street
Roseville, MN 55113
Chris Coleman, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity President and CEO, will provide a deep dive for UMRA’s October 27 luncheon forum into how Habitat creates, preserves, and promotes affordable homeownership for low-income households.
Minnesota has a high rate of homeownership, but households of color have significantly lower rates than white households. Additionally, housing cost burden—paying 30% or more of income towards housing and utility costs—is highest for those who are currently renting. The dream of buying a home is illusive amid the rising cost of housing.
The Habitat model originated in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller in Americus, Georgia, and relies on a shared partnership between families in need of housing, and the volunteer commitment of thousands of individuals to build affordable housing. Many of you may have participated in a Habitat build. The most famous Habitat volunteers were former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn.
Racial equity and anti-racism are embedded in the mission of Habitat, and 80% of Twin Cities Habitat homebuyer clients are households of color.
Coleman has led Habitat through significant growth, including the recent completion of 147 affordable homes on the east side of St. Paul. Under Coleman’s leadership, Habitat also is working to better serve Black American descendants of slavery in the United States. Habitat also developed two additional programs for low-income homeowners. Home repairs and resources are provided through A Brush with Kindness, which began in 1998. And starting in 2017, the program Age Well at Home (now a separate nonprofit) addresses home adaptations for older adults to remain in their homes.
Coleman joined Habitat in 2018 after serving as mayor of Saint Paul for 12 years, a St. Paul city council member for six years, and a Hennepin County public defender. As mayor, he was a champion for economic development, education, and racial equity, so he is well suited to the mission of Habitat. He also is a two-time alumnus of the University of Minnesota.
—Becky Yust, UMRA Program Committee
Parking: Parking is free. Please enter the Midland Hills clubhouse through the door to the far right (east end), which is closest to our dining room (Turnberry Hall).
Cancellations: Cancellations and refunds will be honored until October 17. We are not able to accommodate registrations on the day of the event.
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Chris Coleman, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity president and CEO and a two time alumnus of the University of Minnesota, will provide a deep dive for UMRA’s October 27 luncheon forum into how Habitat creates, preserves, and promotes affordable homeownership for low-income households.
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