Pictured above is one of the board-and-lodge’s operated by HVMHC in Winona, MN.
Winona, Minn — Access to stable, supportive housing is a key factor in recovery for individuals living with mental illness. In Minnesota, decades of policy, advocacy, and innovation have confirmed that secure housing paired with supportive services helps people achieve stability, reduce stress, and build meaningful lives in their communities.
“As we’ve seen time and time again, housing is more than just a roof overhead—it’s the foundation for well-being and growth,” said Tim Hunter, Deputy Director of Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC). “When people have a safe place to live, they’re more likely to engage in treatment, rebuild relationships, and regain their independence.”
A Shift Toward Community-Based Solutions
In the mid-20th century, Minnesota began moving away from institutional care toward community-based mental health services. The state’s Olmstead Plan, developed in the 2010s, reinforced a commitment to providing integrated housing and services for individuals with disabilities—including those living with mental illness.
“Community-based care isn’t just more compassionate —it’s more effective,” added Hunter. “People thrive in settings where they feel included, supported, and empowered.”
HVMHC’s Commitment to Housing in Southeastern Minnesota
Founded in 1965, HVMHC has served as a regional leader in behavioral health care across Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Wabasha, and Winona counties. The organization began offering board and lodge housing in 1982, recognizing early on that housing must be a central part of mental health care. Today, HVMHC operates:
- Four board-and-lodge homes, which provide structured living environments with access to support staff and therapeutic services.
- Hiawatha Bluffs Living, a 20-unit supportive housing complex offering fully furnished apartments and on-site services for adults living with serious mental illness.
- Scattered-site housing in partnership with local landlords, which allows residents to live independently while receiving case management, life skills training, and recovery support.
“We’ve built a continuum of housing options that reflect the diverse needs of the people we serve,” said Hunter. “From highly supported settings to independent apartments, our goal is always the same: help people live with dignity and purpose.”
Looking Ahead
While progress has been made, housing gaps still exist—especially in Greater Minnesota. HVMHC continues to advocate for expanded access to supportive housing, with a vision of making recovery possible for everyone, regardless of where they live.
“As a state, we’ve come a long way,” Hunter said. “But the work isn’t done. To truly support people on their mental health journeys, we must continue investing in housing as healthcare.”
For more information about HVMHC’s housing programs and services, visit www.hvmhc.org.
About Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center:
HVMHC, established in 1965, is a certified Behavioral Health Clinic dedicated to providing comprehensive community mental health and substance use services across Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Wabasha, and Winona counties. The organization offers a wide range of services including a 24/7 mobile crisis unit, Adult and Children Community-Based Care, Housing with Supports, Peer Support Networks, Psychiatric Services, Outpatient Therapy and more.
To schedule an appointment for services through HVMHC, individuals can call 1-800-657-6777 or visit www.hvmhc.org/contact/make-an-appointment. As a nonprofit, HVMHC relies on donations to support its programs and expand access to care. To contribute, visit https://www.hvmhc.org/donate/ and help make a difference.
SE MN mobile crisis unit overseen by HVMHC is available 24-hours a day in Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Wabasha, and Winona counties at: 1-844-CRISIS2 or 1-800-274-7472.
