Winona Community Foundation’s Historic Impact Grant Continues to Transform Housing Services Two Years Later

Story by Adam Muschler, Program Manager for HVMHC’s Adult Housing Program

Winona, Minn — March marks two years since the Winona Community Foundation (WCF) awarded the largest unrestricted funds grant in its history. In its efforts to inspire generosity and greater community giving, WCF sought to make a substantial financial impact on a local community need and chose to award $100,000 to Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center’s (HVMHC) housing program.

With this grant, HVMHC was able to expand its housing program to offer apartments in various locations throughout Winona for individuals living with serious mental health diagnoses, while continuing to provide supportive services that promote stability and long-term success.

HVMHC Executive Director Erik Sievers shared the impact this historic investment has made:

“The historic Impact Grant from the Winona Community Foundation has provided hope for many. Together, we are opening doors to stable housing and supportive care for individuals with mental health conditions. Together, we are ensuring our neighbors have the foundation they need to heal and thrive.”

The $100,000 award is the largest single grant the Winona Community Foundation’s board of directors has ever allocated from its unrestricted funds. The idea for a larger “Impact Grant” originated during the Foundation’s 2021 strategic planning process as a way to demonstrate what is possible when community members pool their resources for a common purpose.

Local nonprofits first submitted letters of intent, which were narrowed to three finalists. After a thorough interview process, HVMHC’s proposal stood out for its strong alignment with two of the Foundation’s primary focus areas: housing and mental health.

Following a recent two-year recap presentation, Winona Community Foundation President and CEO Mandi Olson reflected on the partnership and its outcomes:

“We are incredibly proud of this grant and the impact it continues to have. Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center is a tremendous asset to our community. This Impact Grant demonstrates the power of collective generosity — when individual contributions are combined, they create transformational change. We hope it inspires even more community members to engage with the Winona Community Foundation and be part of that shared impact.”

As the housing program continues to grow, the Impact Grant stands as a lasting example of how targeted community investment can expand access to stable housing and supportive mental health services.

About Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center

Founded in 1965, Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC) provides comprehensive behavioral health services to individuals and families across Southeastern Minnesota. The organization is committed to delivering compassionate, person-centered care and fostering wellness in every community it serves.

For more information about HVMHC’s services, visit www.hvmhc.org. To schedule an appointment, individuals can call 1-800-657-6777 or visit www.hvmhc.org/contact/make-an-appointment.

HVMHC also oversees the Mobile Crisis Unit, available 24 hours a day in Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Wabasha, and Winona Counties. This free to the user resource can be reached by calling 1-844-CRISIS2 (1-844-274-7472).