Our Story
CommonBond Communities was formed in 1971 with the ambition to create housing options that were affordable for all.
With ongoing racial and economic injustices following the turbulent 1960s, our founders were driven by the belief that all people have a right to a place they can call their own. Learn more from one of our founders, Ed Flahavan, about how CommonBond was started.
From our first half-time employee, we’ve grown over the decades to become one of the most effective affordable housing providers in the Upper Midwest, working in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and South Dakota.
Our housing and services model is what sets us apart from other housing providers.
We offer wraparound services that equip residents of all ages – including families, children, veterans, and older adults – to reach their goals and thrive.
Through this model, we’ve made incredible progress developing housing integrated with supportive services for those in our communities. Today, we have nearly 7,000 rental apartments and townhomes across 60 cities.
For five decades, CommonBond has built strong neighborhoods, empowered resident leaders, and engaged thousands of volunteers, all working together to ensure residents have the tools needed to achieve their goals.
We’ve learned that listening is the foundation for our work. As we develop and manage properties, we take the time to understand the strengths and needs of the residents who will live in our communities. When we combine affordable homes for residents to live in with services that support them, we see phenomenal outcomes for families, youth, seniors, veterans, and our neighborhoods.
Though injustices still exist – and are increasingly more complex – our belief in dignity, respect, and inclusiveness for all people is the driving force behind our commitment to CommonBond residents.
