Model Cities: Strategy Grounded in Care

Model Cities has been a steady presence in Saint Paul for decades, supporting individuals and families across the housing continuum — from emergency shelter and supportive housing to financial coaching and pathways to homeownership. Their work is deeply rooted in Frogtown and Rondo, with a focus on long-term community stability and opportunity.

Over the past few months, Collectivity has been partnering with Model Cities on a strategic planning process that included interviews, surveys, focus groups, and workshops with staff, residents, board members, funders, and community partners. One thing became clear very quickly: people consistently described Model Cities as an organization that shows up with care, compassion, and persistence.

Residents spoke about staff helping families navigate difficult moments, partners described Model Cities as a trusted community anchor, and staff reflected honestly on both the challenges and responsibilities of doing deeply relational work during a difficult time for the housing sector.

What stood out throughout the process was the trust Model Cities has built over time. That trust comes from consistency, relationships, and care — and it continues to be one of the organization’s greatest strengths as it looks ahead.