Dear Friends,
I am honored to share with you Solid Ground’s community impact as we reflect on the past year and set our vision for the future. Your steadfast support, dedication, and belief in our mission have strengthened our ability to serve families in our community and advance our shared goals of preventing and ending homelessness.
Reflecting on Our Achievements
Over the past year, we have made tremendous strides in fulfilling our mission. Through the dedication of our team and the generosity of our supporters, we have:
Expanded Our Reach: In 2024, Solid Ground continued to make a positive impact on housing stability in Ramsey and Washington Counties by serving 486 families and 1,633 individuals (unduplicated count). This represents a 42% increase in families served from last year. We provided Prevention funds for 353 families (1,183 individuals), helping avoid eviction and keeping families housed.
Strengthened Housing Stability: In our supportive housing programs, 133 families were housed in site-based and scattered-site housing throughout Ramsey and Washington Counties.
Achieved Notable Program Outcomes
Housing Stability: 91% of families (154 families) secured housing with Solid Ground assistance, with another 4% (6 households) still in housing search at the end of the year. Furthermore, 97% of families (506 families) in Solid Ground housing achieved housing stability.
Educational Advancement: 96% of school-aged children in our programs maintained regular school attendance, supporting their academic progress.
Improved Health and Living Skills: 92% of adults utilized Solid Ground services, including meetings and classes.
Community Investment: Through funds that are committed and pending, we are well on our way to finishing our $6.6 Million Capital Campaign. The three pillars of the campaign are: Renovating East Metro Place, Increase Affordable Housing for our Families, and Sustain East Metro Place by continued investment in the homes our families live in.
Meeting these milestones is a bold testament to the power of our community’s investment in Solid Ground. Every program we offer, every life we touch, and every success we celebrate is made possible by your involvement and support.
Navigating Challenges Together
While we celebrate these achievements, we are mindful of the challenges ahead. Economic uncertainty, increasing demand for services, and evolving community needs require us to remain adaptable and resilient. We are committed to:
Sustaining Core Programs: Ensuring our foundational programs continue to meet the needs of the families we serve.
Fiscal Responsibility: Maintaining the highest standards of financial stewardship, ensuring that every dollar is used effectively to maximize impact and sustain our long-term mission. In 2023, 89% of total expenses were directly spent on programs.
Fostering Innovation: Exploring new models of service delivery that expand access and improve outcomes for our community.
Looking Ahead: Our Vision for the Future
As we move forward, our vision remains bold and unwavering: to create a community where everyone has a home and access to the supports they need to thrive. In the coming year, we aim to:
Deepen Community Engagement: Amplify the voices of those we serve and invite broader participation in shaping our programs.
Strengthen Partnerships: Provide wrap-around services as we collaborate with Beacon Interfaith and a project in Vadnais Heights, partners building housing (upwards of 105 units!) in the next few years.
Invest in Capacity Building: Strengthen our internal infrastructure and policies to sustain and scale our impact over the long term.
We cannot achieve these goals alone. Your continued support—whether through volunteerism, advocacy, or financial contributions—remains the cornerstone of our success.
Thank you for being an essential part of our community. Together, we will continue to make a difference and build a brighter future for all families.
With gratitude,
Executive Director, Solid Ground