Come Celebrate with Us!
You're Invited, Annual Report, Tenant Landlord Connection, Staff Shout Outs
One Roof prides itself on being a good place to work, and we employ good people. We are happy to share a few nice updates about Jackie Kemp, Jim Philbin and Noah Hobbs
Jackie Goes to Harvard
We are absolutely thrilled to announce some fantastic news: Jackie, a key leader on our team, has been accepted into the prestigious Achieving Excellence in Community Development (AE) program at Harvard’s Kennedy School!
This highly selective national program brings together 50 mid-career leaders dedicated to strengthening communities. Jackie will collaborate with a team of peers and a coach on a significant "performance challenge" – a project designed to directly enhance One Roof’s work and increase our impact here in the community.
The AE program involves intensive sessions conducted both at Harvard and virtually, providing advanced learning and strategic thinking opportunities. Jeff Corey had valuable experience participating in this program years ago, and it was instrumental in helping One Roof expand crucial areas like our multifamily development work.
This is a wonderful opportunity for Jackie's personal growth and, importantly, a chance for One Roof to build an even stronger capacity to fulfill our mission. The program kicks off this month, and we're excited about the potential impact of Jackie's work on our organization and the community we serve. Please join us in congratulating Jackie on this remarkable achievement!
Jim Philbin – 25 years with One Roof
Before coming to work at one roof, my wife Margo and I worked with homeless youth,
families, and seniors in Seattle. These experiences shaped our passion for helping people find stable housing. At One Roof, being part of the next step on the continuum to help someone get into their first home is something I find truly fulfilling.
Interestingly, my journey to One Roof began at a remote retreat center in Washington state, where my wife and I met Steve O’Neil and Angie Miller, founders of the Loaves & Fishes Catholic Worker Community in Duluth, which serves people experiencing homelessness. They encouraged us to visit Duluth, and we were struck by the beauty of the place when we did—the big body of water, the greenery, and the hills. In the summer of 2000, through Steve, I met Jeff Corey, the Executive Director of a tiny non-profit called Northern Communities Land Trust (which later merged with Neighborhood Housing Services and became One Roof Community Housing). Jeff took a chance on me as an AmeriCorps member, then hired me full-time, and I’ve been here ever since.
I never would have imagined One Roof’s growth from building just two houses a year to becoming an organization with 30 staff members, millions in housing development activity, and multiple lines of business. There wasn’t a 25- year strategic plan at the start—it just happened organically as we saw community needs and asked, “Can we help with that?”
Every year presents new projects, challenges, and opportunities to serve the community, and that keeps me excited. The wonderful staff culture is also a big motivator. The One Roof team is so committed to the mission, and everyone supports each other. The collegial spirit makes for an environment that you want to be part of. It’s not about competition—it’s about supporting each other. When one part of the organization succeeds, it feels like a win for everyone. Knowing we’re all working together for the same goal is energizing.
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing people achieve something they thought was impossible—like buying their first home. At closings, I often hear, “I never thought this was possible,” or “I didn’t think I’d ever own a home.” That moment of empowerment is incredible. But even more fulfilling is knowing that after the closing, we’re there to support them through their journey as homeowners. I’ve seen many clients flourish over time, and some have even gone on to serve on our Board of Directors.
One Roof isn’t just a place I work—it’s a place that has had a profound impact on my own life. My wife and I bought a house through the Land Trust program and raised our two daughters there. Now, our older daughter is married, and our grandson visits us every Friday in that very same house, which feels like a full-circle moment. Being both a beneficiary and an advocate for affordable housing has been incredibly meaningful, and it’s something that keeps me deeply connected to the mission of One Roof.
Noah
We're excited share some other exciting news: Noah Hobbs has been accepted into the Minnesota Young American Leaders Program (MYALP) at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities!
MYALP is an intensive program bringing together rising leaders from Minnesota's for-profit, government, and non-profit sectors. Developed in partnership with the University of Minnesota, the Itasca Project, and Harvard Business School, the program focuses on fostering cross-sector collaboration to drive inclusive prosperity across our communities and region.
Participants engage with case studies, learn from practitioners, and gain tools for building effective shared leadership initiatives. With over 200 alumni, MYALP cultivates a powerful network committed to impacting the future of Minnesota.
Noah's participation is not only a fantastic opportunity for his personal growth, but also a significant investment in our organization's capacity to work effectively across sectors for the public good. The program offers participants the chance to collaborate on potential initiatives after the program, further benefiting our region.
Please join us in congratulating Noah on this outstanding achievement! We're incredibly proud and excited about the insights and collaborations this experience will bring.
Have a Question or Concern About Your Rental Situation?
If you're a tenant or landlord and have questions or concerns, One Roof's Tenant Landlord Connection (TLC) program is here to help! Our mission is to ensure stable rental housing exists by educating and assisting both tenants and landlords. We aim to improve relationships and decrease housing evictions in our community.
How We Can Assist You:
Our TLC program provides education, information, and problem-solving assistance to navigate rental situations. In 2024 alone, we served over 700 tenants and landlords. Our services include:
Ready-to-Rent classes: For tenants looking to establish or rebuild a positive rental history.
Landlord workshops: Covering topics like fair housing laws, local government rules, and business fundamentals.
Community Resource: Serving as a resource on the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords.
Mediation services: To help resolve tenant/landlord and neighbor-to-neighbor disputes. In 2024, our mediation and problem-solving assistance helped stabilize 194 households.
Administering funding for our Family Homeless Prevention & Assistance Program (FHPAP) services: Providing assistance to prevent homelessness.
Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, One Roof’s TLC Program can assist you in resolving your rental disputes to avoid costly legal action. In 2024, we successfully prevented 34 evictions.
Need Assistance?
Click one of the following links to submit a request for assistance through our Tenant Landlord Connection program: Follow this link
To speak with TLC staff about your rental situation, call (218) 391-7679.
You can also find more information about resources and assistance for tenants and landlords on our website.
Annual Event
You're Invited to One Roof's 2025 Annual Member Meeting & Celebration!
Mark your calendars! We're excited to invite you to join us for our Annual Member Meeting & Celebration as we celebrate your vital support of One Roof's programs.
This special evening will take place on:
Thursday, May 15th, 2025 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Join us at the Clyde Malting Building in Duluth for a festive gathering. Attendees will enjoy a delicious taco bar dinner catered by Clyde Iron Works and receive a complimentary beverage with their RSVP. We'll also briefly cover essential membership business, including board elections.
Come celebrate the impact we've made together!
RSVP is required to attend. Please let us know you're coming by visiting following this link
Annual Report
Our annual report is out – if you haven’t received a copy here is an online version of our 2024 annual report.
CDFI
Recent executive orders from the government could potentially threaten funding for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). As a Certified CDFI, One Roof relies on this critical funding to support our programs and services that build affordable housing, create jobs, and strengthen neighborhoods.
In light of this, One Roof has been actively involved in educating stakeholders and advocating for the importance of preserving CDFI funding. We believe it's crucial to protect these resources that make a real difference in our community.
This article from the Star Tribune provides valuable insight into these advocacy efforts and the potential negative impacts should CDFI funding decrease:
[Link: Read the Article] [https://www.startribune.com/trumps-order-to-gut-community-building-program-existential-threat-to-minnesota-lenders/601321349?utm_source=gift]
We remain committed to advocating for the resources necessary to continue our vital community development work.
Let One Roof Help Make Home a Better Place
Purchasing a home may be one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make, and navigating today’s housing market can seem impossible. Homeownership education is the single most effective tool for achieving successful homeownership. One Roof offers several programs to assist you in preparing for the home buying process.
One Roof’s Community Land Trust program allows lower income home buyers to purchase Land Trust homes for a significantly reduced price. In exchange for this assistance, One Roof maintains ownership of the land, which homeowners lease for a small fee. When homeowners move, they agree to pass on the benefits they received by selling their home below market price to another income-qualified buyer.
Buy a Community Land Trust Home
One Roof Community Lending offers affordable loan programs for home improvements. Our loans can assist homeowners in Duluth, Superior, and the surrounding areas at practically any income level. Multi-family rental properties are also eligible but must be owner-occupied.
One Roof is home to a community Tool Lending Library for Duluth residents. Like a traditional library, tools can be checked out at no cost. The collection supports all kinds of home improvement and repair projects, both indoors and out.
Find out what tools you can borrow from One Roof’s Free Tool Lending Library