A message from President & CEO,
As we reflect on the past year, it is with a sense of profound gratitude and optimism that I share this annual update with you. Despite the challenges, Avivo has continued to make significant strides in our mission to transform lives and strengthen our community. Thanks to your unwavering support, we have not only met but exceeded our goals in numerous areas of service.
This year, nearly 10,000 individuals found new beginnings through Avivo’s comprehensive services. From those moving from homelessness to stable housing to others finding success in recovery from addiction and mental health challenges, your support has been crucial. We celebrated over 1,700 individuals as they found or maintained housing, helping to avert homelessness. Additionally, our substance use disorder treatment and mental health services reached over 2,200 people, providing them with the tools to reclaim their lives.
We’re also proud to report significant progress in employment and education, with 1,784 individuals entering or advancing in their careers through our programs. These successes extend beyond individual achievements to contribute to the economic health and vibrancy of our entire community.
Our commitment to high-fidelity, harm-reduction care coupled with a housing first perspective has positioned Avivo as a leader in the field. As a result, we are quite literally saving lives, building community and preserving the opportunity for a brighter future, one day at a time. Moreover, our collaboration with a dozen Minnesota counties has established us as a preferred provider of employment services, helping families move off public assistance and towards self-sufficiency. Suddenly one day at a time, becomes a future of possibilities.
None of this would be possible without you—our donors, volunteers, partners, and staff. Your dedication and generosity fuel our ability to meet the increasing needs of our community and to think innovatively about our services.
As we look forward, we are excited about the opportunities and challenges ahead. With your continued support, we will keep pushing boundaries and improving lives. Together, we are making a bold lasting impact, ensuring that everyone has the chance to live well and work well.
Thank you for being part of this vital journey. Your commitment is not just changing lives—it is transforming our entire community for the better.
With gratitude,
Kelly Matter
President and CEO, Avivo
1Minnesota Department of Health, Statewide Trends in Drug Overdose: Preliminary 2022 Data Update
2 Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness, 2023 Minnesota Point-in-Time Count
2024 at a glance
9,918
people served
1,745
individuals served in finding or maintaining housing to avert homelessness
2,213
people accessed Avivo’s substance use disorder treatment and mental health services
12
Minnesota counties served
1,784
individuals entered jobs or careers
1,173
families moved off public assistance and into work
58%
of people Avivo serves identify as Black, Indigenous or persons of color
85%
of Avivo participants lived at or below 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines ($31,200 for family of four)
ABSOLUTE dignity
We walk alongside our community without judgement while offering an integrated continuum of services to help people thrive. Everyone is deserving of happiness, health, and value. People trust Avivo with their lives, their next steps.
HEADING
After a move for the Avivo Institute of Career & Technical Education programs and employment services, Avivo began regularly hosting career fairs, linking Avivo participants and members of the general public to jobs at dozens of employers.
HEADING
Avivo staff and participants joined together for two important advocacy days at the Minnesota State Capitol: Mental Health Day on the Hill and Homeless Day on the Hill, meeting with legislators to share personal stories and advocate for greater mental health support and housing supports across Minnesota.
HEADING
Two senior members of Avivo’s Ending Homelessness team, Charlotte and Brandon, were invited to present at the Housing First Partners Conference in Atlanta alongside safety partners from Relative Intel, highlighting High-Fidelity Harm Reduction in site-based programs.
Avivo Receives Northern Light Award
Avivo was honored to receive the 2024 Northern Light Award for Inspiring Organizational Leadership from the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless (MCH). The award recognizes Avivo’s commitment to addressing homelessness through a holistic, equity-driven approach that goes beyond housing – advocating for racial justice, LGBTQ+ equity, and support for other marginalized communities.
MCH praised Avivo as “an exceptional organization” tackling housing challenges at both local and statewide levels, with a focus on the intersectionality of social justice issues.
This honor reflects Avivo’s dedication to not only ensuring equal access to housing but also building a more just and equitable society for all.
Kat
When Kat Vann entered retirement, she decided that she would be the best volunteer she could be. Kat coordinated donation drives for Avivo and Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative that effectively provided household move-in items for 46 residents moving out of homelessness and into home. With her background at Beacon, Kat brought together congregations to provide essential household items – like bedding, dishes, and hygiene supplies – for residents at Bimosedaa, a supportive housing development designed to serve Native Americans experiencing homelessness. Her work mobilized twelve congregations and community groups, ensuring every unit was fully stocked. Kat continues to advocate for housing justice through legislative outreach and donation efforts. Her dedication reflects her belief in collective action and the power of community. “We are keeping the need for housing at the forefront,” she says, emphasizing the many ways people can contribute to ending homelessness.
“We can do big things together if we step into it.”
LEAN into curiosity
We ask questions, take risks, listen to people we serve, and humbly embrace learning. Challenges aren’t barriers; they are opportunities. We do what it takes and leverage relationships, science, and service to have life-changing impact in individuals’ lives and communities.
HEADING
Avivo celebrated 200 individuals permanently housed at Avivo Village with a BBQ for team members and residents, with food provided by partner Involve MN.
HEADING
Artists from Avivo’s ArtWorks program have their work featured in the “Beginnings” poster show, now on display at The Sidewalk Gallery in downtown Minneapolis thanks to a partnership with Hennepin Theatre Trust (now named Hennepin Arts).
HEADING
Avivo hosted an all-staff event put on by the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Team focused on allyship! Staff were honored who were identified as champions of Avivo’s values of a Radical Welcome, Absolute Dignity, and Leaning into Curiosity
Avivo’s Mental Health Clinic Grows
Avivo’s Mental Health Clinic grew and changed to offer advanced, holistic services tailored to individuals with limited or no income, and to offer those services at multiple Twin Cities locations – including Avivo’s main campus, YouthLink, and Avivo Village. These services include EMDR and trauma-sensitive therapeutic yoga, designed to support recovery from complex trauma and mental health challenges.
With a diverse team of practitioners, the clinic ensures culturally responsive care that fosters safety, connection, and healing for individuals from all backgrounds.
Avivo Partners with Xcel Power Up
Avivo was honored to receive the 2024 Northern Light Award for Inspiring Organizational Leadership from the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless (MCH). The award recognizes Avivo’s commitment to addressing homelessness through a holistic, equity-driven approach that goes beyond housing – advocating for racial justice, LGBTQ+ equity, and support for other marginalized communities.
MCH praised Avivo as “an exceptional organization” tackling housing challenges at both local and statewide levels, with a focus on the intersectionality of social justice issues.
This honor reflects Avivo’s dedication to not only ensuring equal access to housing but also building a more just and equitable society for all.
RADICAL welcome
Avivo provides radical hospitality – spaces that are safe, inclusive, and culturally relevant to all. We celebrate the power of living authentically. We commit to fostering a culture that rewards the courage to do so.
LASHONDA
LaShonda shared that she had her first son at a very young age and had stepped out on her own to raise him. Those early parenting years included fleeing from an abusive relationship with her oldest daughter’s father. She shared that her initial experiences with treatment were unsuccessful; she stayed sober for only five months. With family treatment and housing at Avivo, she has maintained recovery for nearly two years. “In other treatment programs you are away from your children. It is hard to jump into life sober with children when you have been away from them.”
[At Avivo], I was able to have a second chance at being a mom and be with my daughter. Do it right this time.”
FINANCIALS
REVENUE
Government Contracts
$23,237,846
Programs
9,110,612
Contributions and In-kind Donations
2,960,243
Other Income
1,665,168
TOTAL
$36,973,869
EXPENSES
Ending Homelessness
$7,191,133
Chemical & Mental Health
17,268,726
Employment Services & Career Education
9,401,026
Management & General
4,333,004
Fundraising
1,489,686
TOTAL
$39,683,575
Change in Net Assets*
$(2,709,706)
JOY NGUYEN,
MARSDEN SERVICES
“Volunteering with Avivo provides me with a sense of purpose and achievement that just goes beyond,” shares Joy Nguyen. “It’s a win-win for everyone to support and engage with Avivo.” Joy Nguyen is the community engagement and outreach manager at Marsden Services, a long-time Avivo business partner. Joy represents Marsden on Avivo’s Business Partner Council. She volunteers in Avivo Institute of Career & Technical Education’s training programs sharing practical insights with students on workplace success. She loves to see students grow in confidence and interview experience when she leads them through practice interviews. Sometimes practice interviews turn into real opportunities for careers at Marsden.
“Contributing allows me to create stronger bonds with my community and unite with people who are like-minded and have a shared commitment for making a better future for everyone.”
GIVING & GRATITUDE
Avivo’s impact in the community is propelled by the amazing support of Avivo donors, partners, and volunteers. Thank you for supporting Avivo, its participants and families!
1,310
volunteers donated 20,771 hours
$763,011
is the estimated labor value of our volunteers’ hours (Independent Sector)
$1,011,935
is the fair market value of goods donated
$1,948,308
raised in charitable giving and United Way wait for Financial numbers
Join us in celebrating our full list of amazing donors — corporations, foundations, organizations and individual donors — by checking out our full, printable 2023 Appreciation Report.
To see the financials in greater detail, view the printable PDF.
MISSION
Avivo’s mission is to increase well-being through recovery and career advancement while working to end homelessness.
1900 Chicago Avenue
Minneapolis, MN
612 752 8000