ST. PAUL, Minn. (November 7, 2025) – As part of its longstanding commitment to supporting the Bemidji community and surrounding areas, the Affinity Plus Foundation is pleased to announce a new grant donation to the Headwaters Housing Development Corporation (HHDC) to expand financial education and homeownership opportunities for individuals and families across northern Minnesota. 

HHDC plays a critical local role in building and maintaining stable housing, administering homeownership and improvement programs and leading community development efforts across Beltrami, Hubbard, Mahnomen, Clearwater and Lake of the Woods counties, including the Red Lake, White Earth and Leech Lake Indian Reservations. 

The $30,000 grant – which is renewable for up to three years pending annual results – will help HHDC implement a new tracking process that follows participants from basic financial education all the way to first-time homeownership, while offering support and referral services for case management to augment success at every stage. The grant will also expand access to HHDC’s RENTwise and Getting Ahead programs in Beltrami County and introduce RENTwise and Getting Ahead to other counties in the region. Collectively, these programs will help more Minnesotans develop financial skills, repair credit and prepare for successful homeownership. 

“Stable housing and financial education go hand in hand,” said Jacquie Twedt, Board Chair of the Affinity Plus Foundation. “Whether it’s building savings, repairing credit or purchasing your first home, we’re passionate about helping our northern Minnesota communities access the tools, resources and confidence to achieve their goals. This partnership with HHDC represents our shared mission to empower these communities together.”  

In addition to expanding access to financial education resources, Affinity Plus will also partner with HHDC to bring guest speakers and local employee experts to assist with programming. 

“Every time we sit down with a family working toward their first home, we see what financial confidence can do – it changes lives, strengthens neighborhoods and transforms communities,” said Levi Haar, Operations Manager at Headwaters Housing Development Corporation. “We couldn’t do this work without partners like the Affinity Plus Foundation, and their shared belief in the power of financial education provides opportunities beyond critical funding to exchange resources and knowledge. Together, we’re inspired to continue showing up for these families, providing them with the resources and knowledge they need to create lasting change in our communities.”  

The program rollout is underway in Bemidji with planning in progress for Mahnomen and surrounding counties. With expanded capacity, HHDC expects to engage up to 75 participants per quarter, with a goal of helping at least five participants transition into first-time homeownership each quarter as the program matures. 

For more information about Affinity Plus Foundation’s community impact and programs, visit affinityplusfoundation.org.

The Affinity Plus Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established by Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union and based in St. Paul, Minn., is committed to building stronger communities through brighter financial futures for all. Through initiatives focused on housing stability, financial well-being, food security and access to education, the Affinity Plus Foundation creates lasting impact in the communities it serves. Since its inception in 2000, the Affinity Plus Foundation has awarded more than $2 million in grants and scholarships, empowering individuals and organizations to overcome barriers and achieve brighter financial futures. Learn more about the Foundation's mission and programs at www.affinityplusfoundation.org. 

Headwaters Housing Development Corporation (HHDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, subsidiary of Headwaters Regional Development Commission located in Bemidji Minnesota. Its mission is to meet the housing needs of low-and moderate-income households throughout the Headwaters Region through housing development, rehabilitation and education activities, and by leading community housing initiatives through strategic partnerships.  Learn more about HHDC and their programs at www.hrdc.org.