Safe, stable housing is foundational to individual and community well-being, yet housing insecurity continues to be a growing challenge across Duluth and the surrounding region. Rising housing costs, limited affordable housing, and increasing demand for supportive services have left many individuals and families searching for stability. As these pressures continue to grow, organizations like CHUM play an increasingly vital role in helping community members access shelter, supportive services, and pathways to permanent housing.
When construction began on CHUM in October 2025, the goal was clear: create a more welcoming, functional space that better supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Just months into construction, that vision grew.
A transformational $2.5 million gift from the Day 1 Families Fund gave CHUM the opportunity to expand the project, adding approximately 3,500 square feet and introducing a dedicated family shelter to the upper level of the building. Rather than pausing progress, the project team worked collaboratively to keep the renovation of the existing facility moving forward while simultaneously redesigning the new addition.
“This project continues to challenge me in the best way, and I’m incredibly grateful to be working alongside such an adaptable and collaborative team,” said Anna Ashton, CHUM Project Manager at Architecture Advantage. “It’s not every day that you find yourself returning to the design phase while construction is still moving forward, but our team has embraced the challenge with flexibility and creativity every step of the way.”
The expanded scope allows CHUM to restore more programs to a single location, supporting one of the organization’s long-term goals of bringing services back under one roof. By reducing the need for clients to travel between multiple locations, the renovated campus will create a more accessible, coordinated experience for individuals and families seeking support.
For Architecture Advantage, the project reflects the power of thoughtful collaboration and adaptability. As the needs of the organization evolved, so did the design, ensuring the building continues to support CHUM’s mission today while remaining flexible for the future.
Construction is expected to be completed in summer 2027. We’re proud to partner with CHUM and the project team on a space that will strengthen services, create stability for families, and serve the Duluth community for years to come.
