Jennifer Compeau never expected homeownership to feel possible.
Like many people across northwest Minnesota, she was working hard to create stability for her family. She was participating in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program through Northwest Minnesota HRA and the Family Assets for Independence Minnesota (FAME) program while living in Section 8 housing. She dreamed of owning a home, but rising prices and limited options made it feel out of reach.
When the numbers didn’t add up
“We were looking for a home for a while, and it was just unattainable,” Compeau said. “The prices around our community were something we wouldn’t have been able to do without North Star Neighbors. We could have maybe gotten approved somewhere, but we would have been house broke for sure. I wanted to be able to live, too.”
That changed when Jennifer learned about North Star Neighbors and its community land trust model.
The program creates an affordable path to homeownership by separating ownership of the home from ownership of the land beneath it. This approach lowers the purchase price for homebuyers while helping preserve affordability for future families, ensuring that community investment continues to benefit generations to come.
“It was amazing. I thought, this makes so much sense,” Compeau said. “Anything that makes homeownership more affordable for our community members is phenomenal.”
What mattered most to her was knowing that the home would remain affordable for someone else someday.
The first night at home
In January 2026, Jennifer officially became a homeowner.
Even then, the moment felt almost unreal.
“I remember sitting in the house that first night and just staring,” she said.”I couldn’t believe it.”
Today, her family enjoys something simple but deeply meaningful: space to grow. Her children have a secure place to play outdoors. Family gatherings are easier, and there is room to gather and even grill, something her previous apartment living did not allow.
“It feels good. We worked hard to get here,” she said. “It’s a dream come true. I honestly feel like I won the lottery.”
More than home ownership
For Jennifer, the impact extends far beyond owning a house.
“It really builds confidence in yourself as a person, a family, and a mother,” she said. “It’s more stability than we’ve ever had.”
After spending eight years away, Compeau returned to East Grand Forks in 2019. Jennifer wanted to build a lasting future in the community she loves.
“I love the small town. I love the community. I love the people,” she said. “It’s amazing to be able to come back and rebuild a quality life.”
That sense of stability has also created opportunities to become more involved in community leadership and civic engagement; something Jennifer says she may never have considered when housing insecurity was still a daily concern.
“I never would have thought I’d do it,” she said. When you have a home, stability, and the opportunity to thrive, all your needs are met,” she said. “You can think about giving back… making sure people have a voice.”
Opening doors for others
Jennifer’s story reflects the broader impact of affordable homeownership.
Through North Star Neighbors, families who may otherwise be priced out of the housing market can achieve homeownership, build long-term stability, and put down roots in the communities they call home. At the same time, the community land trust model helps preserve affordability so future homebuyers can access the same opportunity.
“I thought homeownership was out of reach for us,” Jennifer said. “But caring people, community support, and learning to use the resources available made it possible.”
For Northwest Minnesota Foundation, stories like Jennifer’s demonstrate the ripple effects of how affordable housing can strengthen families, provide security for children, support community stability, and create opportunities for people to become even more engaged in the communities they call home. For Jennifer and her family, homeownership was not the end of the journey. It was the beginning of a new chapter built on security, confidence, and hope for the future.
Sometimes, a house is just the beginning.
Learn more
Interested in learning more about North Star Neighbors and the community land trust model? Visit northstarneighbors.org.
