Senator Tina Smith Visits Maplewood Apartments to Spotlight Rural Housing Success and Policy Momentum

On a sunny August afternoon, Senator Tina Smith returned to Maplewood Apartments in St. Peter—a place deeply connected to her early work in the Senate—to see firsthand how rural housing investments are transforming lives in Greater Minnesota. The visit, hosted by Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership (SWMHP), celebrated Maplewood as a model for what’s possible when federal funding, strong local partnerships, and community-centered development align.

Maplewood Apartments, owned by SWMHP, underwent a comprehensive $3.8 million rehabilitation in partnership with the USDA, Minnesota Housing, the City of St. Peter, and Midwest Housing Equity Group. Upgrades included energy-efficient improvements, enhanced safety features, and revitalized shared spaces. Since the rehabilitation, the property has maintained a consistent occupancy rate between 90–94%, a clear indication of the ongoing demand for affordable housing in the region.

“At SWMHP, we serve 30 counties across southwest and south-central Minnesota, offering a full spectrum of housing services—from ownership opportunities and multifamily development to preservation projects like Maplewood,” said Chad Adams, CEO of SWMHP. “This property is just one example of the over 2,000 units we manage. Projects like this require deep collaboration and long-term commitment from our partners.”

Adams expressed appreciation for the critical role of public agencies and financial partners, including NeighborWorks America, whose support in organizational capacity and flexible capital helps SWMHP bring complex projects to life. He also acknowledged Senator Smith’s steadfast advocacy for rural housing, including her leadership on the Rural Housing Services Reform Act, now making its way through Congress.

Amy Benda, SWMHP’s Director of Property and Asset Management, provided deeper insight into the investment and ongoing management of Maplewood.

“This property isn’t just about the dollars—it’s about the lives changed,” Benda said. “Our investment brought in energy efficiency, safety, and community-focused improvements. But maintaining this affordability requires continued public investment, especially as inflation outpaces what our reserves can cover for future capital needs like roofing, heating systems, and windows.”

The visit featured conversations with residents who shared how safe, affordable housing at Maplewood has changed their lives. One resident, Lisa Gallegos, described the apartment as a place that provides both financial breathing room and a sense of security—something she hadn’t experienced in previous housing situations.

Senator Smith praised Maplewood and the SWMHP team as a national example of rural housing done right.

“People often think housing shortages only affect big cities, but the challenge is just as deep—if not deeper—in small towns and rural areas,” Smith said. “This is about people. Elders, working families, individuals with disabilities—people who simply need a safe, decent place to live. Maplewood proves that it can be done, and done well.”

Senator Smith also reflected on the broader policy implications of projects like Maplewood, especially as Congress works to reform the USDA’s rural housing programs. She and Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota have championed bipartisan legislation to preserve aging rural housing units and ensure their continued affordability.

“In a world where bipartisanship can be hard to find, our housing bill passed unanimously out of the Senate Banking and Housing Committee,” Smith said. “It’s an encouraging step—and one that recognizes how essential housing is to every community.”

The visit concluded with remarks from City of St. Peter representatives, who emphasized their decades-long partnership with SWMHP and the city’s investment in the project, including a $350,000 low-interest loan to support the rehab.

At its core, Maplewood Apartments exemplifies SWMHP’s mission: building vibrant communities across rural Minnesota by ensuring that every person—regardless of income—has a place to call home.

“When families have stable housing, everything else becomes possible,” Benda said. “Children can learn, parents can work, and seniors can age in place. That’s what we’re fighting for—together.”

Watch the KEYC news coverage of Senator Smith’s visit to Maplewood Apartments: Sen. Tina Smith visits St. Peter, highlights need for affordable housing