More Than a Builder: Nor-Son Builds Hope in Brainerd
April 29, 2025
Nor-Son Construction has a strong history of building for nonprofits and actively engaging in community development projects. The Nor-Son team has worked on projects for organizations like churches, a Ronald McDonald House in Red River Valley, Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge facilities, numerous camps, and more. Now, they are partnering with My Neighbor to Love Coalition (MNTLC) to build housing in Brainerd—Creekside Community—that is helping lift people out of homelessness and poverty.
MNTLC was founded in 2021 by Vicky and Scot Kinney, who understood chronic and long-term homelessness. Others joined them in their effort, which focuses on three areas: building homes, building healthy lives, and building community. Now, with the help of Nor-Son Construction, MNTLC is developing Creekside Community, a multi-phase project that provides safe and secure housing for people in need. The property obtained by the nonprofit encompasses nine acres, six of which are buildable.
When the MNTLC team began searching for a builder for Phase 1 of the project, they hired Nor-Son to construct a fourplex with studio dwelling units designed for one to three people. The first residents moved in on September 1, 2023. Nor-Son Construction was selected for Phase 1 because of its excellent reputation. Low on funds, MNTLC asked Nor-Son to build on an intermittent basis—and they agreed. The project took longer than hoped (due to funding delays), but true to their commitment to stewardship—advocating for the right thing for the client and community—Nor-Son worked to find ways to save the nonprofit money, keeping costs as low as possible.
With Phase 1 completed, MNTLC began planning for Phase 2, a 12-unit multi-family complex. Wanting to stay involved with this meaningful project, Nor-Son found creative ways to help MNTLC with project costs. With a heart to give back to the community and help people, Nor-Son’s Director of Commercial Business Development, Mark Korte, said, “There is so much need out there, and being able to help—even a little—goes a long way.”
Residents moved into the multi-family complex at the beginning of April, and construction for Phase 3—another 12-unit multi-family dwelling with three studio units and a four-bedroom boarding house—is underway. The hope is for Phase 3 to be ready for residents by wintertime. There are also plans for additional buildings, including an office, laundry room, and a Phase 4, which is currently in development.
Community-driven construction is an important part of Nor-Son’s vision to create environments that enhance how people live. This vision aligns with MNTLC’s mission to end homelessness by lifting people up and helping them out of poverty. Combining strengths and shared values makes Nor-Son Construction and MNTLC a powerful team.
Drawing up blueprints and designs for intentional living communities is creating more than just housing for those in need. Lives are being changed, relationships are forming, and a community is emerging where there once was none.
“Our nonprofit, My Neighbor to Love Coalition, has had a positive experience working with Nor-Son Construction in building housing to help solve homelessness. The team at Nor-Son has been responsive, informative, and easy to work with, guiding us through the construction process. They were quick to answer any questions and found ways to reduce costs for us. We appreciate their professionalism and dedication in helping us see our development and mission succeed.”
— Vicky Kinney, MNTLC founder and board chair
