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St. Cloud’s East African population is growing, and about 70 percent of the region’s Somali residents live below the federal poverty line, reports MPR News’ Kirsti Marohn. 

Shirwa Adan, executive director of the Central Minnesota Community Empowerment Organization, helps members of the community address language and cultural barriers and apply for jobs and housing. 

Advocates say that home ownership helps to fight poverty, sustain families and community. 

North Star Journey was made possible in part with funds from the 

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MPR News reporter Kirsti Marohn reports on efforts to help Somali residents in St. Cloud address barriers to home ownership as part of the North Star Journey series.

Owning a home has long been viewed as an economic stepping stone in America that can build generational wealth for families and stability for communities. It’s a prize, though, that Minnesota’s new immigrants sometimes find out of reach.  Kirsti Marohn reports from St. Cloud on efforts to help that city's Somali residents overcome barriers to home ownership and achieve the American dream. It's part of the MPR News North Star Journey series.

St. Cloud effort aims to help Somali residents pursue homeownership

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