Rainbow Village Gets $1.1 Million as Duluth Housing Expansion Nears Completion

DULUTH — Two new apartment buildings are nearing completion at Rainbow Village, where a $1.1 million federal award will help the nonprofit expand housing and support services for families experiencing homelessness.

The funding, secured with the support of U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, comes through a congressionally directed community project program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Rainbow Village said Thursday, November 5.

The buildings will add 36 apartments to the Duluth campus, increasing its capacity from 30 to 66 families. The nonprofit has not announced an exact opening date.

Demand for assistance has far exceeded the space available. Rainbow Village said it received 1,876 calls seeking help in 2025.

“At Rainbow Village, we believe that every family deserves more than a roof over their heads,” CEO Melanie Conner said. “They deserve the opportunity to build a stable, successful future.”

The expansion involves more than apartments. Work is also underway at the organization’s community center to create dedicated space for adult learning, career and financial education, and services for parents and children.

Warnock said the investment would support transitional housing for families in Gwinnett County, where rising housing costs have placed greater pressure on households seeking stability.

Founded in 1991, Rainbow Village combines temporary housing with education and other support aimed at helping families become financially independent. The current expansion is part of its Building Homes, Building Hope capital campaign.