By Amanda Richer for Runta News – Seattle, Washington
Photos by Paul Middlestaedt of Minnesota Public Radio
The story of Abdikadir Bashir and CAIRO is a compelling narrative of vision, dedication, and community empowerment. From a 2024 Humanitarian Award from St. Cloud State and supporting the initial integration of immigrants and refugees to tackling the fundamental issue of housing insecurity, they are actively shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for St. Cloud. The bustling cultural malls serve as a vibrant symbol of the positive impact immigrants have already made, and CAIRO’s ambitious housing project promises to further solidify their place as integral and contributing members of the community. As Bashir looks out at the thriving corner, it’s clear that he and CAIRO are not just serving a community; they are building one, brick by brick, and fostering a future where everyone has the opportunity to belong and prosper.
On a vibrant corner in the heart of St. Cloud, Minnesota, where a former Wells Fargo bank once stood, Abdikadir Bashir surveys a testament to the resilience and dynamism of the city’s newest residents. In three directions, bustling cultural malls hum with activity – restaurants, cafes, retail shops, a halal market, and a health clinic, all born from the entrepreneurial spirit of East African immigrants who have made St. Cloud their home.
This lively hub is more than just a collection of businesses; it’s the beating heart of St. Cloud’s recently arrived immigrant community, and Abdikadir Bashir, the dedicated executive director of the Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization (CAIRO), sees it as a powerful rebuttal to negative stereotypes.
“This neighborhood is a testament to the contrary — that immigrants come here and do make the new communities better, economically, socially and culturally,” Bashir passionately explains. “And that’s what we also intend to continue.”
For years, St. Cloud-based CAIRO has been a vital lifeline for immigrants and refugees navigating the complexities of a new country. Under Bashir’s leadership, the organization has provided crucial services and support, including essential education programs, access to vital health resources, and effective workforce training initiatives.
However, Bashir and CAIRO recognized a fundamental challenge hindering the progress of many: the shortage of affordable housing in St. Cloud. This realization has propelled the organization into a new and ambitious endeavor: Iskufilan Village.
In a bold move last year, CAIRO acquired a nearly 4-acre property on 33rd Avenue and Third Street North. Their vision for this space is transformative: a mixed-use development that will feature commercial spaces, offices, an event venue, and, most importantly, 70 much-needed rental apartments. The nearly 4-acre property on 33rd Avenue and Third Street North, acquired by CAIRO last year, will soon be home to this transformative project. Named Iskufilan Village, a Somali word meaning sufficient, whole, or complete, the development embodies CAIRO’s vision for a thriving community hub that fosters a deep sense of belonging. Supporters envision a place where local businesses and essential services are conveniently close by, creating a truly integrated and supportive environment.
Central to Iskufilan Village are the 70 planned rental apartments. Recognizing the unique needs of larger immigrant families, most of these units will feature three or four bedrooms. Bashir points out that this space is crucial for families that often include six or more people, a significant difference from the U.S. average of 2.5.
The lack of adequate housing has had a profound impact on families. “We hear of moms that tend to hide their pregnancies, sometimes out of fear of growing out of their current apartment, or getting kicked out by a landlord,” Bashir shares with concern. “I have heard stories of a family living in two adjacent apartments because one apartment is not (large) enough for them.”
The housing in Iskufilan Village will be open to anyone, not restricted to immigrants or any specific demographic. This commitment to inclusivity reflects CAIRO’s broader goal of strengthening the entire St. Cloud community.
Bashir emphasizes that this ambitious project is deeply rooted in the East African culture of collective responsibility to solve problems. “It is led by the community,” he states. “It’s coming from the community, because we have that lived experience.” This drive from within ensures that the development is tailored to the real needs of the people it aims to serve.
Addressing the pressing issue of housing affordability in St. Cloud, where nearly half of renters are cost-burdened, at least 10 percent of the units in Iskufilan Village will be designated as affordable, with the remainder targeted toward middle-income working residents.
Currently, CAIRO is diligently putting together the private financing required for the project. In addition to these efforts, they are also seeking $5 million in state funds from the Legislature to help bring their vision to fruition.
For Bashir, this foray into real estate development is a logical extension of CAIRO’s core mission. “We came to realize that housing anchors everything,” he states with conviction. “It is the foundation to human development. It is the foundation to community progress. Without a roof over your head, children will not be able to go to school. You will not be healthy. You will not be prospering economically.”
While Abdikadir Bashir and CAIRO are making significant strides in addressing housing needs with the Iskufilan Village project, they are not alone in their commitment to a more equitable St. Cloud. Another impactful initiative is being spearheaded by Dreamliner Estates LLC, a development company founded by three passionate community leaders of color who bring a diverse range of expertise to the table.
Ryan Daniel, CEO of St. Cloud Metro Bus, the city’s public transit service, is one of the driving forces behind Dreamliner Estates. His co-founders are Eunice Adjei, director of multicultural services for St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, and her brother, Emmanuel Oppong. Originally from Ghana, West Africa, Adjei and Oppong have both called St. Cloud home for over a decade, bringing their unique perspectives and deep understanding of the community’s needs. A key focus for Dreamliner Estates is the importance of homeownership in building generational wealth for families. Daniel points out the stark reality that, statistically, homeownership rates in St. Cloud are significantly lower for people of color. This disparity underscores the urgent need for initiatives that actively work to bridge this gap.
The emergence of Dreamliner Estates alongside CAIRO’s Iskufilan Village underscores a growing movement within St. Cloud, led by people of color, to proactively address systemic issues and create more inclusive opportunities. These initiatives, driven by a deep understanding of lived experiences and a collective desire for a more equitable future, are vital steps towards building a St. Cloud where everyone has the chance to secure stable housing and build a foundation for long-term prosperity. The dedication of individuals like Ryan Daniel, Eunice Adjei, and Emmanuel Oppong, working in concert with the efforts of Abdikadir Bashir and CAIRO, signals a powerful and hopeful trajectory for the city.
Amanda Richer is a Displacement Consultant at One Health Clinic www.onehealthclinic.org and Shelterapp, Inc. www.shelterapp.org
