Two new buildings are set to rise at Rainbow Village’s Duluth campus. Construction is scheduled to begin soon on the expansion, which will support families experiencing homelessness. The non-profit has also announced the general contractor for the project, along with other details.
Highlights
- Two new buildings will soon expand the Rainbow Village campus.
- A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for late September.
- Construction is expected to take about a year to complete.
Rainbow Village Sets for a Much-Awaited Expansion
The nonprofit, Rainbow Village, is expanding to better support the community. The land adjacent to the existing campus has been acquired for the same. This will more than double the families the organization can support, providing secure housing for up to 36 additional families in crisis.
General Contractor Selected for the Expansion
Rainbow Village has selected Lubin Enterprises as the general contractor for the expansion. After a public bid for a contractor, the company was chosen to bring their vision to life. Architects, Axis Companies, and project managers at Collaborative Housing Solutions will partner on the project.
“We are incredibly grateful to Lubin Enterprises, Axis Companies, Collaborative Housing Solutions, and everyone else who has embarked on this journey with us as we seek to transform the lives of families in need,” said Melanie Conner, CEO of Rainbow Village. “We are so proud of what we’ve accomplished together to date, and we’re excited about the impact yet to come. Before we even break ground on this expansion, we’re already well on our way, having tapped our contractor and project partners.”
Founded in 1990, Lubin Enterprises has built a reputation for craftsmanship and functionality across its projects. Two new apartment buildings will increase the number of families the organization will serve. Meanwhile, Rainbow Village has reached 73% of its funding for the project and continues to put in efforts to reach its goal.
Conner adds, “In addition to donations and the amazing support from Gwinnett County and our wonderful board of directors, we’ve been awarded several foundation grants, including an endowment from the Schoen Foundation. We’re at 73% of our goal, but there’s still much to do.”
Groundbreaking Ceremony to Begin Construction
On September 29, 2025, a groundbreaking for the new buildings will take place. The ceremony will bring together Rainbow Village staff, board members, local officials, and community partners. The buildings are estimated to be completed in a year from the groundbreaking.
After the groundbreaking ceremony, the organization will host its largest annual fundraiser. The Tailgate to Tackle Homelessness Benefit Gala will help the nonprofit acquire funding for its operations and projects. The event will be held on October 4 at Formetco, Duluth.
“My team and I will continue to raise funds to ensure that every family housed in our new apartments receives dedicated resident support services, mental health counseling, life skills development, and free access to Rainbow Village Academy – including after-school care, digital learning days, and summer programming,” adds Conner.
With continued financial support, the nonprofit will be able to expand services for families facing homelessness. The funds will provide safe housing, education, and community support systems to the families. It will also be used to support the staff and maintain the campus.
“In addition to housing for up to two years at a modest rent, they will receive utility and internet services at no additional cost, so they can focus on rebuilding their savings and knocking out debt,” Conner adds. Beyond the cost of construction, a portion of the campaign funds has been earmarked for staffing, programming, family services, and ongoing maintenance of the entire campus to ensure a safe and healthy living and working environment.”
The nonprofit’s goal is to help families achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency beyond its campus. The nonprofit is steadily working towards eliminating homelessness. By providing means of self-sufficiency to families, it ensures that they can get a new start in life through this support.
