This week, we are featuring Chris “Topher” Hvinden!

At MACV, outreach means meeting Veterans where they are and building connections that can lead to stable housing and greater stability. As a frontline advocate, Chris works directly with Veterans throughout the Metro Continuum, combining outreach, case management, and resource navigation to connect Veterans with housing and other services. His work takes him into the community, including streets, emergency shelters, hospitals, and outreach events with community partners.

Chris brings both professional expertise and personal experience to his role. After his military service, Chris experienced homelessness himself and eventually connected with MACV as a client. During that time, he spent several years observing the work MACV staff were doing with Veterans at Building 47. Their commitment made an impact on him and helped inspire his own path toward serving Veterans.

Chris served eight years in the United States Marine Corps from 2002 to 2010, including active duty and reserve service. A Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, he served in Iraq, the Horn of Africa, and Ukraine in combat engineer and provisional security roles. He also volunteered in relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina.

For the past 15 years, Chris has continued serving the Veteran community through advocacy and direct service. His experience includes work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Veterans Benefits Administration, homeless justice outreach, and County Veterans Services. Before joining MACV as a staff member, Chris also volunteered with MACV and served on MACV’s Board of Directors.

For Chris, the most meaningful part of this work is “restoring hope, building trust through shared military backgrounds, and seeing fellow brothers and sisters in arms reach greater potential.” That perspective continues to guide how he connects with Veterans and approaches outreach each day.

“Veteran homelessness is actively addressed through coordinated, by-name systems like the Homeless Veterans Registry, along with organizations like MACV, county teams, and housing partners working across Minnesota. Together, these efforts help bridge gaps in housing and work toward making Veteran homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring. A Veteran’s discharge status does not prevent them from reaching out to MACV for help.” Chris Hvinden

Chris’ commitment to Veterans extends throughout the community. He has volunteered with Operation: 23 to 0 and served as a Veterans Treatment Court peer mentor and Treatment Court Initiative Board Member. He also testified in support of Minnesota’s Veterans Restorative Justice Act. Chris was recognized with a Minnesota Humanities Veterans’ Voices Award and has shared his experiences through WCCO’s Suits for Soldiers drive and the Twin Cities PBS documentary Crossing the Threshold, which explored Veterans transitioning home from war.

Chris holds an M.B.A. and B.S.W. from the College of St. Scholastica and an A.A. from Inver Hills Community College. He also holds certifications in personal training, bootcamp training, nutrition, and beekeeping. Most recently, Chris was accepted into the Invisible Wounds Project Volunteer Wayfinder Program, where he will help support Veterans, first responders, and their families as they navigate difficult life experiences.

Outside of MACV, Chris enjoys weightlifting, camping, fishing, and hiking. He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and serves as the Post 4210 Service Officer and an Honor Guard member. He is also a proud father who enjoys encouraging his 21-year-old son to continue pursuing his passions for art and helping others.

From experiencing MACV’s services firsthand to serving on its Board and now working directly with Veterans, Chris brings a unique perspective to MACV’s mission. His experiences have shaped a career centered on building trust, creating connections, and helping Veterans recognize what is possible for their future.

Chris, we thank you for your service to our country and community!