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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carolyn
Marinan, Communications, 612-348-5969
Fair housing testing
On Tuesday, the board approved a contract with Mid Minnesota Legal Aid for fair housing testing in suburban Hennepin County. Testing helps prevent violations of the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits housing discrimination based on race, disability status, religion, familial status and other protected class status. Compliance proceedings will be initiated for any violations found during testing.
Housing for American Indians experiencing homelessness
The board accepted an additional $299,927 from the state to provide housing and rehabilitative services for American Indians experiencing homelessness and severe substance use disorders. Funding will be used at 1500 Elliot Avenue South in Minneapolis, which the American Indian Community Development Corporation has acquired to respond to increased numbers of people experiencing homelessness in encampments and other places not meant for human habitation. Hennepin County previously accepted $510,993 of state funding for two other AICDC programs, located at Kola Safe Haven housing and 2408 Fourth Avenue South in Minneapolis.
Plaza park near future LRT line and Brooklyn Park Library
The City of Brooklyn Park is constructing a temporary plaza park at West Broadway Avenue (County Road 103) and 85th Avenue North (County Road 109), near the proposed METRO Blue Line Extension. On Tuesday, the board approved an agreement that allows the city to use a portion of library property for the park, which will include a nature playground, shaded stage and seating, open areas and public art. The city’s plans for the plaza are consistent with earlier light rail station area planning supported by Hennepin County Community Works.
Environmental education grants
The board awarded 16 Green Partners environmental education grants that will engage more than 10,500 residents to protect and improve the environment. The majority of projects will engage communities of color, immigrant communities, and residents who live in areas of concern for environmental justice. These grants also support youth environmental education opportunities.
Grant recipients
- Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities (Mound)
- Center for Earth, Energy and Democracy (Minneapolis)
- Highpoint Center for Printmaking (Minneapolis)
- Jordan Area Community Council (Minneapolis)
- Lao Assistance Center of Minnesota (Minneapolis)
- Midwest Food Connection (Minneapolis)
- MIGIZI Communications (Minneapolis)
- Minnesota State Colleges & Universities (Minneapolis)
- Move Minneapolis (Minneapolis)
- Spark-Y (Minneapolis)
- University of Minnesota 4-H (Minneapolis)
- Urban Strategies Inc. (Minneapolis)
- Freshwater Society
- St. Anthony-New Brighton Independent School District
- Three Rivers Park District (Brooklyn Center, Robbinsdale, Golden Valley,Plymouth, Crystal)
- Minneapolis Public Schools
Learn more about the county’s environmental education programs.
Current and archival board meetings, agendas and minutes are available at hennepin.us/boardmeetings.
Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at hennepin.us/news.
Discover how we're making a difference in our communities at hennepin.us/stories.
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