Hennepin County News and COVID-19 Update - July 4

Hennepin County, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 07/04/2020 10:39 AM CDT

July 4, 2020

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As we join with family and friends to celebrate community and country, I find that current events have me feeling contemplative about the moment we find ourselves in and the future we want to create.

First off, I want to thank the many of you who have contacted me to advocate on behalf of people experiencing homelessness. I am grateful for the outpouring of support from constituents on behalf of some of the county’s most vulnerable residents. Residents of District 3 have always wanted to know more and do more in support of our neighbors, individuals and families, who do not have stable housing. Next week I will send out a special newsletter focused entirely on what the county is doing, ways we partner with others on this regional challenge, and actions you can take.

Hennepin County’s role as a safety net is our defining role, and never has it been tested as with COVID-19. I am proud of how quickly the county responded in March, immediately stepping up in new ways to expand shelters, to prevent housing displacement of residents and families, and to bridge the gap for small businesses – to name just three of the many ways we have met the pandemic head-on. We have stepped up with local funding, and by getting federal CARES dollars (named for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act) out the door as quickly and strategically as possible.

As we do our work in new ways, for example providing more services over the internet, developing drive-thru service at libraries, and investing significantly in supporting upcoming elections and vote by mail (apply for your absentee ballot here), we are also relying on best practices developed before the pandemic: engaging with people experiencing homelessness through outreach and social workers and not through the police, continuing to view housing (and not shelter) as the goal, and building our skills in community outreach on anything we undertake.

The county is also deepening its work on race equity. Last week the board voted 6-1 to declare racism a public health crisis. An examination of disparities has been part of all county decisions for the last several years, but in the last weeks there is a readiness, a hunger, to go further – in our own work, and in our many partnerships.

And I am so glad of it. There is much to be done. We have a particular opportunity; let us not squander it.

Let this and every Independence Day be a time to uphold what makes our country great, and to renew our commitment to take our nation to its fullest potential.

Be well,

P.S. Hennepin County and the District 3 office are here if you need to engage with one of the county’s many services or supports. We want to hear from you whether it be comments, opinions, ideas, or if you need assistance. The most efficient way to be in touch is by emailing my district aide, Laura Hoffman, at laura.hoffman@hennepin.us.

Board Declares Racism a Public Health Crisis

The board voted to declare racism a public health crisis in Hennepin County.

Due to racism, Black, Indigenous and people of color in Hennepin County statistically have poorer educational outcomes, earn less, and are less likely to own homes or have access to quality health care and jobs than White people. These disparities have lifelong impacts, including higher disease rates, and, as we’re seeing now, higher rates of COVID-19.

Naming racism as a systemic cause to disparities is key to continue to move this work forward.

Read the full news release.

Naloxone Distribution at County Jail and High-Risk Communities

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office will receive grant funding to distribute Naloxone kits at the county jail and in communities with high rates of opioid overdose.

The jail’s medical team will distribute kits to people who request assistance upon release, people identified as high risk for potential overdose, and people with family members who may benefit from treatment.

The Sheriff’s Office will also provide education and Naloxone kits in high-risk areas (identified using overdose mapping data) in partnership with public health staff, behavioral health staff, and nonprofits.

Absentee Voting for 2020 Primary Election is Open

The 2020 primary election kicked off on June 26 with the start of absentee voting. This year, Hennepin County is emphasizing the ability to vote by mail to ensure all eligible residents can safely participate during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vote early by mail

Minnesota law permits no-excuse absentee vote by mail for all eligible residents. Voters must fill out an application online or on paper to receive a ballot. Paper applications are available in English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Vietnamese, Russian, Chinese, Lao, Oromo, Khmer and Amharic.

Residents who are not yet registered to vote are able to apply to vote absentee. However, to make the process easier, voters may choose to register before applying for an absentee ballot.

Voters can expect ballots to be mailed within a few days of submitting an application. Election staff are working as quickly as possible to process absentee ballot applications. Do not submit duplicate applications, this will cause delays in materials being mailed. For the 2020 state primary, absentee ballots must be postmarked by election day (August 11, 2020) and received by August 13, 2020.

Vote early in person

In-person absentee voting is available from June 26 to August 10 at city halls across Hennepin County and at the Early Vote Center in Minneapolis at 980 E Hennepin Ave. Contact your city for available in person absentee voting dates and hours. Each of these locations can accommodate only residents of that particular city.

Voters who live anywhere in Hennepin County can vote early in person at the Hennepin County Government Center, located at 300 S. Sixth Street in downtown Minneapolis, on the skyway level. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Highlighting the Work of BIPOC Organizations in the Twin Cities

Take a look at the work and/or support the following black, indigenous, and people of color organizations across the Twin Cities.

African Career, Education, and Resource (ACER) - A nonprofit organization that engages African immigrants living in the north and northwest suburbs of Minneapolis.
Al Maa'uun - Al Maa'uun is a nonprofit with deep roots in North Minneapolis, serving thousands of households each year with food and critical supplies.
Black Immigrant Collective - The Black Immigrant Collective amplifies and makes visible the voices of Black immigrants in Minnesota.
Black Women Speak - Gathering Black Women in Minnesota to share our experiences in order to heal, find joy and move toward liberation on our own terms!
Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en Lucha - CTUL is a worker-led organization where workers organize, educate and empower each other to fight for a voice in their workplaces and in their communities.
Cities Care Collective - South-Minneapolis based rad worker-owned childcare co-op working to provide easy access childcare by and for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and queer organizers and families.
Division of Indian Work - Division of Indian Work’s mission is to support and strengthen urban American Indian people through culturally-based education, traditional healing approaches, and leadership development. We provide many services to the community but the most relevant one right now is our food shelf.
Du Nord Riot Recovery Fund - Du Nord Craft Spirits is a Black-owned distillery with a building that was damaged. They’ve “received a tidal wave of love and support from across the nation and many have asked how they can help… Therefore, Du Nord is establishing this fund to support black and brown companies affected by the riots.”
Isuroon - Isuroon is a grassroots nonprofit organization working to promote the well-being and empowerment of Somali women in Minnesota and beyond.
Joyce Preschool - emergency fund for families who had to evacuate their homes near Lake Street last week, and who are now coming back to a devastated neighborhood with no grocery stores within walking distance.
Latino Community on Lake Street - fundraiser for Latinx owned businesses on Lake Street.
Little Earth Residents Association - Food and safety needs for residents of Little Earth of United Tribes.
Migizi Communications - MIGIZI Communications advances a message of success, well-being and justice for the American Indian community. Support them rebuilding after fire.
Minnesota Healing Justice Network - We provide a supportive professional community and mutual aid network for wellness and healing justice practitioners who also identify as IBPOC (indigenous, black, or people of color).
New Mindsets, New Media, New Leaders, and Narratives (N4) - youth-led organization that applies community mobilization to heal and transform society. We combat social stigmas related to race, gender, culture, intelligence, and health utilizing artistry and activism.
Northside business support - support businesses on Minneapolis’s Northside that have been impacted by recent demonstrations.
Pimento Relief Fund - We’re partnering with Pimento to provide black business without insurance relief after white supremacists set them on fire during the protests.
Powwow Grounds - send via paypal to angelswann2021@gmail.com - Native-run cafe, currently providing meals to elders, protectors and community, purchasing medical supplies, fire supplies, cooking supplies.
PPNA - Renters Support Fund - operated by the Minneapolis Renters' Coalition, a group of residents, community organizations, and neighborhood organizations committed to supporting renters in our community.
Southside Harm Reduction- Southside Harm Reduction Services works within a harm reduction framework to promote the human rights to health, safety, autonomy, and agency among people who use substances.
Spiral Collective - A volunteer full-spectrum reproductive options and support group comprised of doulas, birth-workers, and passionate reproductive justice advocates. based in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, occupied Dakhóta territories.
Unicorn Riot - A decentralized media organization that has been live-streaming uprisings
Until We Are All Free - Non-profit organization working towards the liberation of incarcerated men and women and help them fulfill their roles as human beings in society, contributors to art, financial liberation, community development, culture ambassadors, mothers.
West Broadway Business and Area Coalition - WBC in partnership with Northside Funders Group will direct all donations to support Northside businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 and the recent uprising.

Renew Driver's Licenses and ID Cards Online

In Minnesota you can now renew your standard driver’s license or ID card online (if there is no change to your name, address, signature, or license number).

Up-to-Date Resources

Hennepin County Services

Up-to-date information about how to access Hennepin County services.

Hennepin County local resource site for information on food, health, safety, and housing resources.

Hennepin County Library Curbside Pickup FAQ

The Domestic Abuse Service Center is currently operating remotely. All services can be accessed by calling (612) 348-5073.

Health Resources

Find COVID-19 testing locations

State of Minnesota Dedicated COVID-19 Hotlines:

Community (schools, child care, business) questions: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 (7:00 am – 7:00 pm)
Health questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 (7:00 am – 7:00 pm)

Ways to create your own non-medical grade mask.

Contact Standpoint advocacy services at 612-743-7397 if you are experience domestic abuse/violence.

Housing Resources

Call 612-348-5553 to speak with Healthcare for the Homeless staff about accessing quarantine and isolation space.

Homes for All COVID-19 Housing and Homelessness Resources

Additional resources for those experiencing housing instability.

Apply for Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program

Food Resources

Minneapolis Public Schools meal pickup information

Saint Louis Park public school meal distribution information

'Free Meals for Kids' Mobile App

Designate someone to use your EBT card on your behalf.