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Hennepin Happening
It's 2021, and everyone deserves a chance to feel the pride and pain of what we've been through in the last year. Just in Hennepin County, we lost 1,400 friends and family members to COVID-19. Tens of thousands more have been hospitalized. We've closed schools, businesses, and libraries. We suffered the tragedy of George Floyd's death and the outpouring of frustration and grief that came with it. We've faced more challenges this year than we do in most decades.
But from those challenges came hope and opportunity. The world has been inspired to confront racism and rethink public safety in our communities. We moved our schooling online, revamped our businesses, and improved remote access to libraries and public services. Every effort you made to wear a mask and social distance was an effort to help save lives. I'm proud to represent such an extraordinary community in times like these.
In 2021, I'm wishing you all the hugs, handshakes, and time with friends and family that you deserved in 2020.
All the best,
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A total of $24.6 million in relief funding will be available starting January 4 to eligible small businesses and nonprofits that have been financially harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding was given to Hennepin County by the State of Minnesota to support businesses and nonprofits impacted by the pandemic and related state restrictions, including Executive Order No. 20-99.
Please review the application guidelines to see if you are eligible before applying
for funding. Guidelines are posted on the Small Business Relief Fund page, which is also where the application will be posted on Monday, January 4 at noon:
https://www.hennepin.us/business-support
You can find all the information you need about support resources, testing, and vaccines on Hennepin County's COVID-19 Response page:
https://www.hennepin.us/covid-19
The COVID-19 vaccine will be distributed in phases to different groups of people. In the first phase, phase 1A, the vaccine will be given to people who work in health care settings and people who live or work in long-term care facilities. As vaccine supply increases in the months to come, more people will have the chance to get vaccinated. Ultimately, all Minnesotans will have an opportunity to get vaccinated.
I have received numerous calls and letters from neighbors concerned about our homeless communities, particularly after homeless encampments were ordered to disperse after conditions became unsafe. The wintry conditions put our homeless community at particular risk this time of year, and I'm working to make sure we're getting emergency resources to the people who need it most.
At this point, Hennepin County and our partners are able to offer 1,200 shelter spaces, more than any other time in our history. More shelter spaces are coming on board this year.
In the past 12 months, we have invested $5.7 million to ensure every shelter facility meets strict CDC COVID-19 safety guidelines; offers 24/7 accommodations; and has adequate staffing to implement rigorous cleaning and safety protocols. A brand new 50-bed shelter operated by the American Indian Community Development Corporation opened last week, and openings in shelters are being shared with folks should they wish to come inside.
Shelter is the most direct route to permanent housing. In addition, people in shelter can access:
- Physical and behavioral health care
- Warm spaces, where they can stay all day
- Meals
- Increased security, such as lockers
In 2020, more than 1,500 people have transitioned from homelessness to permanent housing in Hennepin County. By the end of the year, 670 new permanent housing units will open or begin construction in Hennepin County, specifically for people experiencing homelessness.
If you know someone who is dealing with homelessness, you can help connect them to resources using Hennepin County's Coordinated Entry.
Take part in a month-long challenge to reduce your plastic consumption - especially single-use plastics - in ways that fit best in your lifestyle.
Join now at hennepinplasticfree.ecochallenge.org
Although plastic is a versatile material with many uses, it also presents health risks, contributes to litter and pollution, and is challenging to dispose of. Some of the most common and problematic plastic items we deal with every day come in the form of packaging and single-use plastics. Since these items are used for a short period of time and then discarded, they contribute significantly to the increasing amount of plastic waste.
Hennepin County’s snow and ice removal team faces challenges every winter season. Snowplow crews use just 64 routes to clear more than 2,200 lane miles of county road.
This winter is no different. You will see our big orange trucks with the blue H on the cab doors out clearing the roads as quickly and safely as they can when winter weather makes the roads difficult to travel.
The big callouts mostly happen overnight with plow drivers focused on clearing the roads for morning commute. But, snow and ice removal is 24/7 responsibility. So even when we’re not in full force, we have drivers available to monitor roads ahead of storms, begin clearing if snow starts early and do post-storm clean ups when it is needed.
To get a closer look, check out this short video. More information is available at www.hennepin.us/plowing
Frostbite can happen in minutes. These warming spaces are available to all who need them.
http://hennepin.us/staywarm
COVID has led to changes in daily life and how people use drugs, access harm reduction services, and changes in the drug supply. There's no shame in taking advantage of the resources here to protect yourself and the people you love.
Resources
While Hennepin County Library Services continue to be limited, Grab-And-Go service has been expanded at many locations, including District 5.
Services include:
- Retrieving of holds
- Limited browsing of materials
- Checking out items
- Quick reference support
- Returning of library materials
- Computer use (appointments are recommended)
Read more about the services available in our libraries.
Opening in February………..
Now more than ever, our community is grateful for the sacrifices that healthcare professionals make every day.
Local Heroes, our newest exhibit, traces the long tradition of people willing to devote themselves to caring for others even in the face of adversity. Local Heroes pays tribute to these healers and caretakers by exploring stories of medical innovation, trailblazing, and exceptional dedication to the field of healthcare throughout early Hennepin County history.
Learn more at our website: https://hennepinhistory.org/
Follow Hennepin History Museum
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Become a supporter
Skip the traffic jams and sign up for updates on the projects impacting your commute.
You can visit the Hennepin County website for updates on road maintenance projects and all other road construction.
Housing crises, energy assistance, child protection, emergency situations; we are here to advocate for you when it comes to navigating local and county services, and we want to help. Please call our office at 612-348-7885 with any questions or for assistance.
Contact
Commissioner Debbie Goettel
Hennepin County District 5
Bloomington | Eden Prairie | Richfield
612-348-7885 | debbie.goettel@hennepin.us
Casey Meinhardt
Principal Aide
612-596-7078 | casey.meinhardt@hennepin.us
Michael Ohama
Policy Director
612-348-7885 | michael.ohama@hennepin.us
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