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Greetings! We hope our newsletter serves as a resource for
staying connected to Hennepin County activities and staying updated on county
news and services.
As always, please reach out with questions, comments, or to
learn more about how to get involved.
 Apply online or by phone for cash, food, child care and health care assistance and other human services programs. You don't need to come to our offices to get our help.
Get connected
Hennepin County recently awarded $47,200 to three cities to open a total of seven new organics recycling drop-off sites. The drop-off sites funded by these grants will increase access to organics recycling for all residents, especially those living in multifamily properties without access to city service and those in cities that don’t offer service. Drop offs also help raise awareness about the benefits of organics recycling and build interest in additional programs.
About 30% of our trash is food scraps and other organic material, making organics recycling our biggest opportunity to reduce our trash, make progress toward our zero waste goals, and take action on climate change.
Organics recycling drop-off sites coming soon
The following organics recycling drop-off sites will open in fall 2021 or early 2022:
- 5 sites in Minneapolis at the following parks: Holmes, Elliot, Towerside, Stewart, and North Commons
- 1 site in Crystal at the Aquatic Center
- 1 site in Minnetrista at City Hall
Existing organics recycling drop-off options
There are currently 28 organics drop-off sites in Hennepin County, including at the county’s drop-off facilities in Bloomington and Brooklyn Park and in several other cities. Learn more about drop-off sites.
 Hennepin County Library’s flagship book club is holding a series of online events throughout the month of October. The Mary Ann Key Book Club uses reading as a catalyst for conversation as we attempt to better understand past and current injustices – including systemic racism, other forms of discrimination, and bias that affects marginalized communities. The upcoming events focus on the club’s fall selection of “Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning” by Cathy Park Hong. Visit www.hclib.org/maryannkey to obtain a free copy of the book or to sign up for online events.
This year, Minnesotans can get greater financial assistance and protections to keep their homes warm and lights on through Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program and Minnesota’s cold weather rule.
Energy assistance
More Minnesotans qualify for the Energy Assistance Program. The Energy Assistance Program helps Minnesota households pay for current and past-due bills for electricity, gas, oil, biofuel and propane, emergency fuel delivery, and repair/replacement of homeowners’ broken heating systems, and could also cover water and sewer bills.
More than 600,000 Minnesota households are income-eligible for energy assistance. The Federal Department of Commerce raised the income eligibility limit to 60% of Minnesota’s median income levels ($67,765 per year for a family of four) and is significantly increasing benefit amounts to reduce energy burdens more than ever, including up to $1,600 for energy bills plus up to $1,200 for past-due energy bills.
By submitting one application through the Energy Assistance Program, households could qualify for payments to cover both water and energy bills and qualify them for the Minnesota Weatherization Program. Weatherization helps households with home improvements to conserve energy and lower their energy costs permanently.
Apply: Request an application or find your local service provider at mn.gov/energyassistance or call 800-657-3710 and press “1.”
Cold weather rule
The cold weather rule goes into effect earlier and lasts later because of concerns that Minnesota’s changing climate was leading to cold spells earlier in fall and later in spring. Minnesota’s cold weather rule now protects residential utility customers from having electric or natural gas service shut off between Oct. 1 and April 30.
For more information or assistance, see the PUC “Shutoff Protection” information or call the PUC’s Consumer Affairs Office at 651-296-0406. To apply, contact your natural gas or electric company and request a cold weather rule payment plan.
COVID-19 misinformation
The Internet if full of misinformation about COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have questions, check out a trusted source like Minnesota Department of Health’s COVID-19 vaccine FAQ: About COVID-19 Vaccine - Minnesota Dept. of Health (state.mn.us)
Hennepin County is still offering COVID-19 vaccine incentives
People who receive a first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at any Hennepin County vaccine event or clinic will receive a $50 Visa gift card, as supplies last. That’s $100 if you get both doses.
Find and register for a Hennepin County vaccine appointment at hennepin.us/vaccineregistration or by calling 612-348-8900. Help is available in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong.
There is a lot going on during the month of October for LCC! One of these is Longfellow Community Council's General Membership Meeting.
The next Longfellow Community General Membership Meeting is scheduled for:
Tuesday, October 26
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The GMM will once again take place via Zoom.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89792652782
The theme for the GMM is around transition and new beginnings. As a part of transition and new beginnings and LCC, we will:
- introduce LCC's new executive director, Rachel Boeke
- highlight some of the work of the LCC's Equitable Housing Committee and give a preview of LCC's future Equitable Engagement work
- hear from elected officials on housing issues specific to Greater Longfellow
Welcome to Tommy's Thanksgiving weekend
Everyday someone is shot or dies due to gun violence we have created an event to promote STOP THE VIOLENCE!
4 TEAM TOURNMENT with 4 captains that will pick 10 players to play on their team. Each team must have at least one female. Games will be 30 mins long 2 -15min half's. The winner of tournament receives a trophy! We will have guest speakers and a live performance from a local artist or group.
Click Link for more details. 
Eat, trick or treat and be SPOOKTACULAR! Join on October 29 at Midtown Global Market, from 5:00-7:00 pm for a fun evening.
• Trick or Treat at through the Market.
• Costume contest for kids and adults at 6:30 pm.
• Art Buddies will be making fun Halloween crafts.
This is a free, family friendly event.
Contact us
Angela Conley
Commissioner, 4th District
Binta Kanteh
Policy Director
612-348-5204
Shanese Reed
District Outreach and Scheduler
612-348-3204
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