On October 15th, Hennepin County celebrated a major milestone by effectively ending veteran homelessness, marking a significant step forward in supporting those who have served. The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, HUD, and the VA have recognized the county's success, confirming that veterans are finding stable housing faster than new cases of homelessness emerge.
This is the result of decades of dedication from leaders, advocates, and staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure no veteran is left without a home. Since I have been in office, veteran homelessness in Hennepin County has been cut in half, reflecting the county's strong commitment to making veteran homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring.
Hennepin County's system connects veterans with housing, healthcare, and job resources, helping them remain stably housed. As of September 30th, 69 veterans remain homeless in Hennepin County, down from 167 in August of 2023. This achievement underscores the impact of collaborative work by county staff and partners who ensure veterans can access essential support quickly, with most placed in permanent housing within 90 days.
When I became a Hennepin County Commissioner, I made it my mission to advocate on behalf of veterans. In fact, one of my first official acts as a Commissioner was in 2021 when I proposed language in the county's federal platform to "end homelessness among veterans of the armed forces." After hosting several roundtables, attending countless events with veterans organizations, and working closely with Hennepin County's CVSO office to ensure they have what they need to succeed, it is a dream come true to see Hennepin County reach this milestone.
This achievement is not a final goal but a promise to keep working for our veterans. Hennepin County will continue its partnerships with federal, state, and non-profit organizations to provide veterans with housing, mental health services, and ongoing support for them and their families.
Kevin Anderson
Hennepin County Commissioner
If you know a veteran who needs assistance, help is available:
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We have two more coffee & conversation events coming up! I hope you can join us in Maple Plain or Champlin.
Wednesday, October 30th (TODAY!)
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Maple Plain Library, 5184 Main Street East, Maple Plain
Thursday, November 14th
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Just Love Coffee Cafe, 11611 Theatre Drive North, Champlin
Please reach out to District Director Clara Severson at clara.severson@hennepin.us with questions.
Election Day is November 5, but you don't have to wait to cast your ballot – early voting is underway.
What to do before you vote
Now is the best time to take a few steps to make your voting experience as smooth as possible.
Vote absentee:
Fill out your absentee ballot application and email or mail it to Hennepin County Elections. You can also fill out the online application.
Vote early in-person:
Have more questions? Need help? Visit hennepin.us/elections.
Important election dates
- November 4: In-person absentee voting closes at 5 p.m.
- November 5: General Election Day (polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
When Melanie Lewis started Perfect Piece Sweets Company, she knew everything about desserts, but not much about business. Coming out of the restaurant industry, she spent more time in the kitchen than the office.
“When I first started the business, I knew nothing about business,” said Melanie. “When you're running your own business, it’s like where do I start?”
She started with support from the network Elevate Hennepin advisors. They helped her develop a plan, build an accounting system, and start her business.
Hear her story about starting Hopkins-based Perfect Piece Sweets in her own words and see her delectable treats.
Entrepreneurship can act as a catalyst for economic growth, innovation, and personal empowerment. Yet, as Right to Start founder Victor Hwang highlights, there are numerous barriers for entrepreneurs.
"Business is hard," Victor said. "Every year, roughly 10% of businesses fail, and after five years, about half remain standing."
Here in Hennepin Count, Elevate Hennepin offers collaborative, customized support, which Victor called out as unique.
“Very few counties do that,” said Victor. “Just know how rare that is and how special it is, and the resources they provide you are very significant.”
Read why a new model economic development is so focused on entrepreneurs and how Hennepin County is addressing the challenges head on.
Community zero waste grants provide funding to community-based organizations to develop and lead waste prevention and diversion projects.
Examples of projects could include community-led swaps, repair clinics, special material collections, and recycling or organics drop-off sites that address waste programming gaps or culturally specific needs.
Eligible applicants include:
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Community-based organizations located in Hennepin County that are registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
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Non-profit organizations that demonstrate community partnership and aim to expand zero-waste capacities in underserved areas of Hennepin County.
Hennepin County is developing a comprehensive plan to eliminate serious injuries and deaths along Hennepin County roads. Now through the end of fall, we are engaging with residents to gather feedback as we develop a plan to improve safety for all people walking, riding, rolling, using transit or driving.
There are two ways you can share your feedback using BeHeard Hennepin
When you clean up from Halloween, don’t let your pumpkins go to waste! Compost pumpkins by putting them in your organics recycling cart or bringing them to an organics recycling drop-off. Pumpkins are great fuel for compost, which is used to make soil and landscapes healthy. Before composting, remove all candles, candle wax, paint, and other decorations.
You can also check to see if your city is offering any special drop-off events. Here are a few upcoming events:
Pumpkin recycling at Brooklyn Park Central Park
November 1 through 10 at Central Park, 8440 Regent Avenue North, Brooklyn Park
This drop-off is open to Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, and New Hope residents.
Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to noon at Veterans Park, 6335 Portland Avenue, Richfield
This event is open to Richfield residents.
Edina Pumpkin Smash and Bash
Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to noon at Countryside Park, 6240 Tracy Avenue, Edina
This event is open to everyone!
The 7th District serves the cities of
Champlin, Corcoran, Dayton, Greenfield, Independence, Loretto, Maple Grove, Maple Plain, Medina, Minnetrista, Southern Mound, Rogers,
St. Bonifacius, Hanover, Northwest Plymouth, and Rockford.
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Contact us
Kevin Anderson
Commissioner, 7th District
Ketki Varsha
Policy Director
612-559-4221
Clara Severson
District Director
612-596-9040
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