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From Ward 5 Minneapolis City Council Member, Jeremiah Ellison.
It was incredibly touching to attend and speak at Sammy's Homegoing Service this past Thursday and to be in community with you all. A room filled to the brim with love because that's who Sammy is; someone who is deeply loved and loved Northside beyond any measure. His warmth was so consistent, it felt permanent.
Sammy was much more than the business he ran, but he made that business a monument to his values. In every way people discounted the Northside, Sammy believed in his community. He regularly hired black youth, he paid fairly, he hired local. He was genuine, kind, and diligent.
Sammy, you left a lasting impression on me, on many, on your community. And you will be missed.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I want to take a moment to remind myself and my community that we are never alone in our struggles.
It's okay to not be okay, and it's vital to ask for help when we need it. Whether it's reaching out to a friend, seeking professional guidance, or exploring support groups, there are resources available to lend a hand on the journey to mental well-being. Together, let's break the stigma surrounding mental health and foster a culture of compassion and understanding.
Here are a few resources to explore:
Join me from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM every Monday for Open Coffee Hours! These are informal and a chance for me to hear directly from you while we share coffee or a meal (virtually).
Office hours is on a first come first served basis. Please try not to call in past 12:50 p.m. as we want to leave enough time to chat about what you'd like to discuss.
Please RSVP here and my staff will follow-up with the call-in details. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to Dieu Do, Policy Associate, at dieu.do@minneapolismn.gov.
 
Community Planting Event
Project Sweetie Pie and Northside Safety NET are hosting community planting events at the Celestial Gardens in North Minneapolis, 2210 Emerson Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411.
Volunteers are needed to prep the site with youth on Tuesday, May 28th and during the event on Wednesday, May 29th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Please reach out to Master Gardener Intern Gladys Daniela Mejia to get involved: gladysdanielamejia@gmail.com / Gladys.mejia@minneapolismn.gov.
Connecting w/MFT59 Leader Greta Callahan
It was wonderful connecting with Greta Callahan, President of MFT59, recently over lunch, discussing the importance of supporting our educators, and the vital work teachers do for our students. Thank you so much for the fruitful conversation, Greta!
De-escalation 101 with Nonviolent Peaceforce
Don’t know what to do when things get heated? Nonviolent Peaceforce is holding De-escalation 101 workshops in May. The topics that will be covered include OODA Loop and Upstander Intervention.
Event Details
- Date/Time: Monday, May 20th from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
- Location: The Hub for Nonviolence and Safety, 2143 Lowry Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411
- Light snacks will be provided.
- Click here to register for a workshop.
Jamar Clark's Annual Celebration of Life
I had the privilege of joining Jamar's family in celebrating his birthday and life on Saturday, May 4th. It was a beautiful tribute to Jamar and the love that he shared with his family, friends, and loved ones. It's hard to believe that Jamar would have turned 33 years-old this year. No matter how long it's been since a loved one passes, these anniversaries and celebrations can strike a cord close to our hearts. I'm incredibly thankful to Jamar's family for organizing this annual event and continuing to include our team in this special event.
Kirk Washington Jr. Day
On Thursday, May 9th, 2024, I had the privilege of presenting an honorary resolution to recognize May 9th, 2024 as Kirk Washington Jr. Day in the City of Minneapolis, honoring his legacy of service to the residents and communities of Minneapolis, especially his commitment to the arts and the residents of Northside.
Kirk was a poet, artist, actor, author, teacher, visionary, and activist in Minneapolis. Kirk was a fixture in North Minneapolis and his love and passion for this city and community fueled his art and activism. He was the social glue that brought people together; his voice and value were inspirational to so many. Kirk sadly passed away in a fatal car accident in April of 2016.
His activism, light, and memory remains in our hearts forever. Thank you so much to Aster Nebro, wife of Kirk Washington Jr., family members, loved ones, and friends for joining our council meeting to honor Kirk and his legacy.
METRO Blue Line Extension Corridor Management Committee (CMC)
My office attended the most recent METRO Blue Line Extension Corridor Management Committee meeting on Thursday, May 9th. The agenda included:
- Community and Business Advisory Committee Reports
- Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
- Environmental Update
- Anti-Displacement Updates from Corridor Cities
Click here for more information about CMC and agenda/video recordings of past meetings. The next meeting will take place on Thursday, June 13th from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM at the Metro Transit - Headquarters, 560 Sixth Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411, with options of in-person attendance or live recording.
Minne's On Glenwood Avenue Grand Opening
Our office had a blast attending Minne's On Glenwood Avenue's Grand Opening Ceremony. This corner was radiating electric energy that day. From the live musical performances, to the laughter of children and youth enjoying the delicious food, to the glowing hospitality of Minne's team, it was nothing short of a spectacular grand opening. My team is excited to continuing supporting Minne's On Glenwood and all of our small businesses in this corridor. Thank you so much to Cordell and his loving family for inviting my office and welcoming us with open arms. Congratulations, Cordell!
 
The City is recruiting members for a newly formed African American Heritage Work Group. This body will serve as an advisory board to the City Council to document and honor African American history.
The work group will advise on the selection of 25 properties associated with Black history in the city to be surveyed for inclusion in a Minneapolis African American Historic and Cultural Context Study. At least three properties will eventually be nominated by the City for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.
Community members who are knowledgeable on the topic of African American heritage are encouraged to apply by Sunday, May 12th.
Read more on the City website.
Are you looking to learn more about gardening, tree planting, green education and training? Yes? Incredible! There's an event around the corner perfect for you!
Project Sweetie Pie, Pillsbury United, and Big Green are collaborating and hosting a day-long event this Saturday for the community. All ages and experiences are welcome! Learn from cultural artists and vendors, visit the garden planter training, and bring home a grow bag!
Event Details
- Date/Time: Saturday, May 18th, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Location: Oak Park Community Center, 1701 Oak Park Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411
- Questions? Contact Michael Chaney, 763-227-4881, mvchane@aim.com
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid has an in-person clinic in the Harrison neighborhood, offering free legal help! Legal Aid handles problems on this civil side (not criminal), including: housing, consumer, immigration, federal tax, public benefits, family law, and disability discrimination. Generally, clients must be Hennepin residents and be either lower income or aged 60+ (regardless of income).
Legal Clinic Details
- Days/Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Location: Harrison Neighborhood Association (HNA), 1501 Glenwood Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55405
- Walk-ins welcome/appointments preferred
- To schedule an appointment, call 612-352-9778. Residents can also call Legal Aid's central intake line: 1-877-696-6529 or visit www.mylegalaid.org.
- Patty Walton, pictured above in the yellow jacket, is a Community Clinics Fellow who is staffing the clinic in the Harrison Neighborhood.
Thank you so much to Matthew Hulstein and Patty Walton for meeting with our team to discuss Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid in-person legal clinics, transfer-on-death deeds (TODDs), and issues that we hear everyday from constituents.
Entrepreneurs and small business owners are invited to a free luncheon to learn more about non-traditional financing options. The program will be hosted by Amplio, a non-profit certified development company whose purpose is to help small businesses obtain financing. Attendees will learn about sources for funds that can be used in conjunction with conventional financing, or to assist with business start-up costs.
Event Details
- Date/Time: Wednesday, May 22nd from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
- Location: MEDA office, 1256 Penn Avenue North, Suite 4800, Minneapolis, MN 55411
- Lunch will be provided.
- RSVP by Friday, May 17th at rsvp@amplioedc.com
The Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA) created the Homebuyer Assistance Program to reduce racial disparities in homeownership. HCHRA will provide down payment financing to assist buyers interested in purchasing a home to have as their principal place of residence in Hennepin County.
Eligibility Requirements
- Borrower’s gross household income must be at or below 115% AMI.
First-time buyer: Borrower must not have an ownership interest in another property for the last 3 years.
- Borrower can have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security Number (SSN).
- Borrower must contribute at least $1,000 of their own funds toward the purchase.
- Housing Ratios: Borrower’s PITI must be within 20-35% (front end), not to exceed 50% (back-end) of gross income.
Required Education
- Certificate of Home Stretch group education within one year prior to purchase; see available workshops on Minnesota Homeownership Center website. Framework or other curriculums are not accepted. Sign up for NWHP workshops.
- Certificate of 1:1 Pre-purchase advising is required within one year of purchase. Sign up for NWHP pre-purchase advising.
- If there are two borrowers, both must complete Home Stretch and pre-purchase counseling.
Click here for more information and to apply for this program.
The Minnesota Department of Health is seeking proposals for the grant period June 30, 2024 – May 31, 2028. The department will award up to approximately $500,000 annually. This grant opportunity aims to reduce overdose deaths and enhance overdose prevention efforts. For a list of eligible applicants and activities, visit the MDH website.
More information on the grant and eligibility can be found on the Department of Health’s Drug Overdose Prevention Grant Program reference guide.
The Providing Resources and Opportunity and Maximizing Investments in Striving Entrepreneurs (PROMISE) Grant and Loan Programs are new, state-funded programs that will provide grants and loans to disadvantaged small businesses located in certain areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
The Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) will administer the MN PROMISE Grant program and the Metropolitan Economic Development Association will administer the MN PROMISE Loan program, alongside community partner organizations.
Click here to learn more about this opportunity.
Want to check your eligibility? Click here to fill out a pre-application to see if you meet the program requirements.
The Minneapolis Department of Regulatory Services is gearing up for a Renter Rights Resource Fair on Tuesday, June 4th from 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM at the Minneapolis Public Service Building (first floor), 505 S 4th Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55415.
Renters and property owners will have the opportunity to connect with City staff and community organizations about renting questions, common issues and resources. A free meal and interpretation services will be provided.
We’re excited that organizations such as Urban League Twin Cities, Arrive Ministries, and others will join City staff to help community members with topics ranging from:
- Overcoming maintenance issues
- Renter rights
- Understanding property owner/tenant responsibilities
- Housing resources for immigrants and refugees
- Environmental hazards in homes
Share the event with a neighbor and stay up to date by visiting the event’s Facebook page.
Contact Kaylee Tracy at kaylee.tracy@minneapolismn.gov for more information or with any questions.
Are you experiencing struggles with food insecurity, housing, career readiness, and legal matters? Are you in need of help? Please look below to see which resources can be beneficial to you.
Career Readiness
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Project for Pride in Living (PPL)
- PPL builds the hope, assets, and self-reliance of individuals and families who have lower incomes by providing transformative affordable housing and career readiness services.
Family Support & Educational Programming
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Way to Grow
- Way to Grow is a nonprofit organization on the Northside that provides free, year-round family support and educational programming for families in Minneapolis and in surrounding suburbs.
Food Insecurity
Free/Discounted Internet
Housing/Tenant Protections
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Home Line
- This organization provides free and low-cost legal, organizing, education, and advocacy services so that tenants throughout Minnesota can solve their own rental housing problems.
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United Renters for Justice/Inquilinxs Unidxs por Justicia
- United Renters for Justice/Inquilinxs Unidxs por Justicia is a base-building nonprofit working to transform the Minneapolis housing system.
Legal Representation
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Attorney General Keith Ellison's Office
- The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office appreciates hearing from members of the public. In many cases, they are able to provide direct assistance to people. Hearing from members of the public also alerts us to problems occurring in the marketplace.
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Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
- This organization provides free legal aid to people with low-income, disabilities, and seniors in 20 Central Minnesota counties. These services include, but are not limited to:
- Debt collection and unfair loans
- Disability-related cases
- Divorce and child custody
- Domestic violence
- Elder abuse
- Housing discrimination and evictions
- Immigration and citizenship
- IRS Tax Issues
Minneapolis 311
- Need to report an issue? Can't find the right information? Minneapolis 311 can help. 311 coordinates with City departments and service providers to report your concerns, find you information and connect you with nonemergency City services.
- There are many ways to get in contact with Minneapolis 311 for non-emergency information. Choose what's easiest for you.
- Call 311. Agents are here to answer your call 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 311 from within city limits or 612-673-3000.
- Email 311. You can email 311 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Agents will respond 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Text 311. You can text 311 a short question any time. Just text two or three keywords to 311TXT (311898) to receive an answer from the Minneapolis 311 information database on your mobile phone.
- Get the 311 mobile app. Report neighborhood issues on the 311 mobile app 24 hours a day.
- TTY. 311 agents use computer-based technology so hearing-impaired callers can easily communicate with the City using TDD/TTY devices. Call TTY 612-263-6850.
- Use the contact form. You can send 311 your comments or questions on the website contact form.
City of Minneapolis
The City of Minneapolis has a ton of job opportunities that span across multiple departments. Click here to see all of them.
Hennepin County
Hennepin County is the largest county in Minnesota and has a wide variety of job openings in different industries. Click here to see all of them.
Nonprofit Organizations
Nonprofit organizations in the Twin Cities can be a great place to start to look for a new job/change in your career.
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