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Dear neighbors,
Fall is here and budget season is truly in full swing. Structuring the 2025 budget doesn’t mean that other important county initiatives take a pause though, we’re still passing and allocating critical funding across all lines of business, rolling out new contracts with community organizations, and providing feedback on ongoing county priorities.
This week, we had an opportunity to officially celebrate a huge achievement- we have effectively ended homelessness for veterans in Hennepin County. This is a really important moment for us in marking this milestone with my colleagues on the board, across the county, state and federal partners, and for me- as the daughter, granddaughter and niece to several veterans. This work is personal and not done.
Our gratitude for the direct service workers whose work got us here! As always, please reach out with questions, comments, or to learn more about how to get involved.
With wellness,
Hennepin County Effectively Ends Veterans Homelessness
Hennepin County and our partners are housing and helping veterans overcome homelessness at a higher rate than veterans are coming into the homelessness system.
As a result, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have certified that we effectively ended homelessness among veterans in Minnesota’s largest county.
“Hennepin County is one of the most populous counties in the country to achieve an effective end to veteran homelessness,” said USICH Executive Director Jeff Olivet. “Hennepin County’s efforts are a case study in successful homelessness policy, and we encourage other communities to follow in their footsteps as we work together to ensure every veteran has a home.”
How our system works
Hennepin County’s veteran homelessness response system quickly identifies and engages veterans experiencing homelessness and connects them with housing and resources that will help them stay housed, such as health care and employment assistance.
This important milestone is the result of many years of collaboration among our dedicated staff and partners, and support from Hennepin County’s board of commissioners.
“Hennepin County is proud of our work to reach this milestone of effectively ending veteran homelessness,” said Hennepin County Board Chair Irene Fernando. “By using a holistic approach and by identifying veterans as a priority population, we are succeeding in a housing-first methodology. I’m very grateful to the staff that worked to create and implement Hennepin’s plan, and I look forward to expanding our work to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring.”
As of September 30, 2024, 69 veterans are experiencing homelessness in Hennepin County, five of whom are unsheltered. That number is down from 167 veterans experiencing homelessness in August 2023. The county is home to 48,410 veterans, one-sixth of the state’s veteran population.
Hennepin County and our partners have implemented systems to ensure that veteran homelessness is rare, brief, and nonrecurring. Effectively ending veteran homelessness does not mean veterans do not experience homelessness, but when veterans do experience homelessness, our system is prepared to quickly respond and move people back into permanent housing in less than 90 days on average.
“We approach veteran homelessness from many angles,” said Neil Doyle, director of Hennepin County Veterans Services. “Today’s achievement celebrates the challenging and compassionate work our staff and partners do every day. We are committed to continuing this important work, because even one veteran without housing is one too many.”
Meet Alyssa Koeppen, a Navy veteran, who had help getting an apartment from Hennepin County. See Alyssa's story.
An ongoing commitment to veterans
Hennepin County is committed to maintaining this status. We are taking what we have learned from this work and applying these lessons elsewhere in the homeless response system. We will continue to invest, develop, implement and partner on this important work so any veteran experiencing or at risk of homelessness gets the resources they need to maintain or attain housing.
Achieving this designation, along with the advocacy and support we offer to veterans every day, illustrates our ongoing commitment to veterans and their families. In 2021, Hennepin County received Beyond the Yellow Ribbon designation, which is awarded to organizations that have committed to improve the well-being of veterans and their families.
“What we’ve collectively accomplished in Hennepin County is representative what it takes to end veteran homelessness,” said VA Chief of Staff Margaret Kabat. “VA is committed to ensuring that every veteran in this region – and across the nation – has access to the resources they need to have a safe, stable, and affordable home of their own.”
“You do not achieve something of this magnitude without serious, dedicated partnership, and persistence,” said Dominique Blom, General Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “We applaud all those in Hennepin County who worked to effectively address homelessness so that our veterans, who have given so much to this country, have places to call home.”
Help is available for veterans in Hennepin County
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 The Board is working hard to prepare and finalize Hennepin's Budget for 2025, and you can still tune it to stay informed as we work.
You can attend budget hearings in-person or watch online at hennepin.us/budgets.
Visit to Isuroon
 Our office closed out September by stopping by Isuroon and what a great visit it was! Isuroon is a multifaceted center on Lake Street whose services cover many needs- halal nutrition, employment, support to escape domestic violence, and more. “Isuroon” translates to a woman who takes care of herself, and this center is striving to ensure women can do just that! A big thank you to the Isuroon team and the work they do.
Learn more here.
Briva Visit
 I kicked off October by visiting Briva Health, located on East Lake Street & Hiawatha. It is the largest MNsure navigator in the state with over 100,000 visits per year. Our tour of the busy center covered current challenges and ideas to sustain their work in connecting residents to healthcare.
Happy to have made this visit with Representative Mohamud Noor, MNsure CEO Libby Caulum, Assistant Commissioner of Healthcare Administration John Connolly and a big thank you to Briva’s CEO Hodan Guled.
Learn more here.
 Get ready for the 2024 General Election
The General Election is on Tuesday November 5th, but you don't have to wait to cast your ballot. Early voting for the State General Election opens on September 20th and goes through November 4th at 5:00 pm.
Registering to Vote Is Easy
Minnesota makes it easy to check your voter registration status, register to vote and update your registration. Pre-registration for the state general election is open through October 15th, or you can register at the polling place when you vote.
Apply for an Absentee Ballot
If you want to vote early (absentee) by mail, make sure you fill out an application. Absentee ballot must be returned by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.
In-Person Absentee Voting
You can also vote early in-person at your local elections office starting September 20th , check with your city clerk for location, Minneapolis early vote centers (Minneapolis residents only), or the Hennepin County Government Center (300 – 6th Street South Minneapolis, MN 55487). You can also vote early in-person at your local elections office starting September 20th –Nov 4th (check with your city clerk for location), Minneapolis early vote centers (Minneapolis residents only), or the Hennepin County Government Center (300 – 6th Street South Minneapolis, MN 55487).
 What's on your ballot?
Check your sample ballot before heading to the polls. This ensures you know what your ballot will look like and for whom and what you'll be voting.
Find your polling place
Polling places are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 5th for the General Election.
General Election Date is Tuesday November 5th, 2024
America Can End Homelessness: Hennepin County Proves It's Possible
 At Hennepin we are exceptionally proud of a new film that focuses on the work of Hennepin County to address homelessness.
Watch it here: America Can End Homelessness: Hennepin County Proves It's Possible - YouTube
The film was made by Invisible People, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about homelessness through innovative storytelling, news, and advocacy which launched in 2008. Last spring, the Invisible People documentary crew visited us as a follow-up to a film about Finland’s homeless response. They were interested to see whether any communities in the U.S. were also moving the needle on homelessness.
The 45-minute film features contributions from Chair Fernando, Hennepin County staff – from across the Housing Stability, Housing and Economic Development and Adult Representation Services teams – representatives of our partner agencies and, most importantly, those of the residents we serve.
We’re gratified that this work is being held up as an example for the rest of the country and we are excited to see all that Hennepin County will continue to do.
County foresters assist in tree planting at Fort Snelling Cemetery:
 Thirty-one trees were planted at Fort Snelling Cemetery on September 18 at the 10th annual Saluting Branches day of service. Saluting Branches is annual day of service for tree industry professionals to improve properties dedicated to veterans. The non-profit organization was founded in 2015 and originated in Minnesota. County forestry provided the trees and led over 100 volunteers to plant them.
 To enhance the county’s tree canopy and make it resilient to threats from climate change, development, pests, and disease, country foresters grow about 2,000 trees in a gravel-bed nursery each year and then partner with other county departments, cities, schools, and nonprofit organizations to transplant the trees to a variety of sites throughout the county.
Learn more about Hennepin County forestry at Hennepin.us/trees.
Elevate Hennepin:
Elevate Hennepin serves hundreds of entrepreneurs across Hennepin County
Elevate Hennepin advisors have been busy for another quarter.
In the second quarter of 2024, advisors spent 4,243 hours supporting business and entrepreneurs with everything from legal questions and business planning to marketing and operational insights.
Since Elevate Hennepin began in 2020, it has delivered more than 35,668 hours of professional consulting for 2,912 businesses and entrepreneurs at no cost. Advisees report 608 new or retained jobs, 186 new businesses launched, and $28.4 million in financing to grow their businesses.
Explore all the second-quarter impacts at Elevate Hennepin.
Free vaccine clinics continue amid measles outbreak:
The Baby Tracks team within Hennepin County Public Health continues to add free vaccination clinics throughout the county as the measles outbreak continues. The clinics offer all childhood vaccines, including MMR which protects against measles. Attendance has been growing at these clinics and the team has now added clinics into December. The next clinic is Tuesday, October 22nd at the Hiawatha Leadership Academy – Northrop from 4 pm to 8 pm. See a full list of all upcoming clinics here at hennepin.us/immunizations.
We need your help to shape our Toward Zero Death (TZD) action plan:
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
Opportunities for schools:
The following are environmental opportunities for schools in Hennepin County this school year.
School waste prevention and recycling grants
Grants are available for schools, including all K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and preschools, to start or improve programs to reduce waste and keep recycling and organic materials out of the trash. Applications of up to $15,000 are being accepted through November 15, as funds remain. Visit the school recycling web page to learn more and apply.
Watershed Connections
Hennepin County’s Watershed Connections provides free, hands-on environmental education for 6th to 12th grade students. Participants will learn what impacts water quality, gain knowledge about how to protect water, learn about climate change, and experience a sense of place.
Educators can choose optional focuses on art, social studies, math, and stewardship. Activities are linked with education standards. Learn more and sign up at Hennepin.us/watershed-connections
Free Adopt-a-Drain resources for teachers
Teachers in Hennepin County can sign up to receive free resources to participate in the Adopt-a-Drain program with their students. Adopt-a-Drain is an outdoor community science program that engages students throughout the school year. Get outside this fall and clean storm drains with your classroom and then participate in citizen science all year long. Find a list of teacher resources and sign up for free online.
Take the pledge to prevent aquatic invasive species
The Lake Pledge site and app now allow groups to join and is a great way to educate your classrooms about aquatic invasive species prevention. Lake Pledge is a good way to challenge students to take action after they have an experience at a lake or river.
To sign up your classroom or school, email Tony Brough at tony.brough@hennepin.us. Include the size of your group, your group name, and the lake you most often use in the county.
Environmental Response Fund accepting applications now for the Fall 2024 grant round:
Applications are due by November 1, 2024, at 3 p.m.
Hennepin County is now accepting applications for the Environmental Response Fund (ERF). The grants are used to fund the assessment and cleanup of contaminated sites in Hennepin County.
The improved properties benefit us all by:
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Keeping the community in place to enjoy the improvements
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Creating affordable and moderately priced market-rate housing
Kiosks offer connection to services:
Hennepin County Human Services’ digital access point kiosks are a fast and simple way to find the services you need from us.
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Access and complete Human Services online applications
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Scan, upload and print Human Services documents
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Use a phone to contact a Human Services representative
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Complete a Hennepin County homestead application
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Access other Hennepin County services and information on hennepin.us
A short video about these kiosks is available. Learn how to use the kiosk, what tasks can be completed with the kiosk, and additional tools to connect to Hennepin County.
Kiosks are part of a range of options to help people connect with Hennepin County services. They are currently available in 19 locations throughout the county, increasing access to services and information.
Got SNAP? Get more fresh food for less at participating farmer's markets:
Residents can triple their SNAP/EBT at farmers markets with Market Bucks.
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Visit the information booth at the farmer's market
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Swipe your EBT card for the amount you want to spend. Market Bucks will match your purchase dollar for dollar up to $10. You can get up to $10 in Market Bucks and $10 in Produce Market Bucks each visit.
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Spend your Market Bucks with eligible vendors at the market.
SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps. SNAP helps eligible households purchase foods at grocery stories, convenience stores and markers markets.
SNAP eligibility is based on household size and income. You can check to see if you likely are eligible for SNAP online by calling the Minnesota Food HelpLine at 888-711-1151 or at hungersolutions.org/snap-screener.
Apply for SNAP online MNBenefits.gov. Need a paper application? Call 888-711-1151.
Hennepin County in the news:
African American Family Preservation Act Panel Discussion:
 Come break bread with us at the Urban League on Oct. 18th for a discussion on the launch of the African American Family Preservation Act pilots. With my colleagues and sisters Rena Moran, Ramsey County Commissioner, State Representative Esther Agbaje and Kelis Houston.
Sign up here to join us, can't wait to see you there!
Park and Portland D4 Community Event:
 Join the D4 Office for our upcoming Park and Portland Community Event:
When: October 24th 5:30-7:00pm
Where: Sabathani Community Center 2nd Floor Banquet Hall
(310 E 38th St, Minneapolis MN 55409)
I have experienced first-hand the safety concerns Park and Portland Avenues have brought to our front doors and I want to hear about your experiences and how we can make these roads safer for all of us. I recently spoke about these concerns for the Star Tribute-Speeding motorists turn Minneapolis avenues into urban speedway (startribune.com).
Now for a bit of history, let's discuss what I35 did to Southside's Black community for a moment. "Park Avenue was converted from a two-way street to a one-way mini-freeway in the late 1940s to accommodate suburban commuters before Interstate 35W opened a decade later."
This interstate sliced its way through Black homes, community centers, churches, and parks. Completely demolished a sense of community for some of the first Black homeowners in this city. And as alternative, Park and Portland Avenues - modern speedways cutting through the most dense and diverse section of Minneapolis - were put in for folks from the suburbs (mostly wealthy and white) to get to their downtown jobs.
Meanwhile, Black businesses closed. Our neighborhoods became unsafe and were left in the dust and exhaust of an interstate we didn't ask for. Now, most of us along this stretch deal with racing, horrifying accidents and the anxiety of letting our kids walk just a block to a park. So, yes this is both a safety and equity issue. One rooted in the destruction I35 caused. We deserve what Blaisdell looks like now from Lake to 40th. We deserve calmer streets that are bikeable, walkable, and where the speed is slowed down. It's long overdue. So, when Hennepin's transportation safety team comes knocking at your doors, please respond because I am going to need your voices with me to make sure we get the safe Park and Portland we've been waiting for. And please join me on the 24th to share your perspective and allow staff working on this project to hear directly from you!
Join Sabathani for “Gotta Dance” Soul Line Dance!
 When: Saturday, October 26 (the 4th Saturday of every month) 10:30am – 12pm
Where: Sabathani Community Center Gym
All ages welcome! Children must be accompanied by an adult.
What to Expect:
Experience the joy of soul line dancing! No partner needed. Get ready to groove with choreographed moves in a group setting. It’s more than just exercise – it’s fun that doesn’t feel like working out!
Benefits:
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Boost your mind, body, and soul!
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Improve memory and concentration.
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Enhance flexibility and manage weight.
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Build confidence and relieve stress.
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Make new friends and socialize.
About the Teacher:
Tina Jackson, the owner and instructor of “Gotta Dance” Soul Line Dance, brings over 15 years of expertise. Certified by the International Consortium of Line Dance Instructors, Tina creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
Check out Tina’s feature in this 2022 NPR article: “Rondo’s ‘lady of line dance’ keeps community moving.”
Admission:
Free! Secure your spot by preregistering or drop in on the day – everyone is welcome!
Register Here
PGS Harvest Festival:
 join Bryant Neighborhood Organization for their Annual Harvest Festival, an afternoon of celebration of the community we have continued to build over this past year. They will break bread potluck style, learn to make tortillas by hand, share joy and community the Plant-Grow-Share way!
When: Saturday, October 26th, 1-5pm
Where: Phelps Park (701 E 39th Street, Minneapolis 55407)
Preserve the flavors and nutrition of summer through canning!
 Preserve the flavors and nutrition of summer through canning!
When: Tuesday, October 29, 6-8pm
Where: Sabathani Senior Housing Community Room,
3701 3rd Avenue South, Minneapolis
For Seniors age 55 and up.
Learn tips and techniques for food preservation through a guided demonstration! Participants will learn how to preserve tomatoes through steam, water bath, and pressure-style canning techniques.
Admission is free, but space is limited. Register in advance to save your spot!
Register Here
Questions? Call 612-821-2315 or email info@sabathani.org.
Presented by Plant-Grow-Share in collaboration with Sabathani Community Center and the City of Minneapolis Health Department
Trans Equity Summit: “A Safe and Thriving Trans Community”
When: Wednesday, October 30th 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Where: McNamara Alumni Center, Memorial Hall, 200 Oak St. SE
Hosted by the City of Minneapolis, the 2024 Minneapolis Trans Equity Summit takes place Oct. 30. The summit is free and open to the public.
The Trans Equity Summit is an event for trans and gender non-conforming community members to connect to resources and each other, and for all attendees to learn more about issues impacting their communities.
Register Here
For general questions about the Trans Equity Summit, please email City staff.
Watch for updates on the City website.
Reclaiming Our Village Session 1:
 Did you know that Black women in Minnesota experience higher rates of heart disease and diabetes than the general population? Reclaiming Our Village is a new program dedicated to supporting Black women aged 35 and older in South Minneapolis by offering a holistic approach to health and well-being.
Why now? Chronic conditions like these were not part of our ancestors’ vibrant legacy. It’s time to Reclaim the Village and take back control of our health!
When: Saturday, November 9th, 11am – 1pm
Where: Sabathani Senior Housing
3701 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55409
What to expect:
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A safe, supportive environment to listen, share, and learn
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Storytelling with the Black Storytellers Alliance
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Movement and music for the soul
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Delicious food
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A gathering of sisters and friends
Who’s invited:
Black women ages 35 and older with pre-diabetes and diabetes are welcome to join this free event, but space is limited! are welcome to join this free event, but space is limited!
Register today!
A second session of Reclaiming Our Village will be held on Saturday, December 14. To register for that date, click here.
Presented by Sabathani Community Center in partnership with the Black Storytellers Alliance and the University of Minnesota Extension.
Celebrating Our Roots Cooking Class:
 Come out virtually and join the Minneapolis Edible Boulevards who is hosting a Celebrating Our Roots Cooking Class! Get groceries and cook alongside Sanchez Alfonzo Brown from the comfort of your home!
When: November 9th, 11:00 am -12:00 pm
Where: Zoom only.
Learn more here!
Sabathani Blood Drive 2024: Save Lives, Donate Today:
 Join Sabathani Community Center’s inaugural Blood Drive, in partnership with the American Red Cross. Your donation can make a life-saving difference for those in need, especially within the Black community.
Why Your Donation Matters
Sabathani, a Black-founded and led organization serving all of South Minneapolis, encourages everyone to donate. However, Black donors are especially needed because their blood is often the best match for people living with sickle cell disease. Your contribution could be a lifeline for someone in a sickle cell crisis. Whether or not you could carry the sickle cell trait, you could be eligible to donate.
Event Details
When: Friday, November 15, 10am – 4pm (by appointment)
Where: Sabathani Community Center Gym (2nd Floor), 310 East 38th Street, Minneapolis
What to Expect
- Appointments take 30 minutes to one hour
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Free health screening before donation
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Snacks after donating
- Gift card incentives!
Register by phone or email:
Contact Joyce Mayes at jmayes@sabathani.org or call 612-821-2313.
Questions about eligibility?
Call: 1-800-RED-CROSS
Volunteer with us!
Contact Joyce Mayes at jmayes@sabathani.org or call 612-821-2313.
Community Resource:
Prenatal- Postpartum Home Visiting Program:
 African American Babies Coalition and Projects is excited to announce that they are expanding their support for families. Through their new Home Visiting program, Certified Health Educators will work directly with families, aiming to ensure expectant mothers and their families experience a healthy pregnancy and childbirth. This initiative is supported by a wealth of resources and support, please reach out to Donyella Smith to learn more.
Contact us
Angela Conley
Commissioner, 4th District
Binta Kanteh
Policy Director
612-348-5204
Katelynn Ogunfolami
Director of District Engagement
612-348-3204
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