Missed this month's BLUH meeting? Here's what we covered! You can also find the recording on our Facebook page.
Greening Lab – Minneapolis Downtown Council
Ben Shardlow presented information on the Minneapolis Downtown Council Greening Lab. See the presentation slides here.
For more information on MDC Greening Lab and learn how to support a green downtown, visit https://www.greenminneapolis.org/projects/greening-lab/
Proposed Temporary St. Stephen’s Shelter at House of Charity Food Centre
Deborah Moses, CEO of House of Charity and Michael Huffman, St. Stephen’s shared information regarding a proposed temporary shelter at House of Charity.
St. Stephens has moved out of their shelter at Clinton Avenue and is looking for a temporary location. Currently, residents of the former shelter are being housed at hotels through June 2021. House of Charity believes their Food Centre can be modified to allow for a shelter on a temporary basis while St. Stephen’s builds a new shelter that they are now in the process of raising funds for. However, current zoning regulations prohibit a shelter in this location because it is less than 1000 feet from the St. Stephen’s Shelter at First Covenant Church.
The temporary shelter is needed through approximately 2024, when a new shelter will be completed and ready for occupancy. The number of people staying at the Food Centre will be approximately 35-45.
The meeting participants were generally supportive of the idea, noting a possibility to limit the temporary shelter operations no longer than through 2024. The challenge of being a neighborhood that continually houses a large number of social services and housing for those experiencing homeless was noted. The group talked with Senator Champion about the need for other areas of the City to do the same and not concentrate services in one area of the City.
What do you think about the proposed temporary shelter? We want to hear from you. Please complete this quick 5 minute survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/39ZNJST
OPEN DISCUSSION
The group talked about the potential for evictions in the neighborhood once the Governor lifts restrictions on evictions, the encampment at Elliot Park, and potential for rent & mortgage cancellation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Monday, July 27: Ward 6 Candidate Forum, 6-7:30 PM, virtual
Saturday, August 15: Elliot Park Arts Quarter Art Walk
Thursday, August 20: BLUH Meeting, 6 pm
Monday, September 14th: EPNI Annual Meeting & Board Elections
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We hope to see you at our next BLUH meeting on Thursday, August 20th, 6:00 PM on Zoom!
