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April E-News 2026
To request this information in another language or format, please contact [email protected]. Si aad u codsato foomkan oo qaab ama luqad kale ah, fadlan la xiriir [email protected]. Para solicitar esta información en otro idioma o formato, póngase en contacto con [email protected].
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Elliot Park Neighborhood stands with our immigrant neighbors.
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We know increased ICE activity has created fear and uncertainty in our neighborhood. We believe true safety comes from trust and connection, where everyone can go about daily life without fear, regardless of immigration status.
We reject attempts to divide our neighborhood through intimidation. Our immigrant neighbors are essential to Elliot Park, and our community is stronger because of you.
EPNI remains committed to solidarity, care, and sharing resources that help protect our neighbors’ dignity and safety.
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Elliot Park Neighbor Support Fund
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How to Help / Cómo Ayudar / Sida Loo Gargaaro
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Donate to the Fund / Dona al Fondo / U Deeq Mushahariciinta: https://give.mn/zmh9yf
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THANK YOU to our generous neighbors -- we have so far raised over $7,100 to help support our neighbors, prioritizing their safety, meet their basic needs with groceries, supplies, and assistance with financial hardships. While reports are that "Operation Metro Surge" has been winding down, the deep and serious direct impacts on our neighbors continue. Let's keep it going! Neighbors who have been impacted by the federal enforcement surge, and who have dealt with financial hardship as a result can apply for this grant.
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Call or email to Donate supplies (SEE Donation List HERE) / Llamar o enviar correo electrónico para donar suministros (VER lista de donaciones AQUÍ) / Wac ama iimayl u dir si aad ugu deeqdo agabka (EEG Liiska Deeqaha HALKAN): 612-234-2280 or [email protected]
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Request or Offer Help / Solicita u Ofrece Ayuda / Weydii ama Bixi Caawimaad: tinyurl.com/ElliotPark-NeighborSupport
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If you want to give rent assistance to neighbors, please donate to one of these city-wide Renter Support Fund, which EPNI is collaboratively supporting. Visit: https://www.ppna.org/renter-support-fund OR Neighbors Helping Neighbors: https://nhn-tc.org/
In these unprecedented times, please give what you can to help support the Elliot Park Neighbor Support Network & Fund, created to help support our immigrant neighbors in Elliot Park and/or neighbors in Elliot Park directly impacted by the current federal immigration enforcement activities, requiring them to limit activities to prioritize their safety, with critical needs (groceries, safe transportation, and other financial help).
The Elliot Park Neighbor Support Network provides direct, confidential aid and support to our immigrant and directly impacted neighbors facing urgent needs, by working to connect neighbors with these critical needs with neighbors with resources to give. Your donation to the Support Fund helps cover essentials like groceries, safe transportation, and emergency financial support so our community can stay safe and supported. Any amount helps.
Questions? / ¿Preguntas? / Su'aalo?
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EPNI stands in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors. We are here to offer support and help connect neighbors with rights and resources, and to connect neighbors who have help to offer, with neighbors who need help.
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Need rights and resources information? Click HERE for an immigration rights and resource guide in English, Somali and Spanish, with a list of resources to learn about your constitutional legal rights, find free legal advice and services by phone or at in-person clinics, get help if a loved one is detained; as well as resources for community members or property and business owners who want to help.
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Do you want to help your neighbors OR do you need help? Click HERE to sign up with the Elliot Park Neighbor Support in English, Somali and Spanish, to either offer your help to neighbors, or to request help with grocery and basic supplies delivery, safely getting where you need to go, or getting connected to other kinds of resources.
We are stronger together. Questions about getting connected to help and resources, or with how to help your neighbors, or need translation or other accommodations? Contact us at [email protected] or (612) 234-2280.
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City of Minneapolis - Immigration Updates
What to do if you see ICE in your neighborhood
Everyone has constitutional protections — regardless of immigration status.
Before opening your door to ICE, know your rights, as recommended by the Immigrant Law Center. Remember to assert them calmly and safely. Find more Know Your Rights resources on our website.
Also visit the Virtual Resource Center for additional resources.
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More City of Minneapolis Immigrant Resources:
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How to prepare:
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Make a plan to prepare your family.
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Carry a “know-your-rights” card.
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Keep your immigration papers on you at all times.
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Meet with a lawyer to learn about your immigration options.
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Learn how to prepare for an immigration encounter. Attend a workshop, information session or community hours.
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Elliot Park Earth Day Cleanup – Join Your Neighbors!
Celebrate Earth Day by helping tidy up our neighborhood! Join Elliot Park neighbors for a community cleanup and stick around for a light lunch afterward.
When: Wednesday April 22nd
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:30
Shift 1: 10:00 AM — Noon
Shift 2: 12:30pm — 2:30pm
Where: Meet at Elliot Park Recreation Center
Volunteers will be provided with gloves, grabbers, bags, and all the tools needed. No experience necessary—just bring yourself!
Sign up here (or just show up!): elliotpark.org/calendar
For more details, visit elliotpark.org or call/text EPNI at (612) 234-2280.
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Get Involved: Neighborhood Traffic Calming
Visit the Neighborhood Traffic Calming website to find open house dates by area. You can also visit the interactive map to comment on selected projects.
17th and Portland was selected as an area to implement traffic calming. Neighbors please get involved in this opportunity.
East Central Open House
Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Powderhorn Recreation Center, 3400 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Neighborhoods:
Bryant, Central, East Phillips, Elliot Park, Phillips West, Powderhorn, Seward
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EPNI Renter's Corner
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HOMELine
HOME Line provides free and low-cost legal, organizing, education, and advocacy services so that tenants throughout Minnesota can solve their own rental housing problems.
Have a question for HOME Line? Call 612-728-5767 or email an attorney.
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Minneapolis Renter Support Fund Expands Aid
The Renter Support Fund (RSF), a program run by the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association (PPNA), has expanded its cash assistance for Minneapolis renters.
Following an influx of over $300,000 in community donations—prompted by recent ICE enforcement actions—the fund is now providing up to $1,200 per household to more recipients. An additional 48 grants are available through April 2026.
In February, the fund assisted 57 renters, its highest monthly total since launching in 2019. The program offers low-barrier cash assistance to households under financial strain.
Donations are tax-deductible and accepted via GiveMN or the PPNA website.
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RentHelpMN - Emergency Rental Assistance, the county’s long-standing program to support those most at need
If you have past due rent and are at risk of losing your housing, see if you are eligible for help paying rent through RentHelpHennepin.
Citizenship status is not required for our emergency rental assistance program.
If you have an eviction or other legal case filed against you, visit Adult Representation Services at Hennepin.us/ARS.
Keep reading to learn more here:
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Where to call for help
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What you qualify for
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What your rights are
When you get behind on rent, there are several steps that have to be taken between the first missed payment and being removed from your home.
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Biweekly Winter 2026 Food Distribution Schedule 1st/3rd/5th Wednesday mornings!
NEW Winter 2026 Schedule: ALL 3 Food Distribution offerings together on the 1st/3rd/(5th) Wednesdays, starting Weds. Jan. 7th:
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9:30am: Tickets, coffee & donuts, and warm welcome!
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10:00-11:30am/until supplies last: FREE groceries, from Jericho Road AND FREE lunch & hygiene supplies from Mobile Loaves!
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10:00-11:00am: Community Cooking Class with MPRB - Elliot Park!
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Join us -- Community Cooking Class, 1st/3rd/5th Wednesday mornings!
Join your neighbors for a free community cooking class, featuring new recipes with healthy ingredients from the Food Distributions! Interested in co-leading a class with your favorite recipe? Contact Jessica at [email protected] or text/call us at 612-234-2280.
1st/3rd/(5th) Wednesdays:Join the cooking class from 10-11am, and stay for lunch together. You can try out the new meal you cooked, as well as a free lunch from Mobile Loaves!
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Interested in donating or volunteering to support our Elliot Park Food Distribution efforts?
Drop off your non-perishable food donations (especially "grab & go" / no cook items, and canned goods, pasta, rice, etc.) to Elliot Park & Rec Center during open hours — every contribution helps feed our neighbors! And we’re always seeking volunteers to lend a hand. Click the button below to sign up!
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Share Your Feedback on the Local Art Included in the Elliot Park Neighborhood Mural!
Your Community Voice Needed: Help Tell Elliot Park’s Story Through a Mural!
Share your feedback on the art to be included in the Elliot Park mural HERE.
Elliot Park Neighborhood (EPNI) and North Central University are teaming up for an exciting community mural creation—and we want your feedback to bring our community’s story to life!
The Vision:
We’re looking for bold, vibrant mural designs that:
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Celebrate Elliot Park’s history, diversity, and future
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Feel welcoming, inclusive, and inspiring to all
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Reflect the spirit of our neighborhood and its people
The Canvas: The winning design(s) will be painted on the Praise FM building (15th St. & Chicago Ave.) by a team of NCU students and community volunteers in Spring-Summer 2026.
This fall, three local artists submitted their artwork to be part of the Elliot Park community mural. Please share your feedback about the artwork submissions by completing this short form HERE:https://forms.gle/mqE3maMRtyBKUazi8
Questions? Email [email protected] Let’s make something beautiful together!
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EPNI April Calendar
To request interpreting services or accommodations for these events, please contact [email protected]. Si aad u codsato turjubaan ama waafajin, fadlan la xiriir [email protected]. Para solicitar servicios de interpretación o adaptaciones para estos actos, póngase en contacto con [email protected].as
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Wednesday, April 1st, April 15th, April 29th - Free Groceries, Cooking Class, Free Lunch & Hygiene Supplies
9:30am-11:30am (or until supplies last!) • At Elliot Park Rec Center, 1000 E. 14th Ave. (during construction - 14th St. main entrance now open for this event!)
Join our free Grocery Distribution, Community Cooking Class (10:00-11:00am) and free bagged lunch + hygiene supplies, in partnership with the EPNI Food Access Work Group, MPRB - Elliot Park, Jericho Road and Mobile Loaves!
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Wednesday, April 8th - Joint Elliot Park Neighbor Support Network Volunteer Session + EPNI Joint Committee Meeting
5:30pm: Volunteer Session begins; 6:30pm: Joint Committee Meeting begins • At ** EPNI Office, 1400 Chicago Ave. (entrance off back parking lot), or via Zoom for 6:30pm meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84231574529
(**please note location change; at EPNI office - NOT at Elliot Park & Rec Center)
Because the critical work serving our neighbors continues, we will again co-host our monthly community Elliot Park Joint Committee meeting in conjunction with our weekly Elliot Park Neighbor Support Network volunteer work session, this Wednesday 3/11, in person at the EPNI office, 1400 Chicago Ave.** (entrance off back parking lot, across from bus station), or, folks joining the meeting can attend remotely, via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84231574529.
We'll begin the Elliot Park Neighbor Support Network volunteer working session at 5:30pm; with a break at 6:30pm for the EPNI Joint Committee meeting (brief agenda) - to share neighborhood updates of the Neighborhood Vitality and Land Use & Transportation committees.
All are welcome to join, share your input and help your neighbors!
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Join neighbors to work collectively on our food access goals, such as:
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Bring a Grocery Store or Co-op to Elliot Park
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Expand Food-sharing Community Gardens
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Continue to build our Food Distribution Program
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MPRB - Elliot Park & Recreation Center Events
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Community Healing Circle – "The Reconvene" on April 18 from 3-5pm
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Join us for a restorative afternoon at the Community Healing Circle, happening
April 18, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.
This gathering is designed to help balance your body, mind, and soul by reawakening your inner energy and releasing emotional blockages through natural and holistic techniques.
Location:
1400 Park Ave #1010, Minneapolis, MN 55404
For more information, call (612) 345-4534 or visit LutunjisPalate.com.
All are welcome—come as you are and leave feeling renewed.
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Trash Detectives: Where Does Our Trash Go?
Join Speaking Out Collective and the Zero Burn Coalition for a fun afternoon exploring the journey of our trash.
Saturday, April 4th
1:00–2:30 PM
Hosmer Library, Room L02
347 E 36th St, Minneapolis
Kids ages 6–12 are welcome for storytelling, games, and using our voices for change. Let's get curious about consumption and imagine new possibilities together!
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April Civic Buzz: Training for Ethical Police Practices
Thursday, April 9, 7-8:30 pm
LIVE, IN PERSON - Free and Open to ALL (recording for later viewing on the website)
Plymouth Congregational Church*
1900 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis (lots of easy parking)
Guest Speaker: Commander Kris Brown, Training Division, Minneapolis Police Department
Public concern about law enforcement training and practices has grown, especially after witnessing federal agents use excessive force, conduct dangerous vehicle pursuits, make aggressive stops and arrests, and engage in crowd control tactics that felt both alarming and unlawful. These moments have prompted an important question: What does ethical law enforcement look like, and how is the Minneapolis Police Department preparing both new and veteran officers to meet the standards of non‑discriminatory policing outlined in the Settlement Agreement?
*Co-hosted by Plymouth ReImagining Community Safety Group (RiCS)
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The Minneapolis Downtown Council's Community Calendar is your source for downtown events & FREE fun!
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 EPNI Updates
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Elliot Park Quick Resident Survey: 5 Questions, 10 Minutes -- Let YOUR Voice Be Heard - Survey HERE!
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"There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about." – Margaret J. Wheatley
Your voice matters! We appreciate you taking a few minutes to let us know what's most important to you in the neighborhood, and ways you want to get connected and involved in Elliot Park! Click HERE to take the quick EPNI survey • af-Soomaliga. Thank you!
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City and Community Updates
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Public Hearing on Safe Outdoor Parking Amendment – April 6
A public hearing will be held April 6th on a proposed zoning amendment to establish "safe outdoor spaces" for people experiencing homelessness.
If approved, the amendment would allow regulated, managed parking lots where people can safely sleep in their vehicles overnight—offering a legal alternative to tickets, towing, or sleeping on the street. The model is based on programs already working in Duluth and Denver.
Learn more:
Safe Outdoor Parking Amendment – City of Minneapolis
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Join the Heart of the Community – Volunteer with Welcome Services at
Hennepin Healthcare!
Looking for a meaningful way to give back, meet new people, and brighten someone’s day? If you have weekday daytime availability, we’d love to have you on our Welcome Services team!
As a friendly face greeting patients and visitors, Welcome Services volunteers help create the warm, welcoming atmosphere our community counts on. Whether you’re offering directions, answering quick questions, or simply sharing a smile, you help make every visit a little easier.
Why You’ll Love Volunteering with Us:
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Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and caring team
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Support patients and families during important moments
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Build communication and customer service skills
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Stay connected to the vibrant community you call home
Know Someone Who Would Be Great? Spread the word! Invite a friend to join and make an even bigger impact.
Ready to Get Started?
Visit https://www.hennepinhealthcare.org/volunteer/volunteer-hospital-program/
or email [email protected] to learn more and apply.
Let’s make a difference—starting right at the front door!
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Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Important Environmental Updates
Hello Neighbors,
We wanted to share two important opportunities for our community to get involved with rulemaking efforts at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA):
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Cumulative Impacts Rulemaking – The MPCA has launched a new cumulative impacts mapping application, and a major comment period will be open this May–June. This is a chance to weigh in on how pollution burdens are assessed in our communities. Check out the mapping tool and rulemaking details here:
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/get-engaged/cumulative-impacts-rulemaking
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Air Toxics Rulemaking – Around the same time, there will be a significant rulemaking focused on air toxics. We're still learning the details, but it's another important opportunity to help shape air quality protections.
These types of rulemakings rely on community input, so we encourage everyone to take a look and make your voice heard.
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Join a Blue Thumb Planting for Clean Water workshop this spring!
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These in-person sessions across the Twin Cities metro offer practical guidance, expert support, and plenty of time to ask questions and explore ideas for your own space. This spring’s topics include:
Designing rain gardens & managing runoff
Planting for pollinators with native plants
Rain garden maintenance & long-term care
Shoreline planting to protect lakes & rivers
Workshops are $15 (some with sliding scale options). Register at bluethumb.org/events
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Minneapolis Police Department Staffing changes for Sector 2 / Elliot Park Neighborhood
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New City Attorney Community Attorney-Criminal Division:
Mary Krenzen Rockwood, a Duluth native, earned her undergraduate degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa and her J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in Denver, CO. After working as a judicial fellow in Denver District Court, she worked for 3½ years as a prosecutor in the Denver District Attorney’s Office. After moving back to MN, Mary worked as an Assistant Director at the Office of Lawyers Proessional Responsibility in St. Paul. She joined the Minneapolis City Attorney’s Office in June 2024 and served on the Trial Team before joining the Community Attorney Team in December 2025. Mary has also served as the 5th Precinct Community Attorney. In addition to her role as the 1st Precinct Community Attorney, she currently works on the Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) Team, Expungements, and Special Crash Team. Mary can be reached at 612-427-4920 or [email protected]
New Sector 2 Lieutenant:
Lieutenant Kurtis Schoonover is an MPD law enforcement professional with experience across a wide variety of police operations. His career has included patrol duties, tactical operations, oversight of misconduct cases, and leadership in both academy and in-service training programs. Having also conducted force investigations, he offers a comprehensive understanding of frontline policing, accountability, and the continuous development of officers. He is the Sector Lt for both Elliot Park Neighborhood and Cedar Riverside. Lt can be reached at 612-673-5258 or [email protected]
Crime Prevention Specialist: No Change
Carla Nielson continues as the Crime Prevention Specialist for both Elliot Park Neighborhood and Cedar Riverside. She has been with the Minneapolis Police Department for 29 1/2 years. Initially she worked in the Third Precinct, followed by directing the Franklin Ave Safety Center and then the Cedar Riverside / West Bank Safety Center. She can be reached at 612-919-8887 or [email protected]
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Resources for Neighbors Facing Food Insecurity & Houselessness
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Community Safety Resources
Have neighborhood safety questions? In 2026, Carla Nielson will continue to be the Crime Prevention Specialist in both Elliot Park Neighborhood and Cedar Riverside. She can be contacted at [email protected] or 612-919-8887 (phone during Mon-Fri regular business hours).
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311 is the remote access point for ALL non-emergency info & service requests
You can call 311 to:
* Remember - there are power in numbers. If a number of affected neighbors call 311 about the same issue, it may speed up response time.
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Continued Neighborhood Opportunities:
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Community Solar Garden Opportunity
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Cooperative Energy Futures (CEF) is a local energy cooperative housed in South Minneapolis at the Sabathani Community Center.
They are collaborating with various neighborhood organizations and community-based organizations to spread the word about their Community Solar Garden (CSG) Program that saves you money on your Xcel bill, while building community-member owned
renewable energy infrastructure. We give priority to community members with lower incomes or that participate in programs like SNAP, WIC, energy assistance and Medicaid.
Our community-member owned CSG program allows community members, whether you rent or own, to share the benefits of the solar array we are building on the parking canopy at Abbott Northwestern Hospital at 28th and Chicago.
Learn more at this link: https://www.cooperativeenergyfutures.com/community-solar-1
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Homebuyer & Home Improvement Opportunities
Click link for larger graphic of image below
 The city has resources available for home buying and home improvement. Including down payment assistance for specific homes and financing options to improve your house. For more information see the flyer above.
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Minneapolis Green Cost Share Program
We are excited to work with the Minneapolis Green Cost Share program, a project that helps our city be greener! The Green Cost Share program provides up to $14,000 in rebates to eligible homeowners in our neighborhood. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with your next project using the Minneapolis Green Cost Share program. Together, we can make Minneapolis a better place to live.
Green Cost Share Contact Info:
Minneapolis Health Department, [email protected], 612-673-2301
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Want a free ride & a cleaner bus stop? Adopt-a-Stop!
WHAT: Individuals and groups can "adopt" a Metro Transit bus stop to help keep it clean and cared for, and alert Metro Transit staff to special maintenance needs and reporting vandalism or suspicious activity.
WHY: Help everyone have a safer ride experience and and get 10 free rides each month!
HOW:Learn more and apply online for Metro Transit Adopt-A-Stop program HERE.
Want to partner through EPNI to Adopt-a-Stop? Come talk about it at the Land Use & Transportation committee meeting, or contact us at [email protected] or text/call 612-234-2280
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Shop the Mobile Market!
The Twin Cities Mobile Market continues on Wednesdays! You can find the bus at 1515 Park Ave. All are welcome to stop by and shop. The market has beautiful and affordable produce, meat, dairy, bread, and more.
You can view the full schedule here on the Park Center Hi-Rise site. To learn more about the Mobile Market, please visit thefoodgroupmn.org/twin-cities-mobile-market/.
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