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].

"For me, education means to inspire people to live more abundantly, to learn to begin with life as they find it, and make it better." -- Carter G.  Woodson, Father of Black History Month

EPNI February Calendar

Monday, February 12th - Monthly Board of Directors Meeting
6:00-7:30pm • At North Central University, 1400 Elliot Ave, or participate via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84658175303                                                                       

(Please note the date change: meeting moved from regular 3rd Monday date, in observance of President's Day.)  Your voice matters, and your insights are invaluable. Join us to stay informed, share your ideas, and help shape the future of our community. Together, we can make our neighborhood an even better place to live. ALL are welcome -- see you there!

Tuesday, February 13th - Neighborhood Vitality Committee Meeting
7:00-8:30pm • At Elliot Park Rec Center, 1000 E. 14th Ave.

ALL are welcome to join the newly organized EPNI Neighborhood Vitality Committee at its next monthly meeting, to connect with your neighbors, bring your ideas, and get involved in upcoming neighborhood projects in service to Elliot Park! At the February 13th meeting, committee members will:

- continue planning work on upcoming spring tree planting project in partnership with Downtown Improvement District (DID), in conjunction with upcoming neighborhood events on Arbor Day (Apr. 26th) and Elliot Park Neighborhood Day celebration (May 11th);

- hear updates from the new Elliot Park Safety Coalition; and

- share interests and input on ideas to develop a possible neighborhood restorative/transformative justice project and neighborhood walking group; and on overall 2024 project priorities! 

Bring your voice -- ALL are welcome! Questions or want to learn more? Contact [email protected] or call/text (612) 234-2280. See you there!

Thursday, February 15th - Land Use & Transportation Committee Meeting
6:00-7:30pm • At Elliot Park Rec Center, 1000 E. 14th Ave. 

All are welcome to join the Land Use & Transportation Committee at it's monthly meeting. Come hear about upcoming Elliot Park infrastructure and transportation projects and share input as the LUT Committee continues to shape its 2024 priorities around neighborhood developments and infrastructure projects, housing and tenant needs and issues, and transportation issues, like pedestrian safety.

Questions or want to learn more? Contact [email protected] or call/text (612) 234-2280. See you there!

Tuesday, February 27th - Coalition for Elliot Park - Public Safety Forum
2:00-3:30pm • At Elliot Park Rec Center, 1000 E. 14th Ave. 

The Coalition for Elliot Park began forming in late 2023, as a collaboration of neighborhood partner organizations focused on community-led efforts supporting community safety. It's newly established Vision is as follows:

"The Coalition for Elliot Park is a group of organizations, businesses, and residents surrounding Elliot Park and acting as bridge builders to create connection, community, and safety in the Elliot Park Neighborhood."

Community members are welcome to join this Forum to learn more about the Coalition's early visioning and goal-setting work. Ask questions of panel presenters, including MPD 1st Precinct and MPRB - Park Police and Street Outreach team members. Share your voice and input on your experiences, what you'd like to see to help support a safer and more well connected Elliot Park. 

Questions or want to learn more? Contact: [email protected] or call/text (612) 234-2280.

Do you have a suggestion or question for Elliot Park Neighborhood Inc.? Email [email protected] or text / call (612) 234-2280 and we will get back to you soon!

------------

February Community Calendar 

Friday, February 16th - Winter Chill Fest 2024 at Loring Park!                                          5:30pm-7:30pm • Loring Park

Bonfire, Horse & Carriage Rides! So much fun! And FREE, brought to you by MPRB!

Saturday, February 17th - Come visit EPNI at the annual Community Connections Conference!  9:00am-4:00pm • Minneapolis Convention Center, 1st Floor-Hall E, 1301 2nd Ave S.

Come check out the EPNI table & showcase at the Community Connections Conference, an annual FREE event (with lunch!) that connects residents of Minneapolis, community groups, neighborhoods and local government. 

Our conference theme this year is “Open city, your Minneapolis.” We want to focus on making Minneapolis a transparent, accessible city. Being an "open city" means being open to everyone, open to new ideas and open for business.

Community Connections Conference goals -- We host this conference so that:

- Residents, community groups, neighborhood organizations, City of Minneapolis departments and decision-makers can connect.

- All communities feel welcome to get involved in local decision-making.

- Residents learn about programs and policies that affect them.

Get more info in multiple languages, and pre-register for the Community Connections Conference HERE!

Sign up for Conference email updates HERE!

You can ride the bus or light rail for free to the Community Connections Conference on Feb. 17 courtesy of conference sponsor, Metro Transit.

To use:

1. Download your pass

2. Save the pass to your mobile device or print it out

3. Show the pass to the driver or fare inspector for free rides from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. on conference day. Plan your trip at metrotransit.org.

EPNI Updates

Spring 2024 Elliot Park Tree Planting Project

The Mpls DID and EPNI are partnering to plant trees in the Elliot Park Neighborhood, and we are looking for volunteers! Tree planting and tree care opportunities will be available throughout the Spring and Summer. Interested? Fill out this volunteer interest form and check out this map of planting sites. Email Jessica at [email protected] with questions or for more information.

2024 Elliot Park Quick Resident Survey: 5 Questions, 10 Minutes --  Let YOUR Voice Be Heard - Survey HERE!

City & Community Updates

Notices for Two Upcoming 11th Ave. S. Projects:

1) Sewer Lining Project: Along 11th Ave. S., Under 35W, Between 17th St. E. & 18th St. E.

A Large Diameter Sewer Lining Project is scheduled to begin Saturday, February 3rd. The method being used, Cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) lining, is a trenchless rehabilitation method, meaning the contractor will not have to break ground to complete this repair and disruptions will be minimal compared to a full pipe replacement. Liner installation will occur through the sewer access manholes at the center of the street.

The first phase of rehabilitation involves cleaning and inspecting the existing pipe and will take place February 3^rd during the day, and pedestrian and vehicle access on 11^th Ave S will be maintained during this process. The second phase involves the installation of the pipe liner and is scheduled to occur starting as soon as March 4th (weather permitting). 18^th Street will be closed to thru traffic during the lining process. Residents will be notified of a timeslot during the lining process where sewer service will be briefly interrupted. For more details, see the resident letter HERE and contact the contractor, Bruce White with Insituform (612-225-0041) with any questions.

2) Resurfacing Project on 11th Ave. S. 

Public Works has scheduled a Pre-Public Hearing Meeting at 2:00pm on Tuesday, March 26th at the Elliot Park Recreation Center. This is to go over any questions property owners and residents might have regarding the upcoming 11^thAve S Resurfacing project (map HERE) and related assessments. Assessment letters and invitations are being mailed to affected residents. Questions can be directed to Hazel Wolf, Supervisor Engineering Technician I (She/her/hers), at 612-772-2524 or by email at [email protected].

Connect with your New Elliot Park Crime Prevention Specialist

Hello All—

My name is Carla Nielson. I work for the City of Minneapolis as a Crime Prevention Specialist (CPS) for the Minneapolis Police Dept. First Precinct. In January, I’ve been assigned to cover the Elliot Park Neighborhood, replacing Renee Allen. She is continuing as the CPS for all of the other neighborhoods downtown. I’ve been providing crime prevention outreach in Cedar Riverside neighborhood for the past twelve+ years. I’ve also worked in the Third Precinct for a large portion of my 27+ years. I live in South Minneapolis, and have been active in my own neighborhood association.

I can be reached at [email protected] or 612-919-8887. I look forward to providing support to you, your block club, apartment club, or business. I hope to meet you as we move towards spring and are out and about walking around.

Helpful Links for Information

Wintertime Auto Theft notice: In English HERE - Af-soomaaliga HALKAN -  En español AQUÍ 

MPD Dashboard 

https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/public-safety/police-public-safety/crime-maps-dashboards/

Crime Stoppers of MN - Submit a Tip | http://www.crimestoppersmn.org/

​MPD Records & Data Requests | http://www.minneapolismn.gov/police/records/ 

Crime Victim's Services | https://cornerstonemn.org/abuse-help-minnesota/support-for-crime-victims/ 

Domestic Abuse & Harassment Resources | http://mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Domestic-Abuse-and-Harassment.aspx#GetHRO

Dept Homeland Security Preparedness Resources | www.Ready.gov

Mpls 3-1-1 Resources | https://www.minneapolismn.gov/contact-us/ 

Mpls Homelessness Response | https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/homes-development-assistance/homelessness-initiative/

Mpls Resources for Property Owners & Tenants | https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/property-housing/ 

Three Ways to Show Up for Our Neighbors Experiencing Houselessness & Food Insecurity -- Partner with Agate to:

1) VOLUNTEER: Agate's Shelf of Hope Seeking Food Shelf Generalist Volunteers

By becoming a Food Shelf Generalist, you are joining hands with a team of people who believe that all human beings deserve food and their basic needs met. You work directly with the people you are helping, face-to-face, building a caring and connective community. Every week, we serve over 100 families and individuals from Elliot Park and the surrounding communities.

After a tragic fire and a year of repairs, the Shelf of Hope food shelf has returned with a wide-open room that is set up like a grocery store. It's open at 10:00AM on Wednesdays for all to come inside and pick out what they want!  We're looking for people to help serve their community on Mondays (prep, 8:30a-1:00pm) and Wednesdays (open hours, 8:30am-2:00pm) at the Shelf of Hope, 714 Park Ave.

Volunteers must pass a background check, and be interviewed, and receive staff approval before starting. More details HERE. If you are interested, contact the Volunteer Manager: Noah Chan | 612 327 6389 | [email protected]. 

2) WALK: Join the "Coldest Night of the Year"  Walk-a-Thon for Homelessness, Feb. 24th:

Being unhoused and unsheltered is dangerous all year round but winter presents its own set of life-threatening challenges. 

Join us on February 24th to experience the cold and fundraise to help Agate end homelessness!

Help us reach our $50,000 fundraising goal by recruiting walkers to your team and rallying supporters of our mission to end homelessness and relieve hunger in our community!

Gather a group of family, friends, neighbors or coworkers and join us in at 4pm in our Food Centre (714 Park Ave)! Register and learn more HERE. Questions? Contact [email protected]. 

3) ADVOCATE: Join Agate & the MN Coalition for the Homeless for Homeless Day on the Hill - Register by March 1st to join March 20th

Doors will open at Central Presbyterian Church (500 Cedar St, Saint Paul, MN 55101) at 7:45 AM with a program starting at 9:00 AM. At 10:00 AM, we will make our way to the Capitol (75 Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard., St Paul, MN 55155) for advocates to meet with their lawmakers. NO previous experience needed -- more voices = more power! Learn more & register HERE!

Homegrown Minneapolis Request For Proposal (RFP)

Homegrown Minneapolis is pleased to announce a funding opportunity for projects related
to urban agriculture and addressing wasted food. This funding opportunity is part of the
City's Climate Legacy Initiative. The following projects are eligible for funding: 

• Sustainable growing: educational programming and/or access to materials,
  equipment, water, lighting, and other resources for growing food using sustainable
  production methods
• Season extension: Construction and use of energy-efficient season
  extension/controlled environment growing structures for fruit and vegetable
  production
• Prevent wasted food: Reduce wasted food in the city through prevention, food
  rescue, and composting
  

Organizations can apply for $5,000 - $25,000. The deadline to apply is Feb. 14. Late
submissions cannot be accepted.

Look for and select "RFP for 2024 Homegrown Minneapolis Community Projects" on the City of Minneapolis E-Supplier portal - HERE.

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 February 15th Land Use & Transportation committee meeting, or contact us at [email protected] or text/call 612-234-2280.

Microgrants Available to Support People Living with Disabilities

If you are a person living with a certified disability, and you have an idea for a housing or employment-related goal, you can apply for a MN DHS & The Principal Foundation $500 microgrant to help you achieve your goal! Because the popular program is limited to 25 mini grants per month, it's best to apply at the beginning of the month.  Applications will be accepted from individuals or from their staff, family, friends or supporters. Learn more about the kinds of goals mini-grants can help with, and program limits, and apply HERE, at the Arc Minnesota Microgrant Partnership page.    

How to Get Your COVID-19, Flu & RSV Vaccines This Year 

Immunizations are available this fall and winter in the United States that can help protect against three major respiratory diseases: COVID-19, flu and RSV. Immunization against these viruses remains the best protection for reducing the risk of serious illness, hospitalizations, long-term health impacts and death.

Recommendations for these immunizations vary based on age, pregnancy status or medical conditions.

To find flu and COVID-19 vaccines, visit vaccines.gov. To learn more, including how to find recommended immunizations, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

EPNI Renter's Corner

Join Affordable Housing Connections and Representatives from the City of Minneapolis for a FREE Fair Housing Info Session for Renters

Affordable Housing Connections is hosting one more Fair Housing Information Session for renters in February, in partnership with the Fair Housing Implementation Council. Topics include the history of the Fair Housing Act, the law as it stands today, new tenant protections, and the future of fair housing. Staff from the City of Minneapolis' Investigative Division will be present at both sessions. 

Thursday, February 22^nd 5:00- 7:00PM - In-person Registration Link HERE                                    Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, RKMC Room

New Rental Protection State Laws Are In Effect

New laws took effect at the state level on January 1, 2024. Some of these laws were already in place in Minneapolis, but now renters statewide have additional protections. These laws include:

• Written notice before eviction for nonpayment of rent
• Up-front fee disclosures
• Heat requirements during the winter months
• Privacy rights for renters

The list above covers just some of the new laws. Visit HOME Line's website to learn more and view webinars in multiple languages: HOME Line: New laws

311: Did You Know . . .?

Report rental issues to 311

Contact 311 to report rental housing issues or speak to a housing liaison. You can also track complaints online on the 311 property complaint dashboard.

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