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June 9th Neighborhood Day
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You are warmly invited to a special Elliot Park Neighborhood Day & Franklin Steele Square Groundbreaking on Tuesday, June 9th, from 4:00–6:00 PM at Franklin Steele Square (1600 Portland Ave S).
This is a great opportunity to:
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Clean up trash alongside your neighbors (training & tools provided)
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Enjoy lawn games and refreshments
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Groove to music from a DJ with KRSM Radio
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Connect with EPNI and learn how your neighborhood organization supports Elliot Park
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Celebrate the groundbreaking of Franklin Steele Square improvements, led by MPRB Parks Superintendent Al Banguora & District 4 Comissioner Jason Garcia
Everyone is welcome! Whether you’ve lived here for years or just arrived, come be part of the fun
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Elliot Park Neighbor Support Fund
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THANK YOU, neighbors! So far, we've raised over $12,631 (including a very generous recent $5,000 anonymous donation!) to support neighbors with small individual financial help grants, and delivered over 425 bags of groceries and supplies, and served another 212 households at our five extra pop-up food distribution events, throughout the dark days of "Operation Metro Surge" and its aftermath.
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We also provided many of these neighbors with caring support and other community resource connection.
While the immediate harm of the federal enforcement surge has abated, the deep and serious direct impacts on our neighbors are lasting. We recognize both that the financial impacts caused by Operation Metro Surge continue for many; and that Operation Metro Surge only worsened existing layers of financial hardships for many neighbors, including food and housing insecurities, and broader economic hardships.
Therefore, we continue to maintain, raise and distribute funds to assist our neighbors through the Elliot Park Neighbor Support Fund, with a highly aligned purpose and similar guidelines as the original Fund created in February 2026, in response to Operation Metro Surge.
Neighbors facing financial hardships affecting basic needs can apply for a grant by contacting EPNI by text/phone at 612-234-2280 or email, at [email protected].
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The Elliot Park Neighbor Support Network provides direct, confidential aid to neighbors facing serious financial hardship. We connect neighbors who need help with neighbors who can give. Your donation covers food support, basic supplies and individual small grants for emergency financial support.
Any amount helps. Give what you can.
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How to prepare:
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Make a family plan
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Carry a know-your-rights card
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Keep immigration papers with you
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Talk to a lawyer about your options
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Attend a workshop or community session to learn how to handle an encounter—no matter your immigration status.
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Check out our "Rights & Resources" list for additional immigration rights, legal help and other resources.
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How/where to connect with immigration legal service providers:
• Wed 2-4PM at Careerforce at 777 E Lake St and virtually
• Friday 10-noon at Cedar Riverside Opportunity center and virtually
• Contact [email protected] to learn more
Together, we build a stronger, more welcoming Minneapolis.
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EPNI Renter's Corner
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Renter Support Funds
Apply for rent help:
The emergency assistance funds are specific to immigrant/impacted neighbors affected by immigration enforcement surge who are facing eviction.
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Accessing County Emergency Housing Funds
Minneapolis households seeking this emergency rental assistance can reach out to these organizations to start an application.
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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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Support for Renters & Property Owners – Meet Your Housing Liaisons
Facing a housing issue? You don’t have to navigate it alone. Our Housing Liaisons are here to help both renters and property owners in Minneapolis find real solutions.
What we do:
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Listen closely to your concerns
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Take time to understand the challenges you're experiencing
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Partner with local organizations to find the best path forward
Whether you rent or own, we’re here to help.
Learn more here: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/reg-services/operations-engagement/housing-liaisons/
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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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Biweekly 2026 Food Distribution Schedule 1st/3rd/5th Wednesday mornings!
Current Schedule: ALL 3 Food Distribution offerings on each 1st, 3rd (&5th) Wednesday of the Month:
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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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Help Tell Elliot Park's Story Through a Mural!
Share your feedback on the artwork HERE:
https://forms.gle/mqE3maMRtyBKUazi8
Elliot Park Neighborhood (EPNI) and North Central University are partnering on a community mural—and we want your input.
The Vision: Bold, vibrant designs that celebrate Elliot Park's history, diversity, and future—welcoming, inclusive, and inspiring.
The Canvas: Praise FM building (15th & Chicago Ave.), painted by NCU students and volunteers in Spring–Summer 2026.
Three local artists have submitted their work. Please share your thoughts via the short form above.
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EPNI June 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, June 3rd, June 17th - 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, June 10th - EPNI Joint Committee Meeting
6:30pm - 8:00pm• At Elliot Park Rec Center 1000 E 14th St: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84231574529
ALL are welcome to the Joint EPNI Neighborhood Vitality & Land Use Committees meeting—bring your ideas and connect with your neighbors! This joint committee structure is your "one-stop shop"for involvement in new and ongoing projects serving our shared Elliot Park community.
Here is the proposed Weds. 6/10 EPNI Joint Committee meeting agenda:
At the Neighborhood Vitality committee, ask your questions to learn more about the Purple Air Monitor in Elliot Park; and hear about updates and involvement opportunities on a number of current projects, including the Grocery Store planning project of the Elliot Park Food Access Working Group; and other current opportunities.
At the Land Use & Transportation committee, hear the latest updates about the upcoming Elliot Park improvements, development, transportation projects.
Bring your voice --ALL are welcome! Questions or want to learn more?Contact [email protected] or call/text (612)234-2280. See you there!
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Monday June 22nd - Elliot Park Grocery Store Planning Retreat
2:00-5:00pm • At EPNI Office 1400 Chicago
Held in lieu of the regular monthly Food Access Work Group meeting -- anyone wanting to join our work exploring what it will take to bring a grocery store to Elliot Park is welcome to join!
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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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Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit - Together We Grow
June 5 from 8:30am -3:30pm Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit Workshop
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Last year over 200 attendees
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Different topics that you can choose to learn about
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Registration is still open and will be available up to the day of the even
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Cost: $40, lunch is provided
If price is a barrier, send an email to Justin at [email protected]
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Keynote speakers – Shawn Nelson City Council Member Bloomington; Lunch speaker
Secretary of State Steve Simon; Closing Amalia Damgaard Immigrant Entrepreneur Spirit
Award
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2026 Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit Minnesota to register and see workshops,
including estate planning, employment law, AI, wealth building, asset protection, etc.
Contact info: [email protected]
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18th Annual Community Empowerment through Black Men Healing Conference
June 25–26, 2026 | St. Paul College
Learn how trauma affects us and explore real paths to healing—with workshops, speakers, and connection.
Open to all.
More info & registration: www.brothershealing.com
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35th Powderhorn Art Fair Set for August 1–2
Minneapolis – The Powderhorn Art Fair returns for its 35th year on Saturday and Sunday, August 1st & 2nd, from 10 AM to 5 PM daily in Powderhorn Park. The event is free to the public.
This year's fair features over 200 juried artists, 20 global food vendors, a Family Zone, and live DJ sets from KRSM Radio. Youth artists will receive mentorship from established professionals, and local artist Michael Hoyt is the featured collaborator.
The fair also supports the Renter Support Fund, which provides cash assistance to cost-burdened Minneapolis renters.
Visit www.powderhornartfair.com for more information.
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MPRB - Elliot Park & Recreation Center Events
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The Minneapolis Downtown Council's Community Calendar is your source for downtown events & FREE fun!
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 EPNI Project Reports & Updates
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5/28 Stronger Together Community Forum Report
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On Thursday, May 28th, neighbors came together at Elliot Park & Rec Center, to participate in the "Stronger Together: Elliot Park Post Operation Metro Surge Community Forum" with Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty, Ward 6 Councilmember Jamal Osman, and Legal Rights Center Executive Director, Malaika Eban; moderated by Elliot Park resident and EPNI Board President, Toya López.
We both heard from our neighbors in attendance about their experiences, impacts and needs coming out of Operation Metro Surge, and we heard updates from our panelists about their work in response. Toya also reviewed EPNI's mutual aid work in response, working to stand with our impacted neighbors and community members, through coordinating neighbor volunteers to deliver food and basic supplies to neighbors who needed to stay home to prioritize safety; and raising funds to offer individual small grants to those directly impacted, facing economic hardship as a result.
Councilmember Osman spoke from the heart about his own direct experiences as part of the targeted Somali community, staying on the front line of presence and response in support of all immigrant and otherwise impacted residents, through the Surge. Malaika Eban spoke about the Legal Rights Center's legal defense work, specific to residents whose 1st amendment rights were violated during peaceful protests and legal observing. And County Attorney Moriarty gave a helpful overview of the continued work of the County Attorney's office, to begin to hold ICE accountable for unlawful violence and rights violations.
The work continues in the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge, both within and beyond Elliot Park:
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Do you need help or resource connection; or want to help your Elliot Park neighbors, through the continued Elliot Park Support Network? Call or text EPNI: 612–234-2280 / [email protected]
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Do you have more questions for our Stronger Together community forum panelists:
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County Attorney Mary Moriarty: https://www.hennepinattorney.org/ / Citizen information: Phone: 612-348-2146 / [email protected]
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Additionally, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty's office has continued to manage the Transparency and Accountability Project (TAP) in the wake of Operation Metro Surge. "TAP’s purpose is to collect and assess evidence submitted by the public of potentially unlawful behavior by federal agents. It is staffed by HCAO prosecutors and an HCAO civilian investigator. A new portal for community members to share photos, videos, and descriptions of any incidents that may involve unlawful conduct by federal agents has been created to support TAP:"
https://www.hennepinattorney.org/news/news/2026/March/tap-portal
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Ward 6 Councilmember Jamal Osman: Phone: 612-673-2206 / [email protected]
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Malaika Eban, Executive Director of the Legal Rights Center: 1611 Park Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55404 / Phone: 612-337-0030 / [email protected]
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On May 21st Elliot Park Neighborhood and Envision Twin Cities partnered to serve coffee to neighbors and help clean up the neighborhood around 14th and Chicago. A special thanks to our neighbors who showed up to help clean up our neighborhood.
Check out our website for future clean ups at https://www.elliotpark.org/calendar and/or see our schedule above
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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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Here & Gone: Commemorating ICE Abductions in MN is a crowd-sourced archival project documenting the signs and artwork installed at sites of ICE abductions in Minnesota. Since Operation Metro Surge began in late 2025, Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) has detained at least 4,000 people in Minnesota.
In response, community members have commemorated these sites with art and homemade signage. These spontaneous memorials–often made of paper, pen, or paint–are vulnerable to time and weather.
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Here & Gone aims to collect and map photos of these ephemeral memorials and organize them into a publicly available collection. The project seeks photo contributions of existing or past examples of how neighbors are marking sites of abductions across the state. Learn more, submit your photos, and explore the existing collection at our website: hereandgonemn.com.
For questions or to get in touch with the project team, please email us at [email protected]
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Policy Achievements l HCMC funded, data center moratorium policy amended
The legislature reached agreement that includes an infusion of funds for Hennepin County and Hennepin Healthcare, along with additional oversight measures. At city hall, we worked with our partners to ensure that while the city evaluates its data center framework, downtown projects have an avenue to advance.
HCMC funding deal includes new oversight board, accountability measures
Renée Cooper l KSTP
Minnesota lawmakers reached a deal to send emergency funding to Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) and add new oversight as the hospital sought public money to stay open. Full article
Minneapolis passes six-month moratorium on data centers
Deena Winters l The Minnesota Star Tribune
City Council exempted downtown data centers under 350,000 square feet; had originally considered 1-year ban. Full article
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Minnesotans Can Feel Confident in the Safety of Our Elections!
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“As I said before the right to vote is the crown jewel of American Liberties, and we will not see
its luster diminished.” These were the words of President Ronald Reagan speaking to the nation on June 29, 1982 upon his signing of the 25-year extension of the Voting Rights Act. This act first became law in 1965 and required states to follow the 14th and 15th Amendments’ guarantee that the right to vote not be denied because of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
Our democracy is at its best when citizens across the United States cast their ballots during
election season. Whether the vote is for a school board member, state senator, or President of the United States, voting is our power to have our voices heard. We the people have the power to elect representatives to enact laws that match our needs and values.
State Laws Regulate Elections
Article 1, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution gives states the power to regulate “the times, places and manners of elections, though Congress can make or alter these regulations”… This means that the states run elections. When you cast your ballot at a polling place, the people working there are local government officials, your neighbors, friends, and family members hired to ensure a free, fair, and secure election where only registered U.S. citizens vote, and each vote is accurately counted.
While the federal government has passed laws like the Voting Rights Act to ensure greater
access to voting, it is the local government that administers the election process according to
the laws of each state. For example, some states, like Minnesota allow voter registration on
election day while other states require voters to register before election day. In Minnesota
local election officials in 87 counties administer elections following its state’s laws. Minnesota
State laws dictate how ballots are created, distributed, and safely stored. Its laws dictate how
ballot counting machines are purchased and tested before and after the elections to ensure
their accuracy. A comprehensive list of registered voters (voter rolls) is maintained by the
Minnesota’s Secretary of State office in collaboration with the counties.
Read More Here: lwvmpls.org/minnesotans-can-feel-confident-in-the-safety-of-our-elections/
Secretary of State Website in Spanish: https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/spanish
Secretary of State Website in Spanish: https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/somali
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The Stevens Square Community Organization will be hosting our annual Red Hot Art Fest on July 18th from 1pm - 6pm in Stevens Square Park- All are invited to join our neighborhood for a day of art, music, and connection!
Applications are open now until June 16th for small artist vendors (tabling fee $20), local organizations (tabling fee $65), and performers small stipend of $50 - $100 will be paid) to join us in making this event a success!
More information and the application can be found on our website at stevenssquare.org/rha26.
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 Volunteer with Welcome Services at Hennepin Healthcare!
Have weekday daytime availability? Join our team as a friendly face greeting
patients and visitors—offering directions, answering questions, and sharing
smiles.
Why volunteer?
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Be part of a caring, inclusive team
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Support patients and families
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Build communication skills
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Stay connected to your community
Get started: Visit https://www.hennepinhealthcare.org/volunteer/volunteer-hospital-program/ or email [email protected]
Let's make a difference—starting at the front door!
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Join a Blue Thumb Planting for Clean Water workshop this spring!
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In-person workshops across the Twin Cities metro offer expert guidance, hands-on support, and time for your questions. Spring topics include:
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Designing rain gardens & managing runoff
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Planting for pollinators with native plants
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Rain garden maintenance & long-term care
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Shoreline planting to protect lakes & rivers
$15 (sliding scale available).
Register: bluethumb.org/events
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Resources for Neighbors Facing Food Insecurity & Houselessness
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Community Safety Resources
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Public Safety Contacts
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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Mary Krenzen Rockwood – Community Attorney | 612-427-4920 | [email protected]
Kurtis Schoonover – Sector 2 Lieutenant (Elliot Park & Cedar Riverside) | 612-673-5258 | [email protected]
Carla Nielson – Crime Prevention Specialist (29+ years with MPD) | 612-919-8887 | [email protected]
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Continued Neighborhood Opportunities:
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Save on your Xcel bill – rent or own – with community solar.
Cooperative Energy Futures (Sabathani Community Center) offers a
Community Solar Garden Program. Priority for lower-income
households & SNAP/WIC/energy assistance/Medicaid participants.
Solar array at Abbott Northwestern (28th & Chicago).
Learn more at this link: https://www.cooperativeenergyfutures.com/community-solar-1
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The Green Cost Share program provides up to $14,000 in rebates to eligible homeowners in our neighborhood.
Interested? Contact us, then reach out to:
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 or groups "adopt" a Metro Transit bus stop — keep it clean,
report damage or suspicious activity.
WHY: A safer ride for everyone + 10 free rides each month!
HOW: Apply online for Metro Transit Adopt-a-Stop.
Partner with EPNI? Join the Land Use & Transportation committee meeting, or reach out: [email protected] | 612-234-2280
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311 – For all non-emergency City requests & info.
