Happy May Day! 
"The goal of the first International May Day celebrations [May 1, 1890] was the eight-hour working day." — Rachel Holmes
"Workers of the world unite; you have nothing to lose but your chains!" — Karl Marx
"Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration." — Abraham Lincoln
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Asian Pacific Month
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Mental Health Awareness Month
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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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Stronger Together: Elliot Park Post-Operation Metro Surge Forum
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On Thursday 5/28, 6–8pm @ Elliot Park Rec Center (1000 E. 14th St.)
Join neighbors to:
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Share your story – ICE surge impacts & needs
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Hear From Your Representatives -about their work in response to the ICE surge, and how they will put their learning about your experiences and needs into action to serve our communities
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Share ideas – to build community support & healing
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Elliot Park Neighbor Support Fund
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THANK YOU, neighbors! So far, we've raised over $7,631 to support 23 neighbors with small individual financial help grants, and delivered over 400 bags of groceries and supplies, and served another 120 households at our three 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 will 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.
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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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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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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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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 May 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, May 6th, May 20th - 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, May 13th - Joint Elliot Park Neighbor Support Network Volunteer Session + EPNI Joint Committee Meeting
5:30pm: Volunteer Session begins; 6:30pm: Joint Committee Meeting begins • At Elliot Park Rec Center 1000 E 14th St: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84231574529
(**please note location change; at Elliot Park Rec Center - NOT at EPNI Office)
ALL are welcome to the Joint EPNI Neighborhood Vitality & Land Use Committees meeting—bring your ideas and connect withyour neighbors! This joint committee structure is your "one-stop shop"for involvement in new and ongoing projects serving our shared ElliotPark community.
At the Neighborhood Vitality committee, hear about updates and involvement opportunities on a number ofcurrent projects.
At the Land Use & Transportation committee, hear the latest updates about theupcoming Elliot Park improvements, development, transportationprojects.
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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Tuesday May 19th - Elliot Park Food Access Meeting
4:00-5:00pm • at MPHA - Park Center (1515 Park Ave.)
Not regular Monday time or at Elliot Park Rec Center due to the 5/25 Memorial Day holiday
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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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Minneapolis Neighborhood Day
📅 Saturday, May 9, 2026 | Noon – 5 PM
📍 Loring Park
Join us for an afternoon of live music and community celebration!
Performers include:
Getting there:
Bus routes Metro E Line or #4 (the #6 has been replaced by the E Line). Parking at MCTC/Basilica Parking Ramp. Nice Ride bikes available. One food truck on site.
Sponsors: Loring Park · Minneapolis City of Lakes
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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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A heartfelt THANK YOU to approximately 85 clean-up volunteers from neighborhood businesses, organizations, and resident neighbors for helping us make EPNI's 4/22 Elliot Park Earth Day Neighborhood Cleanup a success! On that beautiful sunshine-y day, we together pick up about 40 bags of trash and recycling from our streets, to help care for and beautify our Elliot Park neighborhood! Fun and fellowship was also enjoyed, with neighbor connection, pizza and popsicles.
Thanks again to our event partners -- MPRB-Elliot Park, Sherwin Williams, Kraus-Anderson, and MN Adult & Teen Challenge!
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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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Help Shape a Future Indoor Playground Downtown
The City of Minneapolis, in partnership with CPED (Community Planning & Economic Development), is conducting a feasibility study for a potential indoor playground and multi-use play space downtown.
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We want to hear from downtown residents—especially:
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Parents of children under age 12
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Grandparents, caregivers, and anyone who has a young child in their life
Take the survey to share what you'd like to see, including play features, food options, amenities, and more. Survey Link: https://mplsindoorplaygroundsurvey.netlify.app/
Your input will help guide this exciting possibility for families in and around downtown.
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COMMENT BY MAY 26 ON PROPOSED FARES
Metro Transit is considering fare and payment updates to improve affordability, including:
Share your input by Tuesday, May 26. Learn more and comment at: metrotransit.org/fare-updates
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Why Do Some Voters Skip Elections? The League of Women Voters Wants to Know
Even in Minnesota—a state known for high voter turnout—some eligible voters don't cast a ballot. The League of Women Voters of Minnesota (LWVMN) is working to understand why.
They've launched a short, anonymous survey to gather input from voters across the state. Executive Director Amy Perna notes that the Trump administration's "Operation Metro Surge" is one factor motivating this outreach—adding that the crackdown has stoked fears about feeling safe heading to the polls, while also reviving enthusiasm for civic engagement.
Survey details:
Take the survey:
🔗 Voter Participation Survey
Learn more:
Listen to an in-depth interview with Amy Perna about the survey and democracy work in Minnesota post-Operation Metro Surge:
🔗 Retooling democracy work in MN, post 'Operation Metro Surge' via Public News Service
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Join the City of Minneapolis’ Capital Long-Range Improvement Committee (CLIC) + Planning
Commission for a Public Comment Session on capital projects being considered for the 2027–2032 Capital Improvement Plan.
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📅 When: Thurs, May 7 • 6–7:30 PM
📍 Where: Room 100AB, Public Service Building
505 4th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Why show up?
✔️ CLIC = resident advisors shaping the city’s 6-year improvement plan
✔️ Planning Commission = decision-makers on land use, permits, variances & more
✔️ Your input gets publicly recorded and helps set real priorities
Bring your insights, ask questions, and help guide Minneapolis’ future.
Please share this with your neighbors and networks—every voice matters.
📩 Questions? Contact Liam O’Brien at
[email protected]
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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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Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Important Environmental Updates
Here are two important opportunities to get involved with rule making at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA):
1. Cumulative Impacts Rulemaking – The MPCA has launched a new cumulative impacts mapping application, with a major comment period opening this May–June. This is your 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
2. Air Toxics Rulemaking – Around the same time, there will be a significant rulemaking focused on air toxics. It's another important opportunity to help shape air quality protections.
These rulemakings rely on community input, so please 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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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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You're Invited: 1st Precinct Open House
📍 New Location: 330 S 12th St
📅 Thursday, May 14, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Join us for a special open house featuring a presentation at noon with a building and flagpole dedication, plus a time capsule reveal.
Connect with MPD officers, city staff, and other law enforcement personnel. Enjoy a light lunch and catch up with neighbors and coworkers.
For more info, contact Renee Allen at [email protected].
We hope to see you there!
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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.
