March 2023 

E-News

Calender Events

EPNI Board Meeting February 20th at 6pm Join on Zoom

Don't forget to celebrate those special women in your life on March 8th, 2023!

Remember to celebrate safely and find a safe ride home. Find out where to celebrate St. Patrick's Day here!

Food Solutions in Elliot Park

Find out what to donate here!

Find out what is happening at the Elliot Park Rec Center here!

Need help with your heating bills?

Find out how the State of MN can help here.

If you or someone you know is struggling to pay their home heating bill during these colder months, The Energy Assistance Program helps pay for home heating and water costs and furnace repairs for income-qualified households.

What is the Energy Assistance Program

• The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is a federally funded
• Grants are paid directly to your energy provider, or utility company, for your bill.
• Grants range from $300 - $2,000
• Grants are available to renters and homeowners.
• Grants are based on energy cost, household size, and income.
• Grants may be given to households with income at or below 60 percent of the state median income.

How can they help?

• Payment of energy bills.
• Payment of water/wastewater bills.
• Help with utility disconnection or fuel deliveries.
• Education on efficient and safe use of energy.
• Advocacy with energy suppliers and human service providers.
• Repair or replacement of homeowners' broken heating systems.
  
  

To Learn more& Apply please visit: mn.gov/commerce/consumers/consumer-assistance/energy-assistance/

Do you need help with your rent or your mortgage? Here are some links that may be helpful to you! 

https://www.alignmpls.org/era

https://homehelpmn.org/

 Need Energy Assistance? Find out which programs you qualify for here.

Thank you to our sponsors!

February 2023 

E-News

Calander Events

EPNI Board Meeting February 20th at 6pm Join on Zoom

Food Solutions in Elliot Park

Find out what to donate here!

Need help with your heating bills?

Find out how the State of MN can help here.

If you or someone you know is struggling to pay their home heating bill during these colder months, The Energy Assistance Program helps pay for home heating and water costs and furnace repairs for income-qualified households.

What is the Energy Assistance Program

• The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is a federally funded
• Grants are paid directly to your energy provider, or utility company, for your bill.
• Grants range from $300 - $2,000
• Grants are available to renters and homeowners.
• Grants are based on energy cost, household size, and income.
• Grants may be given to households with income at or below 60 percent of the state median income.

How can they help?

• Payment of energy bills.
• Payment of water/wastewater bills.
• Help with utility disconnection or fuel deliveries.
• Education on efficient and safe use of energy.
• Advocacy with energy suppliers and human service providers.
• Repair or replacement of homeowners' broken heating systems.
  
  

To Learn more& Apply please visit: mn.gov/commerce/consumers/consumer-assistance/energy-assistance/

Do you need help with your rent or your mortgage? Here are some links that may be helpful to you! 

https://www.alignmpls.org/era

https://homehelpmn.org/

Minneapolis celebrates BHM! Find events you may be interested in here!

 Need Energy Assistance? Find out which programs you qualify for here.

Looking for some fun ideas for Valentine's Day? Check out the links below and don't forget to make reservations ASAP!

Minneapolis Valentine Ideas

Finnegans

Thank you to our sponsors!

December 2022 E-News

We Wish Everyone Good Health This Holiday Season!

EPNI December Calendar

Need help with your heating bills?

Find out how the State of MN can help here.

If you or someone you know is struggling to pay their home heating bill during these colder months, The Energy Assistance Program helps pay for home heating and water costs and furnace repairs for income-qualified households.

What is the Energy Assistance Program

• The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is a federally funded
• Grants are paid directly to your energy provider, or utility company, for your bill.
• Grants range from $300 - $2,000
• Grants are available to renters and homeowners.
• Grants are based on energy cost, household size, and income.
• Grants may be given to households with income at or below 60 percent of the state median income.

How can they help?

• Payment of energy bills.
• Payment of water/wastewater bills.
• Help with utility disconnection or fuel deliveries.
• Education on efficient and safe use of energy.
• Advocacy with energy suppliers and human service providers.
• Repair or replacement of homeowners' broken heating systems.
  
  

To Learn more& Apply please visit: mn.gov/commerce/consumers/consumer-assistance/energy-assistance/

Do you need help with your rent or your mortgage? Here are some links that may be helpful to you! 

https://www.alignmpls.org/era

https://homehelpmn.org/

MPLS Downtown Holiday Festivities

2022 Holidazzle dates:
Fridays through Sundays, November 25-December 18

Friday, November 25-Sunday, November 27

Friday, December 2-Sunday, December 4

Friday, December 9-Sunday, December 11

Friday, December 16-Sunday, December 18

Fridays from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturdays from 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Sundays from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

*** Plan your trip to Holidazzle! Park at Mpls College or at the Mpls Sculpture Garden for a $5 or less flat rate. On Saturdays from 5:30 pm-8:30 pm, a shuttle will be available to and from the Mpls Sculpture Garden and Holidazzle. Metro Transit is offering Free Ride Passes on Saturdays. Click here to learn more about Mpls College and Mpls Sculpture Garden parking information or to print or download your Metro Transit Saturday Free Ride Pass. ***

Interested in seeing the best Holiday lights in the area? Click here or here!

Picture by /hubertwhite.com

CATHOLIC CHARITIES GIVING TREE AT THE MALL OF AMERICA

Thank you to our sponsors!

On behalf of the EPNI Board and staff we want to wish all of the community a very happy holiday season! Stay warm and safe!

 Winter is right around the corner! Be prepared and gather your first aid and all other supplies before we have inclement weather.

What Else is Happening in the Park? 

  MPRB Online Recreation Services (activecommunities.com)

Elliot Park Activities Click here

Day Activities Here

Minneapolis Parks Calendar Here

Twin Cities Mobile Market 800 N 5th Ave, Minneapolis. Want updates?

 Updates on the HCMC new parking ramp can be found here.

https://www.alignmpls.org/era

https://homehelpmn.org/

Calendar Events:

EPNI Board Meeting 11/17/2022 Zoom Link Here

What Else is Happening in the Park? 

Elliot Park Activities Click here

Day Activities Here

Minneapolis Parks Calendar Here

See Updates HERE

Twin Cities Mobile Market Dates for September  9/14, 9/28  at 800 N 5th Ave, Minneapolis. Want updates?

 Updates on the HCMC new parking ramp can be found here.

https://www.alignmpls.org/era

https://homehelpmn.org/

Calendar Events:

 The September business meeting will be held in person and streamed via Facebook Live on EPNI's Facebook!

What Else is Happening in the Park? 

Elliot Park Activities Click here

Day Activities Here

Minneapolis Parks Calendar Here

Twin Cities Mobile Market Dates: 8/3, 8/17, 8/31 at 800 N 5th Ave, Minneapolis. Want updates?

 Updates on the HCMC new parking ramp can be found here.

https://www.alignmpls.org/era

https://homehelpmn.org/

Calendar Events:

Hybrid Zoom Meeting links:

August 22nd EPNI Board Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84976215943?pwd=UzdNaElIRHBwMHNTRzY5Z0k2S0RaQT09 

Meeting ID: 849 7621 5943
Passcode: 875677
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Meeting ID: 849 7621 5943
Passcode: 875677
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/krmiJff5D

September 19th Annual Business Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85008781814?pwd=eXpYZ09ZbzVySkphaG5TUzlqcGlTQT09

What's Happening in the Park? 

Elliot Park Activities Click here

Day Activities Here

Minneapolis Parks Calendar Here

Twin Cities Mobile Market

 Join us for the next board meeting on June 20th, 2022. 

 Zoom Link Here

 More information here.

 For those who were unable to attend the Community Safety Meeting on June 30th, here is the link to the video:

 Please click here Passcode: VZb1xt*3

What's New in the Park?

 We were able to attend and speak at the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Lutunji's Palate on May 14th!

If you have not had a chance to try out Lutunji's amazing treats go check her out! Click here to be directed to her website.

We had a community meeting to discuss the parking structure proposed to be built by HCMC. See the pictures below.

This Month:

Endeavors Residence opens their doors June 1st! Hopefully you had the opportunity to tour the facility. For more information about Endeavors click here. Want to volunteer? Check out the opportunities here.

 Searching for a new career opportunity? Check out the links below!

 Aeon

 Augustana

 Benedictine

 Catholic Charities 

 Hennepin County

 HCMC

 Minneapolis Parks and Rec

 MN Teen Challenge

 North Central

 Thrivent

 We held a Community Meeting regarding HCMC's newest construction project on the 26th of May, 2022.

Farmer's Markets and Mobile Market Updates:

Farmer's Market:

Chicago Avenue between Second St. S. and W. River Parkway

Shop local from 50+ farmers, food makers and artists every Saturday rain or shine! Mill City Farmers Market is Minneapolis’ trusted source for healthy, local and sustainable groceries, combining a vibrant marketplace with nourishing community connection. The Market’s kids veggie tasting program Power of Produce is back. On the final Saturday of each month, kids can receive $2 to shop the market when they sample the veggie of the month. Find out more here!

 Mobile Market:

 The Mobile Market will still be outside of the Park Apartments every other Wednesday of the month. Visit on June 8th and June 22nd!

 Find more information about the Mobile Market here.

Beginning May 23 through mid-September  

• Southbound Hiawatha Avenue between downtown Minneapolis and Cedar Avenue will be closed

o   The detour uses: Westbound I-94 to southbound I-35W to eastbound Hwy 62.

• The bridge from downtown Minneapolis (8^thStreet) to southbound Hiawatha Avenue will be closed

o   The detour uses: Park Avenue to 4th Street to southbound I-94 to southbound I-35W to southbound Hwy 62 to Hiawatha Avenue

• Ramp from southbound I-35W to southbound Hiawatha Avenue will be closed

o   The detour uses: Westbound I-94 to southbound I-35W to eastbound Hwy 62.

• Ramp from eastbound I-94 to southbound Hiawatha Avenue will be closed

o   The detour uses: Eastbound I-94 to 26th Street to Franklin Avenue to Bloomington Avenue to 24th Street to Cedar Avenue to Hiawatha Avenue

Beginning May 23 through May 27   

• Franklin Avenue near Hiawatha Avenue will be closed

o   The detour uses: Bloomington Avenue to 24th Street to Cedar Avenue

o   Temporary, short-term closures of Franklin Avenue will occur June through September

Beginning early June

• The bridge from northbound Hiawatha Avenue into downtown (7th St.) will be closed through late September

o   The detour uses: Northbound Hiawatha Avenue to 3rd Street to Portland Avenue to 7th Street

• Southbound Hiawatha Avenue between Cedar Avenue and 32^ndStreet will be closed for two weeks

Weekend closure of I-35W

A weekend closure of I-35W near downtown Minneapolis is scheduled for the first weekend in June so our crews can remove the 7th St. and 8th St. bridge decks over I-35W. Both directions of I-35W between I-94 in Minneapolis and Hwy 280 in Lauderdale will be closed during this time. We will provide more information before these closures begin. 

Please note that timeframes are all approximate, subject-to-change and weather-and-schedule-permitting.

Visit the MnDOT project webpage for more details, recommended detour route maps and to see the construction schedule.

May 2022 E-News

EPNI May Calendar

  Community Meeting May 26th 2022 at 6pm.

We will be learning about HCMC's upcoming project and how it will affect the Elliot Park Neighborhood.

 Please join us for our Community Meeting on May 26th 2022 at 6pm. We will be learning about HCMC's upcoming project and how it will affect the Elliot Park Neighborhood.

 If you are able to attend in person the address is 1410 Elliot Ave. (NCU), on the second floor in CLC 203.

 For anyone who is interested in attending but can not make it out in person please visit the zoom link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83754398105?pwd=M0t0TERZbndhT2o0Z1hCa1ZCYmN1Zz09

 We will send out a survey after the meeting is concluded for your valuable feedback!

Beginning May 23 through mid-September  

• Southbound Hiawatha Avenue between downtown Minneapolis and Cedar Avenue will be closed

o   The detour uses: Westbound I-94 to southbound I-35W to eastbound Hwy 62.

• The bridge from downtown Minneapolis (8^thStreet) to southbound Hiawatha Avenue will be closed

o   The detour uses: Park Avenue to 4th Street to southbound I-94 to southbound I-35W to southbound Hwy 62 to Hiawatha Avenue

• Ramp from southbound I-35W to southbound Hiawatha Avenue will be closed

o   The detour uses: Westbound I-94 to southbound I-35W to eastbound Hwy 62.

• Ramp from eastbound I-94 to southbound Hiawatha Avenue will be closed

o   The detour uses: Eastbound I-94 to 26th Street to Franklin Avenue to Bloomington Avenue to 24th Street to Cedar Avenue to Hiawatha Avenue

Beginning May 23 through May 27   

• Franklin Avenue near Hiawatha Avenue will be closed

o   The detour uses: Bloomington Avenue to 24th Street to Cedar Avenue

o   Temporary, short-term closures of Franklin Avenue will occur June through September

Beginning early June

• The bridge from northbound Hiawatha Avenue into downtown (7th St.) will be closed through late September

o   The detour uses: Northbound Hiawatha Avenue to 3rd Street to Portland Avenue to 7th Street

• Southbound Hiawatha Avenue between Cedar Avenue and 32^ndStreet will be closed for two weeks

Weekend closure of I-35W

A weekend closure of I-35W near downtown Minneapolis is scheduled for the first weekend in June so our crews can remove the 7th St. and 8th St. bridge decks over I-35W. Both directions of I-35W between I-94 in Minneapolis and Hwy 280 in Lauderdale will be closed during this time. We will provide more information before these closures begin. 

Please note that timeframes are all approximate, subject-to-change and weather-and-schedule-permitting.

Visit the MnDOT project webpage for more details, recommended detour route maps and to see the construction schedule.

As Elliot Park Neighborhood is aware, there have been many changes in the last year as the organization works toward adapting to changes in the city. We are happy to announce that we were able to hire an Elliot Park Administrator! You will have the opportunity to meet her at the Meet and Greet event on May 14th.

The board is currently accepting applications and interviewing candidates and hopes to have the new hire start before the end of the month. We are searching for bilingual (Somali/English) candidates. Interested candidates may apply on indeed, search for Elliot Park Neighborhood Community Coordinator.

Community Connections Conference

Register now for an exciting day of learning, connecting and community conversation. The City’s free Community Connections Conference May 21 connects residents of Minneapolis, community groups, neighborhoods and local government. This year's conference theme is "forward together," welcoming all communities to reconnect with the city and get involved in moving Minneapolis forward.

We are seeking volunteers for the conference. You can help welcome guests, guide people to community conversation sessions or keep lunch services running smoothly. Bilingual volunteers are especially helpful. Sign up to volunteer.

Ride the bus or METRO light rail free to the Community Connections Conference May 21 courtesy of Metro Transit. Download your pass from Metro Transit.

Forward together: Community Connections Conference
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 21
Register on the City website

The Minneapolis Violence Prevention Community Champion Institute is for adults in the community who want to be more actively involved with violence prevention efforts. The institute focuses on building knowledge around the public health approach to violence prevention and adverse childhood experiences while also teaching skills around de-escalation and conflict resolution. The next institute will be on Saturday, May 21 from 10am-3pm at UROC in North Minneapolis. We’d love if you can share out the registration link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/minneapolis-violence-prevention-community-champion-institute-tickets-328147727687?utm_source=eventbrite&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=post_publish&utm_content=shortLinkNewEmail

 It's #DrinkingWaterWeek. To learn more about your water, consider having it tested for lead. Testing is simple and free.

 The City of Minneapolis delivers lead-free water to its customers. However, if your service line or home plumbing contains lead, the lead can get into your drinking water. 

 There is no safe level of lead, and it can cause serious health problems. 

You can request a lead testing kit to check for lead levels in your water.

State will soon offer help with COVID-related housing debts

• The HomeHelpMN program will begin accepting applications for assistance on Tuesday, May 17. The application period will be open through Friday, June 17, but homeowners should not wait to apply.

  HomeHelpMN provides assistance for homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage or other eligible housing-related expenses due to effects of the pandemic. Eligible homeowners may receive up to $35,000 in assistance for past-due expenses.

  Funds for the program are limited, and need is expected to be high. If applications received during the application period exceed available funding, applicants may be put on a wait list. Homeowners should submit their applications as soon as possible after the application period begins.

  For more information about the program, including who is eligible to apply and what expenses are covered, visit HomeHelpMN.org or call 1-800-388-3226. The Call Center is open Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. A Language Line is available to provide access for callers who prefer a language other than English. 

Visit the HomeHelpMN website to learn more about the program and access "Get Ready" checklists. The HomeHelpMN website and materials are available in English, Spanish, Hmong and Somali by selecting the drop-down bar on the top left of the webpage.

Farmers markets opening for the season:

The 2022 farmers market season is underway.

When the Midtown Farmers Market opens for the season in June, it returns in its original location at 2225 E. Lake St. This market was the first farmers market in the state to allow shoppers to buy food with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and its return is important to the community.

Shopping at farmers markets is an easy way for everyone to get healthy, local food on the table. The Market Bucks incentive matches up to $10 worth of coupons per day to customers who use SNAP benefits to buy eligible food at participating farmers markets. Participating markets are noted in the farmers markets map and downloadable list on the City website.

2021 was a record year for SNAP EBT and Market Bucks citywide, bolstered by pandemic EBT funds. Farmers market customers in Minneapolis spent more than $182,000 in SNAP and Market Bucks last year using regular and pandemic SNAP dollars. 

To see the 2022 farmers markets schedule, visit the City website.

For other Homegrown Minneapolis news, events, and resources, please follow this link.

 We are excited to celebrate the grand opening of Letunji's on the 14th! 

You can visit her website at Lutunji's Palate | Cobblers, Cakes, & More (lutunjispalate.com)