“You should see these homes yourself.” — A Hopkins faith leader reflects on Vista 44 family supportive housing
Deacon Francis Tangney from St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church in Hopkins believes in home. As a Beacon supporter, Deacon Francis has had the unique opportunity to see Vista 44, family-supportive housing in Hopkins, built from the ground up.
Living right across the street from Beacon’s newest apartment homes for families exiting homelessness and instability, Deacon Francis helped support the creation of Vista 44 by showing up at land use votes, advocating for these homes to his neighbors, and donating supplies to the families of Vista 44.
Read more about Deacon Francis’ experience with Vista 44 and learn how you can take action, too.
A Q&A with Beacon Supporter Deacon Francis Tangney from St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church
What does “home” mean to you?
A home is a place where you can close the door, and it’s yours. You can be yourself, gather with family, and rest. We all need one—no matter what.
How have you helped Beacon change the landscape of home?
My history with Beacon goes back to when my congregation hosted Families Moving Forward – the former program that helped shelter families. As a leader in my congregation, I’ve always played a role in helping our congregants engage in causes that help others.
I happen to live right across the street from Vista 44, and I watched the construction crew build the apartments from the ground up. It was an enjoyable year seeing these homes become a reality, from clearing the snow off the ground, digging the hole, and seeing the building take shape.
I am a big supporter of Vista 44. I made sure to show up to city meetings in support of these homes, and I would talk to my neighbors about what these homes were for. Now it’s complete, and families are moving in!
What was your experience advocating for Vista 44 to your neighbors?
There were a lot of us who were in favor of these homes. A lot of people really understood the big picture. I’d say there were more positive people than negative. That said, some felt a little more negative about having Vista 44 in our community.
Sure, they had no problem with families exiting homelessness getting an affordable place to live. But then they’d say something like, “This is the wrong place for these homes,” or “I just don’t want this in our backyard.”
How did you approach conversations with people with a “Not in My Backyard” mindset?
I didn’t know if I was the right person to change their minds. But I laid it out plain and simple for them.
I told them that these people need a home, that Beacon is willing to provide them with onsite services, and that these homes are designed to succeed.
At the very least, they needed to understand what these homes are meant for and what they represent in the community.
What has been a standout moment in your advocacy for Vista 44?
I got to organize a tour of Vista 44 with 25 people who live in my condo building. It was great coming together as a community and seeing these amazing homes firsthand.
Together, we made a sizable donation of supplies to support the women and children who will be moving into Vista 44. This included hygiene products, diapers, and wipes.
It was a great way to welcome our new neighbors!
As a resident of Hopkins, what does having these homes in your community mean to you?
Time will tell. Vista 44 is here. What it was built to be is going to be demonstrated next. There is great optimism about what it will do for families and how successful it will be for the community.
Looking into the future, I see these 50 families being part of Hopkins. They will be accepted by their neighbors, participate in school activities, work for local businesses, and get the services they need.
A great thing about having Vista 44 in Hopkins is that it gives families an affordable option to live here, which they wouldn’t have otherwise had. Affordable housing belongs in all communities!
With Volunteers of America right on site, they will help these families thrive as they transition into stability.
How can others support Beacon’s work like you have?
Engage with the congregational organizing team, show up to land use votes in your area, and keep up to date with the work Beacon is doing.
And you can give a gift to support this work!
What else would you like to share with our readers?
I know not everyone can live next door to a new Beacon building, but you should see these homes yourself if you can. Come see Vista 44. Drive around the building, see how well-decorated the space is, and see firsthand how these homes change people’s lives!
Beacon is a leading developer of deeply affordable and supportive housing in Minnesota. It takes individuals like Deacon Francis to create and sustain supportive housing. Click here to learn how you can join us in changing the landscape of home.
