Supporting the 66 West Community
There was a tragic loss of life outside of 66 West in Edina in April 2026. This continues to be a deeply painful situation, and our hearts remain with the victim’s family and loved ones, as well as the residents, staff, and community members impacted by this act of violence.
This incident has raised concerns for some members of the broader Edina community. The safety and well-being of residents, staff, neighbors, and the surrounding community remain critically important to us, and we continue to work closely with the City of Edina and local law enforcement as the investigation moves forward.
66 West is a supportive housing community serving young adults who have experienced homelessness and instability. Supportive housing provides stable housing alongside services and support designed to help people move toward long-term stability and independence.
What happened does not define this community or the young people who live there. Every day, residents at 66 West are taking meaningful steps toward rebuilding their lives with the support of dedicated staff and community partners.
If you have questions or concerns that you would like to share with Beacon, please contact Heidi Goldman-Gray, VP of Advancement & Communications at hgoldman-gray@beaconinterfaith.org or 651-377-8182.
We remain committed to supporting residents and staff during this difficult time and to continuing the important work of supportive housing in partnership with the community.
About 66 West
Opened in 2017, 66 West provides 39 apartment homes for young people ages 18–24 who are transitioning from homelessness or aging out of foster care. The building is part of Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative’s broader commitment to youth housing and is one of three Beacon communities created specifically for young adults, alongside Nicollet Square and Prior Crossing.
66 West was developed in response to a clear community need. Young people are disproportionately represented among those experiencing homelessness, and at the time the project was proposed, Edina had few housing options for young adults facing housing instability. The site was intentionally chosen for its access to opportunity. Located near Southdale Center, 66 West places residents close to transit, employment, groceries, and other daily essentials. Its location helps young people build stability not only through housing, but through connection to jobs, services, and community resources.
The important housing community was made possible through the persistence of Beacon, early congregational partners, and generous donors who believed Edina had a role to play in addressing youth homelessness. Congregations including Edina Community Lutheran Church, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Richfield United Methodist Church, and Lutheran Church of Christ the Redeemer helped anchor the effort. Faith communities also played a key role in organizing public support and advancing the case for the project.
Today, 66 West brings together housing, supportive services, and property management in one setting. Simpson Housing provides on-site services, Shelter Corporation manages the property, and Relative Intel provides security.
Building Features
66 West includes several shared spaces designed to support safety, connection, and daily life. The building has a front desk and guest sign-in area, a community kitchen, and offices for service providers.
The lower level, once the bank vault, has been converted into flexible program space. It now includes rooms for creative programming, a gym, a computer lab, and a conference room.
The building also includes Dale’s Closet, where congregational partners collect and provide basic move-in supplies such as bedding, cleaning products, and other household essentials. This resource is especially important because many young people arrive without the items needed to set up a home.
An upper floor includes a meditation room, offering residents a quiet space for reflection, grounding, and respite.
Opportunities to Support 66 West Residents and Staff
We are grateful to the many community members who supported residents and staff at 66 West in the aftermath of the violence that occurred in April. Support for 66 West is helpful all year long. Here are ways you can help:
- Make a financial contribution to support 66 West services. Your gift is the most direct and helpful way to ensure that the community is resourced to meet the needs of residents.
- If your congregation is interested in contributing supplies for the residents of 66 West, volunteer Susan Lampe sslampe68@gmail.com is coordinating in-kind contributions.