Hennepin Commissioners Hear Our Case For Deeply Affordable Homes, Part 2
Throughout this month, we’ve been calling on our Hennepin County Commissioners to support the creation of Vista 44 and Emerson Village. Read our reflection blogs from these all important conversations: part 1, part 3.
We’re calling on our elected officials to live into their stated values. As 90 homes for families in North Minneapolis and Hopkins hang in the balance, our all-important conversations with county commissioners begs the question: will our elected officials support funding Emerson Village and Vista 44?
In our April 19 conversation with Hennepin County Commissioners Marion Greene, Angela Conley, and Debbie Goettel, we were glad to hear a resounding YES across the board.
Stepping into this space with our county commissioners was an important step for many of our Beacon advocates. Mike Elliott, from Unitarian Universalist Church of Minnetonka, reflects on what this meeting meant for him and our shared vision that all people have a home:
Earlier this week, over 100 people from almost 40 different faith communities, attended the second of three conversations with Hennepin County Commissioners Marion Greene, Angela Conley, and Debbie Goettel.
The commissioner’s enthusiastic support for a greater percentage of the county’s housing funding going towards deeply affordable homes – 50% or more – was a very welcome sign and continues to build on the momentum from our previous commissioner conversation.
Another encouraging action was their commitment to asking county staff to include our two Beacon homes, Vista 44 in Hopkins and Emerson Village in North Minneapolis, in their slate of recommendations to the commissioners for funding. Emerson Village and Vista 44 are homes that will include supportive services, which plays an important role in determining what gets funded.
Deeply affordable housing makes sure that those at the lowest income have a safe, stable and supportive place to call home. Vista 44 and Emerson Village are two such projects that will offer about 90 deeply affordable homes to help meet that need.
As someone new to Beacon, I am impressed with its positive reputation among our elected officials, whether they are commissioners, representatives, or senators. During prep meetings and the events I attended, I continued hearing how appreciative they were of Beacon’s advocacy for those needing a home.
What really inspires me is that as a resident of Hennepin County, the commissioner’s values, Beacon’s values and my values as a Unitarian Universalist are in alignment. By ensuring we take care of those most in need, all of us will thrive.
The evening closed with a wonderful mantra from Pastor Meta Herrick Carlson:
“We can trust each other, there is enough.”
“We can trust each other, there is enough.”
“We can trust each other, there is enough.”
Yes, “there is enough!”
The time has come to vote for home and we need our collaborative. Join us on May 11 for this crucial Hennepin County vote. RSVP today.
