Celebrating the Homes at Cranberry Ridge
Written by Dylan Novacek, Content Specialist.
“No one stands alone, we’ll stand side by side. Draw the circle, draw the circle wide,” exclaimed the supporters and residents of Cranberry Ridge, singing together as they celebrated the 45 new affordable homes for families in Plymouth.
After a decade of dreaming, we invited those who helped make Cranberry Ridge a reality, as well as the families who call this building home, to a community picnic to commemorate the building’s opening. Together we gathered to literally sing the praises of the growing community, while reflecting on the importance of home and what it took to make these 45 affordable homes for families happen.
“We believe affordable housing belongs in all communities,” Beacon President/CEO Lee Blons remarked, pictured. “The work we do is about creating opportunities across race and income, so we can become a stronger and more vibrant community together.”
As Lee spoke to a backyard full of supporters and residents, she reflected on an iconic Plymouth city council meeting where members of Beacon’s collaborating congregations showed up to voice their desire to see Cranberry Ridge happen. Refusing to be gaveled down, neighbors kept rising up at this meeting to advocate for the creation of Cranberry Ridge. This is the kind of resiliency and action it takes to see that all people have a home.
“Don’t let anyone ever tell you that your voices aren’t powerful. Don’t let anyone tell you that your faith isn’t powerful,” expressed Chris LaTondresse, Hennepin County’s District 6 Commissioner. “Because of your voices and your faith, 45 families have a home.”
The impact of Cranberry Ridge was felt throughout the night. Chalk drawings lined the sidewalk, children played in the community room, and folks lined up for picnic activities like face painting, balloon animals, and games. One resident even took a moment to share how grateful she was to be in an affordable and safe home.
“In the past year, I’ve been homeless with my three kids three times. That is three too many. And for a 19-,17-, and 5-year old that’s a hard transition,” the resident reflected. “I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to raise my kids in a safe, affordable, livable home…I just wanted to thank everybody that made this happen because without you all, it wouldn’t be a reality for the rest of us.”
Seeing this building go from an idea to a home has been a shining example of Beacon’s work in action. The noise and grinds of construction equipment has quickly been replaced with the buzz and hum of families in their homes. It took committed and sustained collaboration to make these homes a reality.
We’d like to extend a special thank you to our phenomenal partners at Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners, the Metropolitan Council, Shaw-Lundquist Associates, Premier Housing Management, BVK Group, Wayzata Community Church, the City of Plymouth, and everyone who joined us on our decade long journey to Cranberry Ridge!
“The best things happen in our own backyard,” said supporter and Metropolitan Council member Judy Johnson (pictured left), celebrating the impact we all made together.
Looking ahead, families will continue to move put down roots in a community they love. Next, we will begin work on a playground at Cranberry Ridge, so all the children can have a place to play and feel more at home.
As the night drew to a close, we all walked to the front of the building for a community photo and sang one last song together.
“You gotta put one foot in front of the other and lead with love,” the group cheered. “Don’t give up hope. You’re not alone. Don’t give up. Keep moving on.”
It takes bold and committed collaboration to make home a reality. Will you join us on the journey to create more homes for families? Click here to get involved and consider making a gift today.
