December 2023 updates from Beacon—just in time for the holidays🎄
Highlighting the impact of the Housing First model
The Housing First model affirms that all people have a right to a home—without preconditions. When the need for shelter has been covered, people can more easily focus on other concerns, like finding employment or overcoming addiction.
Two of Beacon’s buildings that operate under the Housing First model—American House and Kimball Court—have welcomed 285 people home since 2019, and most residents established at least one year of housing stability while living there.
What did author John Fritz say about how living at American House impacted his life? Hear his perspective on our blog!
Our annual report is here!
The last year has been a significant one for Beacon and our collaborative of congregations. We got a new CEO, fought (and won) a serious NIMBY battle to defend Prairie Pointe, broke ground on two new housing developments in Minneapolis and Hopkins, and took steps to develop several more throughout the Twin Cities metro.
Our community of supporters—people like you who make this work possible—accomplished a lot!
View the annual report to see the progress we made as a community.
Give the gift of home this holiday season
Together, our community of housing advocates consistently demonstrates its commitment to ensuring all people have a home. But we do more than hand over a set of keys.
We partner with service providers to assist each resident in facing their unique challenges and building better lives.
It costs about $1,000 each month for individualized one-on-one service for each resident. That means $12,000 annually to ensure a person has supportive resources to meet their goals.
Will you consider making a gift to provide the supportive services that help residents of Beacon homes thrive?
Highlighting the need for Aster Commons
“I conducted interviews with local experts, and one thing stood out: there is not a single example of supportive housing designed for youth who might be neurodivergent and homeless in the United States,” observed Kynda Stull, Beacon’s Director of Supportive Housing Partnerships.
With about 38 high-quality apartments, Aster Commons’ vision is to help meet this acute need by focusing mainly on young adults aged 18 to 24. Onsite supportive services will help autistic and other neurodivergent residents work toward their goals, build community, and thrive in a home designed to meet their needs.
Discover more about Aster Commons by visiting our blog.
Upcoming Beacon Events
Featured event: Celebrate a new chapter at Great River Landing
We invite you to celebrate the next chapter of Great River Landing on December 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. in Minneapolis. Great River Landing focuses on providing affordable housing and supportive services to men exiting incarceration.
Meet our new Great River Landing service provider—180 Degrees—and reconnect with the community that made these homes possible, including Mayor Jacob Frey and Councilmember Jeremiah Ellison.
Get to know the exceptional staff of 180 Degrees and recommit your support to the vision of Great River Landing.
We will host a donation drive during the event, so please consider bringing a household item to help the residents of Great River Landing settle into their new home.
Other upcoming events
- Rent is Due: Day of Action on January 3, 2024
- Unpacking Race and Housing on January 6, 2024
- Congregational Convening on January 18, 2024
