March 2024 updates from Beacon
Along with food, water, air, and sleep, we all need shelter to survive. And yet, thousands of Minnesotans struggle to secure shelter in the form of a safe, affordable place to call home.
Beyond the 20,000+ individuals experiencing homelessness in Minnesota annually, 550,000 Minnesotans statewide live in households that struggle to pay rent each month, putting home (and basic shelter) one accident, emergency, or job loss away from disappearing.
That’s why we, the Beacon community, do the work we do.
Together, we build new homes, invest in resident success through supportive services, and advocate for policy change that creates long-term investment in housing.
How affordable supportive housing impacts residents of Beacon homes
Regardless of race, income, or where we live, homelessness and housing instability impact us all, especially those of us directly experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness.
During our 2024 Congregational Convening, we heard from two individuals with firsthand knowledge of housing challenges in our communities and the role supportive housing plays in solving some of these problems.
Discover Nicollet Square resident Iyanna and YouthLink’s Mark Miller’s insights by visiting our blog.
Celebrating the opening of Bimosedaa
During the final days of 2023, we welcomed the first residents to Bimosedaa in downtown Minneapolis.
The journey to open Bimosedaa was long, but Beacon and our partners, including Red Lake Nation, Avivo, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, and multiple congregations, persisted in ensuring these essential homes became available to current residents.
Thank you to all who generously donated in-kind gifts to welcome new residents to their homes – kitchen supplies, bedding, and warm touches are being put to good use.
But it takes more than household supplies to ensure a home for all.
To continue providing homes like the ones at Bimosedaa, we need even more generosity from this community. And right now, you can double the impact of your gift through a generous $100,000 matching gift from the Otto Bremer Trust.
Please give as generously as possible to ensure residents receive the shelter and support they need to thrive.
Donate today by clicking here.
Congregations, corporations, or foundations interested in learning more about doubling their Bimosedaa gift can contact Lisa Zellmer for more details at lzellmer@beaconinterfaith.org.
Meet your legislators face-to-face
Tell your state representatives directly how much you believe Minnesota needs sustained, long-term investment in housing during Beacon’s 2024 Lobby Day at the State Capitol on March 11.
And we mean directly!
Beacon staff will schedule in-person meetings between you and your representatives at the State Capitol Building.
This is a rare opportunity to meet directly with lawmakers, so register today before the deadline on March 5!
Other upcoming events
Rent is Due: Day of Action on March 6 at 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. (virtual)
Beacon 101 on March 13 at 4:30 p.m. (virtual)
Beacon 101 on March 20 at 8:30 a.m. (virtual)
