Jessica reflects on how new homes will impact the families of Emerson Village
Written and Filmed by Dylan Novacek, Content Specialist
“It’s been over a decade since my two sons and I moved into our home at Audubon Crossing. Time has flown as I’ve watched my boys grow up, with my oldest going to college this fall,” Jessica exclaimed.
Jessica knows firsthand how family supportive housing changes the lives of those exiting instability and homelessness. 12 years ago, she drove to the Families Moving Forward Program Center in North Minneapolis, ran at that time by Beacon.
Living out of her car, she came with hopes that the staff would let her stay in the parking lot overnight. Instead, she was invited into the program which would eventually connect her to housing at Audubon Crossing, family supportive housing with onsite services from Beacon.
Soon, the site that started her family on this supportive housing journey will become Emerson Village, family supportive housing from Beacon. Visiting the former Families Moving Forward Program Center one last time, she reflects on her journey and looks ahead to what these homes will mean to the families of North Minneapolis.
Looking Ahead to Emerson Village
“Family supportive housing has changed my life,” Jessica cheered. “Having a home in a community you love changes everything. Being in our neighborhood near the schools, shopping, restaurants, and more is so wonderful. And having staff onsite to support us on our journey is something I am thankful for.”
With her firsthand experience, Jessica is eager to see the impact Emerson Village will have on the community.
Emerson Village will be about 40 apartment homes for families. Tailoring this permanent housing to families who make 30 percent or less of the Area Median Income means all of us can be part of this neighborhood for years to come. With supportive services that will be adapted for each member of the family, all residents will be able to thrive.
“For my family, being stably housed has meant we’ve had the chance to plant roots in the community,” Jessica said. “My sons thrive in school, and I’ve worked for the last nine years at Minneapolis Public Schools in the cafeteria. Our home truly changed everything for us, and I can’t wait to see how more homes like mine will impact other families.”
You can help us create more family supportive housing. Click here to learn about Emerson Village and consider making a gift today.
