Plymouth Congregational Church Celebrates Lydia’s Expansion at Ground Blessing
Written by Dylan Novacek, Content Specialist.
“Much of our work in the community is about hospitality above all else,” exclaimed Rev. Dr. DeWayne Davis of Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis (pictured left). “And throughout the ages, the divine has moved people together and served the most vulnerable people among us by offering them shelter.”
Gathering in person, many for the first time since the pandemic, congregants at Plymouth celebrated an expansion of the apartments at Lydia with a ground blessing. Attending was a collective who’s who of Beacon leaders and supporters from Plymouth who are all united in our shared Beacon vision. The energy in Plymouth’s parking lot was a reminder of how powerful we are when we come together for home.
Plymouth created Beacon’s first apartments at Lydia. This new expansion will create about 40 more deeply affordable apartments for the residents at Lydia to call home.
“15 years ago, the city would’ve said, ‘We’re not sure if we can fund this,’” reflected City Councilwomen Lisa Goodman. “But now, the city has said, ‘What else does Beacon got on the books that we can help fund?’”
“The memories of those first years creating Lydia are vivid for many of us,” Beacon leader Lee Mauk (pictured left) reflected. “Lydia was barely on the drawing board when worshipers were confronted with picket lines right here on the sidewalk.
“Lydia stands here today because we prevailed. I’d like to think it was those tenants, those with no voice, were the ones who prevailed. Now today, they lead successful and happy lives at Lydia.”
The original entrance, walls, and iconic awning have been taken down. On the surface parking lot will soon stand 6-stories of deeply affordable, supportive homes for individuals who have experienced homelessness. Lydia has proven in the past that the existence of these homes only makes the neighborhood a better place to live for everyone.
“We know that when people are stably housed, they will also have that better chance of getting jobs and healthcare,” Rev. Davis said. “Stably housed people find all the other dominos falling into place.”
Gathering in person stood as a reminder of what we can do together. It takes intentional advocacy, thoughtful leadership, and bold risk taking to see this work advance. Lydia’s expansion is just one of the many things Beacon’s collaborative has to look forward to. On the horizon we see new homes from projects such as Cranberry Ridge, Vista 44, and Emerson Village to name a few.
“I am so grateful to stand with us today to celebrate the prompting that has fallen onto our hearts,” exclaimed Rev. Davis. “That Beacon and so many of you have accepted the prompting to be hospitable and provide housing.”
“Things have changed and will continue to change because of the passion and people here now,” Councilwomen Goodman smiled. “We’re all about change. But, what we’re about most of all is helping people in need. This project will do that.”
“May this space and home continue the good work of helping hands, loving hearts, and open minds,” Rev. Davis said in his blessing. “May it be and remain a safe harbor for all who seek shelter, support, and community within her walls.”
Join us in our work to continue building to our vision that all people have a home. Click here to learn how you can contribute through advocacy and financial contributions.
Learn more about the work we do at our Beacon Now: Weekly Virtual Tours. Throughout this month, we will be sharing more on the Lydia expansion. Click here or contract Craig Freeman at cfreeman@beaconinterfaith.org for more information.
