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Beacon Announces Expansion of Policy Work, New Director

Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative announced the hiring of Ben Helvick Anderson as their first Public Policy Director. The newly-created position at Beacon will work to galvanize resources focused on deeply-affordable housing for people with low incomes.

“Minnesotans want a state where all people have a home,” said Beacon’s Executive Director Lee Blons, “and we’ve proven over and over again that we’ll step up to make that vision a reality. We have a unique moment to make the greatest impact for a prosperous, affordable Minnesota. Our values call us to step in to this moment and be among those leading the way.” The creation of a privately-funded Public Policy Director is reflective of Beacon’s demonstrated ability to make an impact through the growing capacity and engaged energies of the nearly-100 member collaborative of congregations. “We have a history of taking bold action for the sake of a stronger community that includes everybody, and we’re ready to do so again,” said Blons.

Ben Helvick Anderson brings years of local, regional, and federal policy and organizing experience to his role as Beacon’s Public Policy Director. His deep passion for justice and social transformation has led him to positions supporting family farmers, immigration, land conservation, and affordable housing. Helvick Anderson is a native Minnesotan and holds a master’s degree in Social Philosophy from Loyola University Chicago. “I am excited to join Beacon’s great team in this new role of Public Policy Director,” commented Helvick Anderson. “Beacon does inspiring work sheltering families, developing housing for those most in need, and working collaboratively with congregations. I look forward to building off all of the good work to help achieve policies in Minnesota that bring about the vision that all people have a home.”

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