Beacon Interfaith

Beacon Now: Year in Review - 6/30/21
2021-06-30 14:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago)
Whether you’re brand new to Beacon or have been a supporter for years, we invite you to attend a virtual “Beacon Now” session. In this session, we’ll touch on the basics of Beacon’s work, go in depth on one aspect of that work, and discuss how we can make a difference for Minnesotans now. Encampments of people without a home are again growing. Racial disparities in housing continue to harm communities of color. This session will review the last year of Beacon’s work toward the vision that all people have a home.

Families Moving Forward Town Hall - 6/29/21
2021-06-29 17:00 - 18:30
Our staff will give you a glimpse of how our program is operating and of the impact it’s having in these unusual times. We’ll talk about the permanent changes that have taken place this last year with the closing of the Hennepin program center. And, we’ll together anticipate what it will be like to come together once again.

Beacon Now: Year in Review - 6/23/21
2021-06-23 14:00 - 14:30

Beacon Academy: 1-1 Skill Building
2021-06-17 17:00 - 18:30, 2021-05-20 17:00 - 18:30, 2021-04-15 17:00 - 18:30
Join us for our inaugural monthly 1-1 training and practice session!
We’re always talking about the fact that 1-1 relational visits comprise the core building block of our organizing, so we want to make sure we’re putting our words into action. Drop in for an informal mini-training and practice opportunity.
We’ll plan to hold these every 3rd Thursday at this time (For January, we had to move to the 4th due to a conflict) so if you can’t make this month you can make the next!

Beacon Now: Year in Review - 6/16/21
2021-06-16 14:00 - 14:30

Beacon Now: Year in Review - 6/9/21
2021-06-09 14:00 - 14:30

Met Council CDC Meeting: Project-Based Vouchers – 6/7/21
2021-06-07 16:00 - 18:00
Beacon can’t build family supportive housing – like Prairie Pointe in Shakopee – without Project-Based Vouchers (PBVs), awarded through the Met Council’s Community Development Committee (CDC). Because of our organizing efforts with key council members, they’re reopening a discussion on PBVs at their next meeting on Monday, June 7, including public testimony from Beacon and other stakeholders.
Register today to be a witness and invite others to join you. We’ll let CDC members know how many of us are watching and supporting a transparent, annual process that makes deeply affordable homes possible throughout the metro area. We’ll share details on the agenda and action opportunities as we get closer to the meeting.
Please also join us for a short Zoom debrief immediately after the meeting wraps up.

Beacon Now: Year in Review - 6/2/21
2021-06-02 14:00 - 14:30

Rent is Due: Day of Action - 6/1/21
2021-06-01 08:30 - 09:00
Our vision is that all people have a home. The pandemic and economic crisis are building into an eviction crisis, which could add to the already too large number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. We cannot let this happen, and home is the solution.
We need Bring It Home, MN, a rent subsidy program that will allow all low-income Minnesotans the security and reassurance of home.
On Tuesday, June 1, join us at 8:30 a.m. for a thirty-minute update meeting, where we will learn more about the growing crisis, and reflect on how to take action together.
Please register below to let us know you will participate and to receive further instructions on how to access the meeting.

Clergy & Religious Leaders Gathering - 05/27/21
2021-05-27 09:00 - 10:15
Clergy and staff leaders of Beacon congregations are invited to gather monthly for reflection, discussion, and support. Hosted by Beacon organizers, we’ll explore topics related to congregations’ work on shelter, housing and policy and strengthen our collaborative for a prophetic presence in the public arena. Drop in for one, or attend them all! Meetings will be virtual.

Beacon Now: Racism & Housing - 5/26/21
2021-05-26 14:00 - 14:30
Whether you’re brand new to Beacon or have been a supporter for years, we invite you to attend a virtual “Beacon Now” session. In this session, we’ll touch on the basics of Beacon’s work, go in depth on one aspect of that work, and discuss how we can make a difference for Minnesotans now. Encampments of people without a home are again growing. Racial disparities in housing continue to harm communities of color. This season will start to explore the history of racism in housing that causes these disparities.

Bring it Home, MN: Claiming Our Wins + What Comes Next
2021-05-24 18:00 - 19:00
Join Beacon’s congregational leaders and organizers to celebrate all we’ve accomplished to advance Bring it Home, MN this last year. We have done so much and need to reflect on our action and name what we learned. We also are excited to look ahead at how our collaborative will work together to continue our momentum and build the power we need to win!
Please register to receive the link for our virtual meeting.

Beacon Now: Racism & Housing - 5/19/21
2021-05-19 14:00 - 14:30

Minneapolis Housing Committee Meeting - 5/18/21
2021-05-18 13:30 - 15:30
The Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Tax Credit programs are two of the biggest sources of funding for the housing we build for residents who have faced many barriers to stable homes. These tools could be much more powerfully targeted to residents with the lowest incomes! Thanks to many who sent in public comments and attended meetings, Council Members and the Mayor have pledged support, yet staff are resisting changes. Show up to witness this meeting of the Business, Inspections, Housing and Zoning committee. Together we can hold Council Members accountable to their commitment!
Please register to receive updates below.

Beacon Now: Racism & Housing - 5/12/21
2021-05-12 14:00

Beacon Academy: Unpacking Race & Housing
2021-05-11 18:00 - 20:00, 2021-05-04 18:00 - 20:00
As the collaborative continues its race equity journey we are increasingly aware of the importance to understand the history behind the disparities that exist in the ongoing housing crisis. Unpacking Race and Housing provides an opportunity to ground ourselves in an understanding of the levels of racism, the way race has been used to oppress communities of color and Indigenous communities and the impact of that today. Unpacking Race and Housing is offered as a two-part series, so participants have ample time for discussion and reflection.
This training consists of 2 virtual sessions:
1. Tuesday, May 4 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
2. Tuesday, May 11 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Please attend both to experience the full training.

Hennepin County Funding Vote - 5/11/21
2021-05-11 13:30 - 14:30
The Hennepin County HRA (Housing and Redevelopment Authority) will cast a critical vote on capital funding that impacts Vista 44 in Hopkins and Emerson Village in North Minneapolis. Be a witness by watching the meeting. Hear how County Commissioners demonstrate their commitment to prioritize deeply affordable housing for those with the lowest incomes (30% AMI or $31,000 for a family of four).
Register now so that we can update you on agenda and time changes, and alert you to follow-up actions. Invite others in your congregation or social circle to register and watch, too.

Emerson Village Neighbors Night
2021-05-06 19:00 - 20:00
Learn about Emerson Village from congregation leaders who are working to create these homes for families on the Northside. Find out how you can show your support as we advocate for funding and land use approval in Minneapolis!
The link to the Zoom event will be emailed to you after you register.

Beacon Now: Racism & Housing - 5/5/21
2021-05-05 14:00 - 14:30

Rent is Due: Day of Action - 5/3/21
2021-05-03 08:30 - 09:00
Our vision is that all people have a home. The pandemic and economic crisis are building into an eviction crisis, which could add to the already too large number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. We cannot let this happen, and home is the solution.
We need Bring It Home, MN, a rent subsidy program that will allow all low-income Minnesotans the security and reassurance of home.
On Monday, May 3, join us at 8:30 a.m. for a thirty-minute update meeting, where we will learn more about the growing crisis, and reflect on how to take action together.
Please register below to let us know you will participate and to receive further instructions on how to access the meeting.

Planned Giving - Why it Matters
2021-04-28 16:00 - 16:45
Making a planned gift that will create affordable homes for generations to come is an incredibly meaningful decision that invests in your values and makes them part of your legacy.
We invite you to join us to learn what impact a planned gift of any shape or size can have in furthering Beacon’s vision that all people have a home. You will not be asked to commit to a planned gift in this meeting. We offer this gathering as an opportunity to hear about the incredible good a planned gift can do through Beacon, and to answer any questions you may have.
There are so many who are looking for a home they can afford. How will your legacy help them invest in theirs? We invite you to this opportunity to find out more!
The link to join us virtually will be emailed to you when you register.

Beacon Now: Racism & Housing - 4/28/21
2021-04-28 14:00 - 14:30

Funding Home: Hennepin Commissioner Conversation
2021-04-27 19:00 - 20:00
Often the most important things are the most difficult. Funding homes for people at the lowest incomes is one of those very important things. And because what we do takes all kinds of funding, it is also one of the most difficult.
Hennepin County is a primary funding source for creating homes for families. In May, the county commissioners will vote on which homes get built, for whom and when.
Despite our many conversations with county commissioners, roadblocks to funding homes (this year) like Emerson Village and Vista 44 remain. Few commitments have been made. And although the county says they share our priority to support those at the lowest income, the funding allocated to homes for those families hasn’t actually been prioritized.
Be part of one or all of the three meetings with county commissioners in April as we invite them to join us in prioritizing funding homes for those that struggle the most finding a safe, stable place to live.
This event will feature West Hennepin congregations and leaders, and District 6 Commissioner Chris LaTondresse and District 7 Commissioner Kevin Anderson.
Funding Home terms to know

Clergy & Religious Leaders Gathering - 04/22/21
2021-04-22 09:00 - 10:15

Beacon Now: Racism & Housing - 4/21/21
2021-04-21 14:00 - 14:30

Funding Home: Hennepin Commissioner Conversation
2021-04-19 19:00 - 20:15
Often the most important things are the most difficult. Funding homes for people at the lowest incomes is one of those very important things. And because what we do takes all kinds of funding, it is also one of the most difficult.
Hennepin County is a primary funding source for creating homes for families. In May, the county commissioners will vote on which homes get built, for whom and when.
Despite our many conversations with county commissioners, roadblocks to funding homes (this year) like Emerson Village and Vista 44 remain. Few commitments have been made. And although the county says they share our priority to support those at the lowest income, the funding allocated to homes for those families hasn’t actually been prioritized.
Be part of one or all of the three meetings with county commissioners in April as we invite them to join us in prioritizing funding homes for those that struggle the most finding a safe, stable place to live.
This event will feature South Hennepin congregations and leaders, and District 3 Commissioner Marion Greene, District 4 Commissioner Angela Conley, and District 5 Commissioner Debbie Goettel.
Funding Home terms to know

Beacon Now: Racism & Housing - 4/14/21
2021-04-14 14:00 - 14:30
