Beacon Now: Beacon Staff Updates – 3/8/23
2023-03-08 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 each 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 month we’ll be discussing the forthcoming retirement of Beacon’s longtime President/CEO Lee Blons, the Lighthouse Union of Beacon staff, and providing other updates on Beacon staff.
This Zoom event will have Closed Captioning available.

Bring it Home, MN Senate Hearing
2023-03-16 12:30 - 14:30 | 1150 Minnesota Senate Building, 95 University Ave. W, Saint Paul, 55103
The Bring it Home bill will be heard in the Senate at 12:30 p.m. by the Housing and Homelessness Prevention Committee in 1150 Minnesota State Senate Building, 95 University Ave. W, St. Paul, MN 55103.
Beacon and partners are preparing testimony. It would be great to have a group of supporters IN PERSON and a group online. Please register and indicate where you will show up.

Beacon Week of Action : The Big Beacon Lobby Day – 3/20/23
2023-03-20 09:00 - 13:00
Bring it Home, Minnesota and other important housing bills are moving forward! Members from across the collaborative will visit our legislators in person at the Minnesota Capitol after a brief training. Hearing from their constituents will make a difference!
A congregational organizer will be in touch with you about meetings scheduled with your Representative or Senator. Meetings will be scheduled between 9:30-noon.
Register now to receive further instructions and updates!
We hope you will stay for the rally at 1:30! Please register separately for the rally. Let’s fill the Capitol rotunda with hope for a Minnesota where all people have a home.

Bring it Home, Minnesota Rally
2023-03-20 13:30 - 14:30 | Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN, 55155, United States
We have a remarkable opportunity to win Bring it Home, Minnesota and we need you there with us! Rally with us on Monday, March 20 at the State Capitol Rotunda from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. to help call for passage of this important rent supportive initiative.
When you show up for home you demonstrate to our elected officials that there is support for bold housing solutions! We hope to see you and your community at the Capitol on March 20!
If you’d like to join us for visits with individual legislators, please also register for the Lobby Day activities.

Beacon Now: Beacon Staff Updates – 3/22/23
2023-03-22 14:00 - 14:30

Beacon Now: Beacon Staff Updates – 3/29/23
2023-03-29 14:00 - 14:30

Rent is Due: Day of Action - 4/3/23
2023-04-03 08:30 - 09:00
It’s clear: We need Bring it Home, Minnesota! This transformational rent support legislation will allow all low-income Minnesotans the security and reassurance of home.
On Monday, April 3, join us on Zoom at 8:30 a.m. for a thirty-minute meeting, where we will provide updates on where the initiative stands at the legislature, how momentum continues to grow, and what action we’ll take together to keep moving Bring it Home, Minnesota forward!
This meeting will have Closed Captions available.
Please register below to let us know you will participate and to receive further instructions on how to access the meeting.

Beacon Now: Vista 44 Takes a (BIG) Step - 4/5/23
2023-04-05 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 each 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.
Come learn more about Vista 44, including just how soon this desperately needed family supportive housing will open in Hopkins.
This Zoom event will have Closed Captioning available.

Beacon Now: Vista 44 Takes a (BIG) Step - 4/12/23
2023-04-12 14:00 - 14:30

Beacon Now: Vista 44 Takes a (BIG) Step – 4/19/23
2023-04-19 14:00 - 14:30

Beacon Now: Vista 44 Takes a (BIG) Step – 4/26/23
2023-04-26 14:00 - 14:30

Families Moving Forward Update- 4/27/2023
2023-04-27 18:30 - 19:30
After many years of providing shelter to families, Beacon will be transitioning the Families Moving Forward program to another provider, His House Foundation – Abundance July 1. This meeting is an opportunity to meet with Beacon staff to learn more about the transition and the opportunities for congregations and volunteers to stay involved in both HHF and Beacon. Further events will be planned to meet HHF staff and to celebrate and honor the work of FMF that is so special because of our host congregations.
This is a virtual event held over Zoom. You will receive your Zoom link to join the meeting upon registering.

Rent is Due: Day of Action - 5/1/23
2023-05-01 08:30 - 09:00
It’s clear: We need Bring it Home, Minnesota! This transformational rent support legislation will allow all low-income Minnesotans the security and reassurance of home.
On Monday, May 1, join us on Zoom at 8:30 a.m. for a thirty-minute meeting, where we will provide updates on where the initiative stands at the legislature, how momentum continues to grow, and what action we’ll take together to keep moving Bring it Home, Minnesota forward!
This meeting will have Closed Captions available.
Please register below to let us know you will participate and to receive further instructions on how to access the meeting.

Beacon Now: Gladstone Crossing Moves Toward Land Use - May 3, 2023
2023-05-03 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 each 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.
Come learn more about what the exciting next steps are for Gladstone Crossing.
This Zoom event will have Closed Captioning available.

Vista 44 Groundbreaking and Reception
2023-05-03 16:00 - 17:30
We are excited to be creating 50 new homes for families at Vista 44 in Hopkins! Please share in the celebration with us at a groundbreaking program for Beacon’s newest family supportive housing, followed by a reception nearby.
Speakers will include Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho, Hennepin County Commissioner Chris LaTondresse, and Anjuli Cameron from the Metropolitan Council.
Your pre-registration is appreciated so we can ensure there are ample refreshments at the reception.

Beacon Now: Gladstone Crossing Moves Toward Land Use – May 10, 2023
2023-05-10 14:00 - 14:30

Special Rent is Due - 5/11/23
2023-05-11 08:30 - 09:00
Join us for a special, celebratory Rent is Due as we mark the first investments in Bring it Home, Minnesota rent support through the Minnesota House and Senate housing bills! We’ll provide an update and share reflections on how YOU have helped make these vouchers possible.

Beacon Attends BIHZ!
2023-05-16 13:30 - 15:30 | Room 317, City Hall 350 S. 5th St., Minneapolis, MN 55415, 350 S. 5th St, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, United States
The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Campaign Team invites you to join them at the Minneapolis City Council’s Business, Inspections, Housing, and Zoning (BIHZ) Committee meeting on May 16 (1:30 pm at City Hall Room 317) as we display our support for proposed changes to the 2023 Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Program Policies and Procedures and the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for release later this spring. Documents for which they are seeking public comments can be found here, changes highlighted in yellow: https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/cped/items-for-public-review/

FMF update: Meet HHF Abundance!
2023-05-16 18:30 - 20:00 | HHF Abundance Offices, 115 E 2nd St, Chaska, MN, 55318, United States
The Families Moving Forward shelter program is transitioning to HHF Abundance on July 1. The support of volunteers will be essential to assuring a successful transition and continuity of support for the families we have served in Scott and Carver counties. Join us for a special evening to get to know HHF Abundance staff and begin to work together to give FMF the best new start we can.
This event will be in person. More information in the registration email.

Beacon Now: Gladstone Crossing Moves Toward Land Use – May 17, 2023
2023-05-17 14:00 - 14:30

Beacon Now: Gladstone Crossing Moves Toward Land Use – May 24, 2023
2023-05-24 14:00 - 14:30

Minneapolis City Council - 5/25/23
2023-05-25 09:30 - 11:00 | Minneapolis City Hall, 350 S 5th St, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, United States
Join Beacon leaders to witness the Minneapolis City Council’s discussion and vote on the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. We have been advocating for a focus on deeply affordable housing for households with incomes below 30% of the area median income.

Bring It Home, Minnesota, Celebration!
2023-05-30 17:00 - 18:30 | Lake Monster Brewing Company, 550 Vandalia St. #160, Saint Paul, MN, 55114, United States
After three years of advocacy and lobbying, the Minnesota Legislature has officially created a new state voucher program. This is a huge win. Join us in celebrating together!

Beacon Now: Gladstone Crossing Moves Toward Land Use – May 31, 2023
2023-05-31 14:00 - 14:30

Unlock the Metro: Understanding the Met Council's role in housing development
2023-06-06 18:30 - 19:00
Join us for an informative 30-minute virtual Zoom event where we will walk through the crucial role that the Metropolitan Council plays in the development of deeply affordable housing across the Twin Cities metro!
We will also provide details on Beacon’s “Unlock the Metro” campaign and the important role Project Based Vouchers (PBVs) play in the creation of new, deeply affordable supportive housing.
Click here for a link to this virtual Zoom event.

Beacon Now: Next steps for Bring it Home, Minnesota – June 7, 2023
2023-06-07 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 each 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.
Come learn more about what the exciting next steps are for Bring it Home, Minnesota—the new state-run program that expands access to rental assistance vouchers for extremely low-income families and individuals.
This Zoom event will have Closed Captioning available.

Prairie Pointe: Press Conference and Shakopee Planning Commission – 6/8/23
2023-06-08 18:00 - 20:30 | Shakopee City Hall, 485 Gorman St, Shakopee, 55379, United States
The City of Shakopee approved land use for Prairie Pointe, supportive housing for families, in 2020 because of how important the development is in meeting the needs of the community and how deeply the projects aligns with the city’s stated goals and commitments around housing. The community and the city already came together around this development as a key answer to solving the growing concerns of housing instability.
But now, there is a group seeking to undermine these community decisions by pushing to rezone the property in opposition to the city’s stated values and goals. We are shocked that the Planning Commission and City Council are considering this unprecedented move to invalidate the community decision to support Prairie Pointe and the dedicated investments that have been made.
Show up in solidarity with Prairie Pointe for a press conference (at 6:15 p.m.) and the Planning Commission meeting (at 7 p.m.) on June 8 and demonstrate that you believe quality affordable housing belongs in all communities!
Note: This is an in-person only event.

Beacon Now: Next steps for Bring it Home, Minnesota – June 14, 2023
2023-06-14 14:00 - 15:00

Unlock the Metro- Delivering the Keys
2023-06-14 15:00 - 16:30 | Central Presbyterian Church, 500 Cedar Street, Saint Paul, MN, 55101, United States
The Metro area is facing a crisis of affordable housing development in the suburbs. While cities like Minneapolis and St Paul that have their own rental assistance vouchers to distribute can use them for creating new affordable housing, most cities are counting on the Met Council to do so. People of faith will stand together to call for a solution to the crisis and deliver the keys that have been collected by congregations, representing the homes that need to be “unlocked” by the Met Council in our Metro!
This event is beginning at Central Presbyterian Church, and we will be walking to Met Council.

Retirement Celebration for Lee Blons
2023-06-20 16:00 - 18:00 | Plymouth Congregational Church, Guild Hall, 1900 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55403
During this in-person celebration, we’ll honor Lee’s 20+ years of service to Beacon, her dynamic leadership, and her relentless commitment to our vision that ‘all people have a home.’
