Introducing Beacon 101
Want to learn more about what you can do to help ensure all people have a safe, affordable home? Curious to learn more about a community that’s making that happen? Then join us for Beacon 101.
An introduction to Beacon and the housing justice movement in Minnesota
Whether you’re looking to connect with a community of like-minded advocates, discover ways to get involved in the housing justice movement, or learn more about Beacon and the work we do as a community, consider joining us for Beacon 101.
Click the button below or visit our events page to sign up for a time and date that works best for you.
What will we discuss during Beacon 101?
Together with Beacon’s Community Connection Manager, Craig Freeman, you’ll discover:
- How Beacon went from a single congregation to a leading housing non-profit that serves over 1,100 residents across 21 buildings.
- How the congregations, advocates, donors, and everyday individuals that make up the Beacon community work together to change the landscape of home.
- How you and your community can take meaningful action to ensure that all individuals have a safe, affordable, and stable place to call home.
Why should I attend Beacon 101?
- Discover whether you’d like to get involved with the Beacon community in a low-pressure environment without making any commitments.
- Connect with like-minded individuals who want to take meaningful action that makes Minnesota a more affordable, accessible place to call home, especially for families with the lowest incomes and opportunities.
- Get inspired to make a difference and identify meaningful ways to take action.
- Deepen your understanding of the housing crisis in Minnesota and strengthen your ability to engage in more meaningful and persuasive discussions around the topic.
- Meet Beacon’s Community Connection Manager and establish a contact who can answer future questions or help you get involved further with the housing justice movement.
- Find clarity on how your community—whether it’s a congregation, business, neighborhood, or group of friends—can pool their efforts with Beacon and change the landscape of home.
Give Beacon 101 a try by registering today
Life gets busy. That’s why we offer live Beacon 101 sessions throughout the month.
Find a session that fits your schedule by visiting our events page.
Beacon 101 FAQs
Question: What is Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative (aka “Beacon”)?
Answer: Beacon is a Minnesota-based housing non-profit committed to changing the landscape of home. Through our collaborative of congregations and advocates, we build new, deeply affordable apartment homes, invest in residents through wrap-around supportive housing services, and champion transformative policy solutions to ensure all people have a home.
Question: When does Beacon 101 take place?
Answer: We host morning and afternoon sessions of Beacon 101. If you’re a morning bird, consider one of our 8:30 to 9 a.m. sessions. If afternoons work best, join us for a 4:30 to 5 p.m. session. Find a session that works for your calendar by visiting beaconinterfaith.org/events.
Question: Where does Beacon 101 take place?
Answer: Beacon 101 occurs online through Zoom, which means you can join us from anywhere so long as you have internet access. You can find a Beacon 101 session that works for your schedule by visiting www.beaconinterfaith.org/events.
Question: Is Beacon a religious organization?
Answer: While Beacon has its roots in congregational organizing, it is not strictly speaking a religious organization. Over a hundred spiritual communities from four major faith traditions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Unitarian Universalist) support Beacon in its work; however, many of our community members consider themselves non-religious, and many do not belong to a faith or spiritual community. Our commitment to ensuring that all people have a home unites each member of the Beacon community. Regardless of our spiritual backgrounds, we all share this value and mission.
Question: Will I be pressured to donate or join the Beacon community during Beacon 101?
Answer: No in both cases! The only expectation is that you attend Beacon 101 with an open and curious mind. Our goal is to help you understand more about the housing justice movement and how you can get involved and make an impact in a way that works for you. There’s no pressure to donate or join Beacon.
Question: Who leads Beacon 101?
Answer: Beacon’s Community Connection Manager, Craig Freeman, facilitates each Beacon 101 event. Craig’s years of experience working for Beacon has made him an expert on all things related to our community, whether that’s our housing, our history, or ways we can all work together to create change. Outside of live music, running, and cheering for the Minnesota Loons soccer club, Craig maintains a deep interest in America’s Civil Rights history and the housing justice movement. We couldn’t think of a more welcoming, knowledgeable ambassador for the Beacon community.
Do you have questions about Beacon 101? Talk to Craig!
As the Community Connection Manager, Craig Freeman is happy to answer any questions you might have about Beacon 101, joining the Beacon community, or our work in general.
You can contact Craig by emailing him at cfreeman@beaconinterfaith.org.