Beacon Housing Update

In a continuing effort to keep the congregation informed on the issue of affordable housing, the Oak Knoll Beacon Housing Committee likes to share relevant housing articles, information and events. This is Part II of an article that recently appeared in the Beacon Collaborative newsletter.

A Child Now Sleeps Safely in North Minneapolis

While Emerson Village is a cause for joy, it’s also a call to action. Minnesota is still in the throes of a housing crisis, with families making up nearly half the population of those experiencing homelessness most of them right here in the metro.

Supportive housing is one of the most effective, compassionate, and proven solutions we have. It offers immediate relief, paired with tailored services that meet families where they are. Unlike shelters or transitional housing, supportive housing is permanent. Families can stay as long as needed while building the stability they deserve.

And it works.

Supportive housing reduces reliance on emergency services, helps address systemic injustices like racism and generational poverty, and offers a smart, cost-effective investment in long-term wellbeing. In a world that often feels chaotic and divided, Emerson Village is a reminder that hope grows through local action. It’s not the finish line—it’s a step forward. But we need more steps.

If you care about building a future where every child has a place to call home, join us. Advocate. Invest. Spread the word.

The village needs you.

More than 100 people from all levels of government, nonprofit, congregations of faith, community and more – attended the grand opening. Representing the 40 families who now live at Emerson Village, resident, Aziga, elegantly and simply stated, “Thank you.”

We could not agree more. We are incredibly grateful.

And, we know the work continues. It costs approximately $5,700 per year, per family for Beacon to ensure these supportive homes remain available to families. Your gift today of $100 will contribute to that work. Donate to Beacon online at https://www.beaconinterfaith.org/donate/.

Special thanks to government partners Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) for 40 project-based Section 8 (the first funding commitment to the project) awards, Hennepin County, City of Minneapolis, Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities and Minnesota Housing; project team Watson-Forsberg Co., UrbanWorks Architecture LLC, Damon Farber Landscape Architects and fellow leaders in the work, Karla Henderson, Sondra Samuels, Irene Fernando, Jacob Frey, Jeremiah Ellison Sen. Bobby Jo Champion, Rep. Esther Agbaje and countless others.

A Building, a Village, Strengthening Community, One Family at a Time

At Beacon, we believe that housing is more than just a roof over someone’s head—it’s the foundation upon which lives are built. Through community-driven partnerships with mission-oriented developers, service providers like those involved in Emerson Village, we are demonstrating that Supportive Housing – permanent housing affordable works. Together we foster housing stability and improve health and quality of life. Ultimately, building stronger communities.

For more information about Beacon Housing, visit beaconinterfaith.org.