Access to food and social services for our clients has always been a priority at VEAP, as we believe that people are able to build a future for themselves and their families only when these basic needs are met. However, we also recognize that we need to take direct action to address the lack of affordable, safe and dignified housing that affects community members in our service area of Bloomington, Richfield and Edina.
The first goal in our new strategic framework – Hope for the Future is to “create pathways to stability”—including increasing access to affordable, safe and dignified homes so that community members have the ability to live in the community where they work and go to school. Therefore, VEAP is increasing its community engagement around housing; specifically, we will work together with renters, peer organizations, faith community and our municipal partners to identify and implement community-based solutions that promote affordable, safe and dignified housing.
Richfield
In order to build stronger social connections among Richfield renters and inform the dialogue around affordable housing for city elected officials and staff, we are partnering with the Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County to hold three tenant listening sessions in April. These sessions will be an opportunity for renters to learn about new housing policy and practice solutions the City of Richfield is considering. We will also discuss how we can take action to influence the decisions, which will affect renters in our communities for years to come.
Bloomington
The Bloomington City Council will be meeting on Monday, April 23 to review important solutions that pertain to quality, accessible rental housing in Bloomington. VEAP is partnering with the Bloomington Housing Coalition to show support for the city taking comprehensive steps to preserve naturally occurring and affordable housing and protect renters from the serious harms of displacement.
Are you a renter in Richfield or Bloomington? Are you concerned about the rising cost of rent? Are you worried you may have to leave the house or apartment you currently rent? Please join us at one of the events below, and join your neighbors in advocating for just housing policy. Together, we can make our voices heard and see change in our communities.
Richfield Tenant Listening Sessions
Monday, April 16 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Woodlake Lutheran Church, 7525 Oliver Ave S, Richfield
Tuesday, April 24 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Hope Church, 7132 Portland Ave S, Richfield
Sunday, April 29 | 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Tapestry Church, 7045 Lyndale Avenue S, Richfield
Click here to read more about VEAP’s housing initiatives, and sign up for more information on how you can get involved.
