Will the new tax bill affect Alliance’s donors? ›

The answer is a solid “depends.” Some of our donors have told us that tax benefits didn’t drive their past gifts.  To others, it is important.  The tax overhaul passed at the end of 2017 changed a number of provisions that may or may not effect our donor’s charitable giving.  The standard deduction taxpayers are now allowed to take, without itemizing is $12,000 for singles and $24,000 for couples.  This larger standard deduction may remove the incentive to make charitable donations and itemize one’s deductions for a tax benefit. Most of the other changes to the estate tax and limits on cash gifts are frankly not an issue for nearly all of the Alliance Housing current donors.  Donor Advised funds have gotten more popular and were unchanged. Got advice for us?  We’re all ears.  Please email or call Barb Jeanetta at bjeanetta@alliancehousinginc.org or 612-879-7633.... Read More ›

The Power of Second Chances ›

It’s hard to believe that Patrick ever had a first chance. At the Alliance Breakfast in 2016 he shared the story of his life. He grew up in a family of drug abusers as role models. When he became an adult, he himself predictably struggled with drugs, addiction, and homelessness. He was fortunate to enter Alliance Housing in August of 2015, living at 2011 Pillsbury. Living there, he could save some money, due to the low rent. Eventually, about a year ago, Patrick moved from 2011 Pillsbury to his own Alliance studio apartment. We caught up with Patrick recently, to see how life is going now that he has a studio apartment. Although he had use of the kitchen facilities at 2011 Pillsbury, there was no convenient storage for his food. Patrick lived on the third floor, and after a long day of work, he was too tired to go up and down the stairs to make dinner. Hence, Patrick had been “eating out every single meal”, which isn’t healthy, and is very expensive. He would generally wake up and leave for work, and just come home to sleep. Now that Patrick... Read More ›

New on-line donation software takes smaller bite out of your donation ›

Alliance's new on-line donation option, Vanco, charges 2.75% to process a credit card gift. This is a significant savings over the 6.9% our former processor charged. Please let us know if your experience is positive with this change. Thanks!... Read More ›

2017 Gift? ›

If you have already made a gift to Alliance Housing in 2017, thank you. Your investment enables Alliance Housing to: • Keep our rents affordable to low wage workers. • Support services helping families exit poverty and avoid future homelessness. • Keep our properties "the best on the block." If you haven’t, you can donate on-line here > or by mailing us a check. If you’re feeling extra grateful this year, consider assisting us by investing in the renovation of community space at our rooming house at 2011 Pillsbury. Pillsbury is home to 27 low income single adults, most who have experienced homelessness and other barriers to finding housing. 65% of residents are over the age of 55. To further accommodate resident gatherings and mitigate isolation, Alliance would like to renovate the basement space by updating the shared kitchen, adding a TV/game lounge and generally making the area feel a little more homey. We’ve raised 43% of the $75,000 needed. The U of MN School of Architecture offered pro-bono design, retirees from IBEW (electricians) have committed their time and Alliance has socked away the rest. If you’d... Read More ›