The Kenwood Residents Meet Minnehaha Commons Residents ›

On a recent wintry day, residents from the Kenwood Retirement Community visited Alliance’s Minnehaha Commons. The Kenwood residents brought many products of their labor – hand-knit scarves, hats, and dishcloths, and a handmade fleece pillow for each of the 44 residents. The four Kenwood visitors were part of a larger group of 18 volunteers who have been hand-making gifts for the past six months. Minnehaha Commons hosts welcomed their visitors with smiles, words of thanks, and a tour of one of the apartments. Both groups of residents had a chance to chat and share some snacks. All over age 55, the two groups were overheard to share tips of aging well. The Kenwood visitors went back home with a feeling of a job well done, and happiness to see that the Minnehaha Commons residents now have safe and comfortable homes. And the Minnehaha Commons residents enjoyed the company, treats and were pleased with their colorful and practical hand-made gifts.... Read More ›

Mosaic Memorial Planned for Minnehaha Commons ›

This spring, Minnehaha Commons residents, staff, and community members will be creating a mosaic in memory of the six people who perished in a fire on the site on April 2nd, 2010. Ann Gervais, her son Andrew Gervais, his three children Colton Gervais, and twins Austin and Aliciah Gervais-Hjellming planned to stay in an apartment above McMahon’s Pub with family friend Ryan Richner. They had nowhere else to stay that night. Spearheaded by mosaic artist Lori Greene of Mosaic on a Stick, the group will be working together to make an artwork in tribute to all those who have been fragilely housed. When asked why so many of her mosaic installations are memorials, Greene reflected that mosaics are “broken” pieces of glass and tile, and that the people who are making the memorials have often been broken by their experiences. Minnehaha Commons resident Charles Tolliver pointed out that crafting the mosaic is a step toward putting lives back together, and healing, not only for the community and family members but also for the residents of Minnehaha Commons, who have themselves been homeless in the past. Funding for the mosaic will be provided by... Read More ›

Tenants Active in Homeless Day on the Hill 2020 ›

Alliance Housing’s policy advocacy work is primarily carried out through a variety of coalitions. Alliance is a member of The Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless. The organization is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public policy and advocacy organization that works to ensure statewide housing stability and economic security. The Coalition works with those experiencing housing instability in partnership with over 120 members across the state. These members range from those who work across the housing continuum in direct service, to state agencies in public policy. Each year the Coalition hosts “Homeless Day on the Hill” gathering its members and individuals who have experienced homelessness to advocate for additional housing resources at the Minnesota Legislature. The day starts with some training and a rally and then teams of participants head off to the Capitol to meet with Senators and Representatives for the neighborhoods where they live. Alliance has participated in the Homeless Day on the Hill most years and has engaged tenants to join in. Barb noted, “tenant participants are always tentative at first but once engaged they feel pretty important and powerful about their ability to access elected officials.” There is a lot at stake this year with the... Read More ›

Succession Planning for Alliance Property Manager ›

You’ve heard us talking about Bob Bono, our 20+ year property manager and “secret sauce” to our 2nd chance housing, relational property management operations. Bob is starting to think about retiring in the next 1-3 years. Alliance is implementing a succession plan for him by hiring a part-time property manager to train in over the next year to learn the “Alliance way.” Alliance’s property management begins with low barrier screening that gives adults and families a 2nd chance to access stable, quality housing despite a background that may include evictions, poor credit, criminal convictions, or high rent to income ratios. Alliance has operated housing with this philosophy for the past 25+ years. Alliance’s tenants often have incomes at or below 30% of area median income. People living on this level of income are adept at managing occasional set-backs – a car break down, large medical bills, or assistance to a family member. They simply need some flexibility with rent payments to remain stably housed. Alliance’s property management is flexible and negotiates rent payment plans with all tenants who need one. This management style is unique among property managers – even other nonprofit organizations. It’s not taught in a book or a class. In its... Read More ›