Houses History & Hope – A benefit for Alliance Housing Inc. ›

Postponed until Sunday, May 14, 2017 2:00 - 4:00 Rain or shine $10/person or $25/family suggested donation to Alliance Housing Incorporated www.alliancehousinginc.org Join us for a walk around Lake of the Isles to learn more about the history of Minneapolis and its parks. Former history teacher and current Alliance board president Ben Olk will share stories and details about some of the stately houses around the lake. You’ll hear about the people who designed, built and originally lived in them. In addition to these impressive homes, we’ll also discuss how Minneapolis and its citizens have responded to the housing needs of those who are less fortunate. Finally, we’ll highlight one organization, Alliance Housing, that has been creating housing alternatives for people in poverty and those on the margins for more than 25 years. Alliance makes it possible for individuals and families to create homes for themselves, regardless of income and background, by developing and managing housing that is inclusive, affordable, and relationship-based. Ben Olk, President of the AHI Board, former educator and, according to his children, certified “History Geek”, will lead the tour and the conversation. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water... Read More ›

Seven men share one common story of a second chance. ›

By Tessa Williams. For the men living at our Fremont property, finding a safe, affordable place to live has never been easy. Seven of our residents here came to us through Better Futures (Better Futures is an immersive program that gives men who have experienced prison, poverty, homelessness and untreated disabilities the training and resources they need to become independent). These men are now enjoying having their own apartment for the first time in their lives. I sat down with three residents, JT, Greg and Michael, to hear what having their own apartment means to them. Their responses shared common themes of safety, peace and quiet, freedom, pride and dignity. “There’s a yearn for privacy, especially as you get older and start to get to know yourself,” says JT, now 40 years old. Growing up, he says, “I never had my own bedroom and at times had no bedroom.” For JT, having his own apartment gives him a sense of peace and tranquility. “You can come home to a safe space to be by yourself after a long day… You have the ability to relax... Read More ›

Patricia Anne Smith Neir Memorial ›

Longtime (& very active) Alliance Housing Board member, Fran Neir, and his wife, Patti Anne Smith Neir, made us the memorial beneficiary with Patti’s recent death.  We are humbled and grateful for the outpouring of love towards the Neir family and will steward the resources well helping single adults and families create stable homes for themselves and their children.  Stable housing is the foundation of accomplishing anything in one’s life.   All gifts will be formally acknowledged by Alliance and the list of donors shared with Fran.... Read More ›

A Life Ended Too Soon ›

Thank you to Lawrence Young, a neighbor, who shared this store about Dwayne. Thirty years of oblivion. That’s what most of us would consider the last half of the life of Dewayne Fleming, most commonly known as Brillo on the streets of Minneapolis. But after being shot and stabbed more than once, that is not the term that he would use to describe it. Being kidnapped and locked in a trunk for days only adds to the color of the man who told me "I like my women so black they just short of blue." We met after Dewayne was released from Hennepin County hospital where he had spent a considerable amount of time being treated for congestive heart failure. When I visited him there I could see when his memory kicked in and he recognized me. I hadn't seen him in years but I could tell he had something funny to say but the tubes he was attached to kept him from talking. That's the first and last time I ever saw him at a loss for words. I became Dewayne's neighbor and moved into a place across... Read More ›