International Youth Choir and a World of Entertainment Featured at Sister Cities Day in Minneapolis July 16

Via a July 12 News Release from Meet Minneapolis:

International youth choir and a world of entertainment featured at Sister Cities Day in Minneapolis July 16

Celebration marks 25^th anniversary of Minneapolis’ Sister City relationship with Harbin, China

This year’s Sister Cities Day celebration in Minneapolis is an afternoon of entertainment honoring our global connections through music, dance and performing arts. This family event is free and open to the public, and it also includes free make-your-own ice cream sundaes and refreshments, while supplies last.

Featured entertainment this year includes Sounds of Hope™, an international youth choir featuring performers from a dozen countries around the world, as well as musicians and performers representing Japan, France, China, Mexico, Somalia and Sweden.

The 10th Annual Sister Cities Day will take place from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, July 16 at Nicollet Island Pavilion. The event is sponsored by Meet Minneapolis and will feature remarks at 2 p.m., with entertainment running all afternoon. The program will also recognize the 25^th anniversary of Minneapolis’ Sister City relationship with Harbin, China.

Highlights of the entertainment throughout the afternoon include:

• Ibaraki Dance Group, representing Ibaraki City, Japan
• Songs of Hope™ youth choir, with performers from a dozen countries
• Robert Everest, representing Tours, France
• Ha Family Lion Dance Troupe, representing Harbin, China
• Somali Museum Dance Troupe, representing Bosaso, Somalia
• Tjärnblom music group, representing Uppsala, Sweden
• Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca, representing Cuernavaca, Mexico

Full program details and performance times are available at http://www.minneapolis.org/partners-and-community/sister-cities/sister-cities-day/.

MINNEAPOLIS SISTER CITIES PROGRAM

The Minneapolis’ Sister Cities program was established in 1961 with the signing of the first Sister City agreement between Minneapolis and Santiago, Chile. Additional official sister cities include Cuernavaca, Mexico; Eldoret, Kenya; Harbin, China; Ibaraki City, Japan; Kuopio, Finland; Novosibirsk, Russia; Winnipeg, Canada; Tours, France; Uppsala, Sweden; Najaf, Iraq; and Bosaso, Somalia. 

Minneapolis’ Sister Cities program is managed by Meet Minneapolis and provides global connections and exchanges between international cities and the residents of Minneapolis, with the purpose of creating cultural awareness and fostering mutually beneficial opportunities. These relationships are supported and implemented by local citizen groups in Minneapolis and is recognized by Sister Cities International in Washington, D.C.

Sister Cites International is a program started by President Dwight Eisenhower to foster people-to-people citizen diplomacy. Sister Cities promotes peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation—one individual, one community at a time. The International organization focuses on creating and strengthening partnerships between communities around four key themes: sustainable and economic development, arts and culture, youth and education, and humanitarian assistance.

ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS

Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes and sells the Minneapolis area as a destination for conventions and meetings, works to maximize the visitor experience and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to maximize the economic benefit of the greater Minneapolis area.

Meet Minneapolis is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of the Destination Marketing Association International.

The Minnesota Center for Book Arts Invites You to the 2017 Book Art Biennial

Via an e-newsletter from the Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA):

Our 2017 Book Art Biennial, Shout Out: Community Intervention, Independent Publishing, and Alternative Distribution, is less than two weeks away!

Join us from 6-9pm next Friday, July 21 for a reception for the unprecedented seven (!) exhibitions presented in coordination with the Book Art Biennial. Kick off the Biennial celebrations, mingle with artists and fellow art lovers, and enjoy light refreshments.

This event is free and open to the public. RSVP to the Facebook event here. 

All work will be on view through August 13. Here is a brief overview of the seven exhibitions:

• Amos Paul Kennedy Jr.’s democratic and collaborative project, Open Book Takeover, features 5,000 community-made prints that cover the 55,000 square foot Open Book Building.
• An interactive zine reading lounge, Free for All is in MCBA’s Main Gallery, organized by Twin Cities Zine Fest.
• Guest curator Heid E. Erdrich has gathered Native American voices in the exhibition (About that) Water is Life in MCBA’s Main Gallery.
• Reader’s Art: Control/Alt/Shift, a juried exhibition of artists’ books exploring the politics of control and alternative methods of public discourse, is on view in Open Book’s Cowles Literary Commons.
• End of Times 2, a portfolio of broadsides by 41 letterpress printers organized by Mary Bruno, is on view in the Lerner Bindery Gallery.
• Stamp of Disapproval showcases counter-culture work from MCBA’s S. Helmes and W. Gaglione Rubber Stamp Archive.
• Meander, new work by environmental artist Alyssa Baguss, is on view in the Outlook Gallery.

Minneapolis closing streets near U.S. Bank Stadium for X Games

From the City of Minneapolis website:

The City of Minneapolis is closing streets and lanes around U.S. Bank Stadium for the X Games, four days of actions sports at the stadium July 13-16.

Full road closures include:

- Chicago Avenue, from Fourth to Sixth Street, through July 19.
- Fourth Street South, from Park Avenue South to the U.S. Bank Stadium loading dock, July 13-17.
- Park Avenue South, from Fourth Street to Fifth Street, July 13-17.
- Portland Avenue South, from Fourth Street to Fifth Street, July 13-17.

Several lanes around the stadium on The Commons will also be closed for the festivities. These street closings are for traffic safety and security needs related to a large stadium event.

For additional information about the X Games, visit minneapolismn.gov/xgames.

Nominations now open for the 8th Annual Greening and Public Realm Awards

The Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District (MDID) plays an active role in helping make downtown a more green and beautiful place. This summer, their team will plant and maintain over 16,000 annuals in planters, boulevard gardens and light pole baskets. Ambassador watering crews, who start work at 4:30 am, navigate downtown on a daily basis to make sure plants are watered and cared for. 

Nominations for the 8th Annual Greening and Public Realm Awards are now open. The Greening Awards celebrate outstanding examples of private greening and placemaking happening in Downtown Minneapolis. The MDID’s mission through the Greening Awards is to encourage all downtown businesses to participate in the greening effort. 

During this year’s nominations, the general public will be able to let MDID know which greening projects throughout Downtown Minneapolis are their favorites. To participate, you can submit using the hashtag #GreeningAwardsMpls on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, online submission form, or by emailing your nominations to Info@MplsDID.com.

Nominations will close July 31, and the finalists will be selected and categorized by MDID staff for an online vote in mid-August. Winning locations in each category will receive a display prize to showcase their greening achievement.

Call for Entries: Mississippi Minute Film Festival

The Mississippi Minute Film Festival is back for a fourth year! As you enjoy time along the Minneapolis riverfront this summer, picture the stories you could tell. It doesn't take a lot of high-end equipment to make a 60-second video, but it does require some vision.

The Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership has opened up entries for the 2017 Mississippi Minute, with a Sept. 15 deadline. Here's a look back at some moments from previous years' films to jog your memory, get the creative juices flowing and remind you that the clock is ticking!

If watching a short film is more your speed, remember to save the date and we'll see you at the Mississippi Minute Film Festival on Monday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m.

Complete details:

http://www.minneapolisriverfront.org/riverfront-initiatives/mississippi-minute-film-festival/

X Games Come to Downtown This Week

The X Games are coming to Minneapolis July 13th-16th! The X Games will be taking place at US Bank Stadium and showcase four days of the best action sports competitions in the world featuring skateboarding, BMX and motocross.

Ticket info: http://xgames.espn.com/xgames/minneapolis/

Here's the complete schedule:

Thursday

Women’s Skateboard Street Qualifier 1 p.m.

BMX Vert Final 5 p.m.

Skateboard Vert Final 5:45 p.m.

Flat Track Racing Final 9 p.m. (ESPN)

Friday

BMX Dirt Qualifier 12:30 p.m.

Skateboard Big Air Qualifier 2 p.m.

Men’s Skateboard Street Qualifier 3 p.m.

BMX Street Final 5 p.m.

Women’s Skateboard Street Final 6:30 p.m.

BMX Big Air Final 8 p.m. (ESPN)

MotoX Freestyle 9:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Saturday

Women’s BMX Park Demo 11 a.m.

Men’s BMX Park Final Noon (Ch. 5)

MotoX Step Up Final 1:45 p.m. (Ch. 5)

Skateboard Big Air Final 3:30 p.m. (Ch. 5)

Skateboard Street Am’s Final 5 p.m.

Men’s Skateboard Street Final 6 p.m. (ESPN)

Women’s Skateboard Park Final 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)

MotoX Best Whip Final 8:45 p.m. (ESPN)

MotoX Best Trick Final 9 p.m. (ESPN)

Sunday

BMX Dirt Final Noon (ESPN)

Men’s Skatebard Park Final 1:30 p.m. (ESPN)

BMX Park Best Trick 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)

MotoX High Air Final 3:45 p.m. (ESPN)

Mill City Summer Opera Announces 2017 Dates and Venue for Maria de Buenos Aires

Mill City Summer Opera’s Maria de Buenos Aires Unveils a Cast of Acclaimed Performers to Heat Up Minneapolis
National cast and creative team includes the dynamic opera tango duo of Catalina Cuervo, Luis Orozco

The sultry lament of the bandoneon, the thrilling atmosphere, alluring tango dancers, and a wildly acclaimed cast new to Twin Cities opera audiences, will take the stage for Mill City Summer Opera’s 2017 chosen production Maria de Buenos Aires, by famed tango composer, Astor Piazzolla.

MCSO today unveiled the stellar cast and creative team for this year’s production, including the key casting of Colombian soprano Catalina Cuervo in the leading role of Maria. As Maria, Cuervo has performed the role worldwide and is often referred to as the Fiery Soprano. Starring with her is baritone Luis Alejandro Orozco who has been hailed for his vocal and dramatic presence in the signature role of El Payador.

“Pairing Cuervo with Orozco in the heat of a Minnesota summer will be the hottest ticket in town this year; together they are the ideal duo to marry opera with tango,” notes returning artistic director David Lefkowich. “Dance is at the heart of this opera, so we will be integrating dancers as part of the cast for the first time in MCSO history.”

Opening night is Friday, July 14, with additional performances July 16, 18, 19 and 20.

With a ticket to the opera, attendees will be guided through dance instruction by professional tango dancers prior to the performance. After watching the tango performed as part of the opera performance, those that wish may join in the be dance with the cast to the splendid music that compliments the dangerous dance that is the TANGO.

Doors open at 7:00pm with tango dancing, the show begins at 8:00pm and more tango dancing at 9:30pm.

In light of the Ruins Courtyard’s extensive renovation throughout the Summer of 2017, MCSO is taking the opera across the Stone Arch Bridge for our sixth season. The shift in venue to the Machine Shop, 300 2nd Street SE, is temporary as restoration work continues in the Ruins Courtyard.

For tickets & more information visit http://www.millcitysummeropera.org/.

Scenes from the July 8 Mill City Farmers Market

Ta-da! It's raspberry season!

Wild and crazy heirloom tomatoes from Nistler Farms. According to their Facebook page, sweet corn is running about a week behind what Jeffrey considers normal, and the melon crop is looking fantastic. 

It's like a cloud - if you stare at it long enough it will resemble something...

Big Rivers Farms is operated by Minnesota Food Association (MFA), a nonprofit that provides a guarenteed market for farmers representing 10 countries around the world. They are located by Marine on St. Croix, and are holding an Open House on July 15.

Stop by the Info Booth to learn what's in these Bee Friendly packets.

Squeezed while you wait - refreshing drinks from The Bolt!

Below, Cara Lahti and Anna Bottila debuted Fair Anita at the July 8 Market. The jewelry, clothing, cards and other items offered are fair trade products made by over 8,000 talented, yet marginalized, women in 16 countries. Look for an article about Fair Anita on our Farmers Market blog later this week. 

With regard to the following three pictures - WEI Executive Director, Karen Clark, explained to me that these items diplayed at their booth are from the Mashkiikii Gitigan (Ojibwe for medicine garden). The garden was created on a formerly vacant, contaminated lot by the 24th Street Urban Farm Coalition as a way to address the food justice needs of people living in the Phillips community of South Minneapolis.

Beth Dooley and Mette Nielsen demonstrated Hot & Tangy Strawberry Jam during the Mill City Cooks demo. With only 5 ingredients, this one-pan recipe is quick and easy.

New from Horner's Corner: Maple Grenadine Syrup. Steve will be happy to provide suggestions on ways to use it.

Milly the goat!

2017 YouthLink Graduation - a Cause for Celebration

Article by Claudia Kittock, Photos by Danae Hudson

YouthLink Executive Director Dr. Heather Huseby addresses the graduates.

Wherever I work, I always look forward to graduation.  Each and every student has a story that was part of this moment in their lives. I am often honored to know many of those stories, and it is always an inspiring and wonderful moment in my life.

Since becoming a tutor in the GED program at YouthLink, I have begun attending the annual graduation there. If you have never been to one, put it on your calendar for next year. The ceremony is filled with laughter, joy, and enormous pride. These graduates have stories few of us can comprehend, and yet here they are, graduating and life is filled with new possibilities. At the June 14th ceremony, 41 young people graduated from the GED program, high schools, and training programs.

Bianca (pseudonym) was the speaker. I met Bianca when she came to the GED department and announced she wanted her GED and she wanted it fast. She had plans, and not having her GED was getting in her way.  Bianca planned to become a nurse, and she wanted to begin that career by working as a CNA while she finalized her plans for nursing school. Two months was as long as she had to ‘get it done’, and two months later Bianca put a piece of paper in front of me, sat in the chair next to me and grinned from ear to ear. The paper was the certification of a completed GED. When the celebrating died down, I asked her how her family felt.  She said, “None of my grandparents graduated from high school, neither of my parents, none of my aunts and uncles, and none of my cousins. I’m the first, and my brother has watched me do this and is now working on his GED. Things get better when you work hard.” Graduation was on a Wednesday afternoon, and Bianca’s first shift at her new job as a nursing assistant was on Monday. Impressed? Inspired? Me too!

Danny graduated too. He was the first student I met at YouthLink. He is a quiet, smart young man who has been on and off the streets for four years. As with all the students I teach, he taught me far more than I have taught him. Danny explained what it was like to experience homelessness, which overpasses were ‘safest’ to sleep under, and how being on the street with a partner was essential. While one person slept, the other kept watch for dangers, and kept track of the time so that neither slept too long in the bitter cold.

When I asked Danny what he wanted to do with his life, he told me he wants to be a chef. He has always cooked for his family and loved the feeling of preparing good food for people he cares for. Every day when I left, Danny said, "Don’t worry about me! You just get home safely.”

Danny is working in a bike shop for the second summer and has learned bike mechanics and repair. He hopes to continue to do that while earning enough money to continue his education. Will he become a chef? It really doesn’t matter what Danny does in his life of work. All of us with children in college know how often those plans can change. What does matter is that this young man is on his journey with more resources than he had before.

If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of these young people, here are some suggestions:
1. Sign up for the newsletter.
2. Learn more about youth homelessness.
3. Sign up for the Night of Hope.
4. Get involved at YouthLink.

Claudia can be reached at claudia@millcitymedia.org

Intermittent Lane Restrictions on Washington Avenue Today, July 7

Starting early today, July 7, there may be intermittent lane restrictions on Washington Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. 

Crews anticipate paving the initial layers of the eastbound lanes of Washington Avenue between 3rd and 5th Avenues. Until the road can reopen, the surface will provide a better working area for crews and help with issues like dust. 

Weather permitting, this work is anticipated to be completed by the end of the day.

No closures are anticipated on any of the intersections along this corridor, but you should expect delays as you travel through the area.

For more information about this project, visit www.hennepin.us/washingtonavenue.

MNHS Remembers 35W Bridge Collapse in Collections and New Display

Bridge piece commemorating 10th anniversary to go on exhibit at Mill City Museum July 28 to Aug. 30

On Aug. 1, 2007, one of the most pivotal and painful events in recent Minnesota history occurred: the collapse of the I-35W Mississippi River Bridge during rush hour, killing 13 and injuring 145. Over the years, the Minnesota Historical Society has documented this disaster in its collections, including acquiring several post-collapse pieces of the bridge.

To help commemorate the 10th anniversary, MNHS will put a remnant of the bridge, a gusset plate, on display at Mill City Museum. A National Transportation Safety Board investigation identified the gusset plates were a likely cause of the collapse; they were too thin and failed under the weight of the bridge and its traffic. The display will be in the museum’s Mill City Commons and will be free and accessible to the public from July 28 to Aug. 30.

Across the river in St. Paul, visitors can also view the emergency exit door of a school bus involved in the bridge collapse, signed by all the children and adults on board, in the Minnesota History Center’s “Then Now Wow” exhibit.

MNHS collections have additional bridge remnants and signage, a shirt worn by a first responder on the scene, various photos throughout the bridge's history, and items from workers who rebuilt the bridge in 2008. The Minnesota State Archives holds Minnesota Department of Transportation plans for the bridge’s original 1967 construction and is currently processing MnDOT records concerning the aftermath of the collapse.

Minneapolis Minute - A quick look at City news

From the City of Minneapolis website:

Not sure if this will be an ongoing series, but it's one more spot to check for updates on what's happening.

Hennepin County Library Announces New Online Music Platform Featuring Local Musicians

Via a July 5 e-newsletter from the Hennepin County Library:

Minnesota musicians: Be heard!

Submissions open today for MnSpin, Hennepin County Library's new local music resource

From the Andrews Sisters to Atmosphere, from Bob Dylan to Prince, from Cantus to Jimmy Jam, and Bobby Vee to the Minnesota Orchestra, many great musicians have launched from Minnesota to the world. Hennepin County Library is in search of Minnesota musicians to feature on MnSpin, a new online music streaming and download resource that will launch at the end of the year.  Submit a song Minnesota musicians and bands of all genres are encouraged to submit one song for consideration by August 2, 2017.  A panel of local music experts and library staff will review all submissions, and invite selected artists (up to 40 for now) to make one album available through the online platform. Artists will sign a license agreement and receive $200. The library plans to expand this pilot project to offer additional submission opportunities. Thanks to a grant from the Friends of the Hennepin County Library, music lovers will be able to connect to this new collection through www.hclib.org/arts-culture. Anyone can stream from the platform, and Hennepin County Library cardholders can download songs free. “Minnesota is such an incubator for musical artists,” said Hennepin County Library Director Lois Langer Thompson. “MnSpin is an opportunity for the music community to have its music heard and for all music lovers to have access to the rich talents of local musicians.”  A diverse collection Hennepin County Library will strive to create a collection that reflects the diversity of our community. Music in MnSpin will follow the same genre guidelines as in the general collection:  • Americana, bluegrass and country  • Blues, jazz and soul • Classical • Christian and gospel • Folk, ethnic and world • Pop and rock • Rap, hip hop and R&B • Children's MnSpin is open for submissions July 5-August 2, 2017.  For more information, visit www.hclib.org/arts-culture and http://www.hclib.org/about/news/2017/july/mn-spin.

Minneapolis By Bike - Great Way for New Transplants or Out of Town Guests to Get to Know our City

Whether you're new to the downtown/riverfront neighborhoods, looking for activities for out of town guests, or are on a constant hunt for new experiences, consider one of the tours offered by Minneapolis By Bike.

Photo credit Minneapolis By Bike

There are four tours to choose from. Bikes, helmets, and equipment are supplied with the guided, narrated bicycle tours. Carriers and pull-along attachment bikes are provided for families with children.

Bike rentals are available every day from 9:00am to 7:00pm, and include locks, helmets, rear racks, and maps. Self-guided tours are also an option.

In addition to their website, find Minneapolis By Bike on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

Parkway and Street Closures for July 4th Events

The following streets will be closed for the July 4 Red, White & Boom! activities:

Red, White & Boom 5K, Half Marathon - 6am-Noon
Main Street, West River Parkway, Victory Memorial Parkway, Webber Parkway, Stone Arch Bridge
More Info
 
Red, White & Boom Activities and Fireworks
Main St SE from Merriam Ave to 6th Ave SE - 2pm-11pm 
3rd Ave SE from Main St SE to 2nd St SE - 2pm-11pm
West River Pkwy from 4th Ave to 11th Ave - 4:30pm-11pm
3rd Ave S Bridge (Central Ave SE) - 9:15pm-10:30pm
Stone Arch Bridge -  closed to cyclists from 9:30-10:30pm
More Info

A Danger-ous Golf Tournament (Mini-Golf that is)

Save the date for an afternoon of golf, beverages and fun!

North America's most famous river flows right on by to serve as a distant water hazard, as well as a reminder of our mission as the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership invites you to a special fundraising golf tournament.

Except this isn't any golf tournament, and you don't need your own clubs or any experience in order to play and have a good time. Join in for an afternoon of miniature golf, prizes, food, beverages and a ride on the Danger at Betty Danger's Country Club in Northeast Minneapolis. 

Your participation will help support and extend MRP’s ability to focus on the important work of building a vision, increasing access and being a champion for the river.

Come join us August 15, starting with registration at 2:30 p.m., for a Northeast twist on the traditional golf tournament, one where anyone can play!

Save the date and watch your inbox for an invitation soon!

Scenes from the July 1 Mill City Farmers Market

Spectacular - July 1 at the Mill City Farmers Market. Simply spectacular. Scads of new produce arrived, including cabbage, green beans, cucumbers and zucchini. Looking for tomatoes? So far they've only been available at Loon Organics, but you must arrive early! Mother Nature has not been making things easy for the farmers this year.

One of my favorite new vendors is GVY Fresh Produce. Their produce and flowers are of the highest quality.

Local actor H. Adam Harris provides a very animated story time, sponsored by the Guthrie Theater. 

This little girl was taking in all the smells and textures of the herb garden in the cooking demo area.

How many tons of potatoes and zillions of eggs have been on Black Cat's grill?

Milly the goat snagged the first patty pan squash of the season!

MRAC Grant Awarded for Friends of the Mill District Singers

Article by Claudia Kittock

In June 13, 2017 the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC) awarded a total of $740,272 to 77 organizations/projects in the second round of the FY 2017 Arts Activities Support grant program. The organizations and projects chosen demonstrate both strong artistic quality and a community connection. Friends of the Mill District received one of those grants, and it will be used to fund the Friends of the Mill District Singers.

“The occasion to sing with the wonderfully
diverse group that has gathered under the inspiring,
both musically and spiritually, leadership of
JD and Fred Steele is a unique life brightener
for which I am very grateful."

While being a choir for less than 2 years, the impact of this group has already been felt. Karen Johnson, manager of the Alliance Apartments, home to many of our singers, commented, “I can tell you how it has made difference in the lives of those women who have come from Alliance! It has allowed them to use their gifts, to feel part of and connect to the larger community. Through song and music they became one of many individuals from varied experiences and voices in the community, to create a group, that generates joy and peace. Thank you for making this happen. Thanks so very much!”

Sara Monick, community member and charter member of the Singers, added, “The occasion to sing with the wonderfully diverse group that has gathered under the inspiring, both musically and spiritually, leadership of JD and Fred Steele is a unique life brightener for which I am very grateful. I feel it adds a very special opportunity, not easily found, from which both we members and our audiences definitely benefit in a very positive way.”

Thank you to MRAC and to each contributor. Without the donation of spaces for us to rehearse, none of this would be possible. Special thanks to the Guthrie Theater, MacPhail Center for Music, Mill City Museum, and American Academy of Neurology for these generous donations of space.

Claudia can be reached at claudia@millcitymedia.org

What the April 2017 Minneapolis Point-in-Time Count Reveals About Homelessness

Article by Claudia Kittock, Photos by Rick Kittock

I had never heard of a ‘Point-in-Time Count’ until I began volunteering with various groups advocating for the end to street homelessness. The Point-In-Time Count (PIT) is one of the main ways people experiencing homelessness can be measured in our state and city. It provides us with a snapshot of what homelessness looks like across Minnesota at one point in time. The Federal Government requires that each state attempt to count all people experiencing homelessness on one particular night of the year, within the last 10 days in January.

This year, Minnesota’s PIT Count was on the night of January 26, and again on April 26. The PIT Count includes a count of people who are living in unsheltered situations (those who are living outside, on the streets, in abandoned building, etc.) AND of people who are temporarily sheltered (living in emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, or put up in motels through a social service program).

Why do this?  What use does it have? 

1)  It helps us to understand the scope of homelessness and identify trends so we can better target our resources, improve services, and identify gaps in service.

2)  We use data to justify current and new services and programs. Data helps us tell our story and make the case for more resources. It helps build awareness, political will and political support (at the local, state and national level) to have the right programs and services funded to meet the identified need.

3) It is a critical source of national data on the number and characteristics of people who are homeless in the U.S. Additionally, the PIT count is the main data source used for measuring national progress in meeting the goals in Opening Doors: the Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. PIT count data is provided to Congress on the general homeless population and subpopulations of homeless persons, including Veterans, families, chronically homeless individuals, and youth across the nation.

4) Data collected through the PIT is used as one of the main tools to measure progress on the Heading Home Minnesota plan to prevent and end homelessness.

One finding in the April count was that numbers of people experiencing homelessness have decreased slightly, down form 463 in October of 2016 to 399 in April. However, the number of people experiencing homelessness who are spending nights on the light rail has increased substantially, from 114 in October of 2016 to 164 in April of 2017. One theory is that there may not be an actual rise, but methods of conducting the count have improved, therefore getting more accurate data.

79% of people surveyed were attempting to live on $203/month or less, while another 10% earned between $204-733/month. Imagine trying to find a place to live in Minneapolis while earning that amount of money! Affordable housing takes on an entirely new meaning when looking at these numbers.

Studying these numbers shows the complexity of people experiencing homelessness. The reasons are as varied as the people, and finding solutions is just that complex. 66% of people experiencing homelessness in Minneapolis have a high school diploma or better.

How can you help?

1.  Become better educated about the issue. Learn more here.

2.  “Like” Heading Home Hennepin on Facebook.

3.  Volunteer for the Point In Time count in July. Contact Breanna, Street Outreach Program Manager at St. Stephen's. Her email is bjaijairam@ststephensmpls.org.

4.  Keep reading this column and help whenever and wherever you can. Often a smile and an acknowledgement goes a long way!

Claudia can be reached at claudia@millcitymedia.org

The Guthrie's New Griots Festival Celebrates the Next Generation of Black Artists

CELEBRATING THE NEXT GENERATION
OF BLACK ARTISTS

July 6 - 16
Dowling Studio

The New Griots Festival aims to highlight, celebrate and advance the careers of emerging Black artists in the Twin Cities. The festival features the work of 10 local artists and free artist-taught community classes. Learn more.

Featuring improv by Blackout, a performance by dancer and vocalist Vie Boheme, music by Arthur "L.A." Buckner, work by playwright Antonio Duke, poetry by Keno Evol, poetry by April Gibson, work by writer Dame-Jasmine Hughes, work by painter Shaina McCoy, a performance by aerialist Miss Coco Nostal'jah and photography by Isaac Sundberg.

Tickets are $9; buy three or more performances and save! Artist-taught community classes are free, reservations encouraged. Click here for tickets, or call the Box Office at 612-377-2224.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage fund.