Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Update and Actions to Take Regarding the MLK Park Encampment

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Thank you for your patience and care as our city and nation experience a housing crisis compounded by the recent COVID-19 global pandemic. The population of unhoused neighbors living in MLK Park encampments has grown 3x since June.

How can I help my unhoused neighbors? The best way you can help right now is to use your time and energy to advocate for dignified short, medium and long-term housing solutions in our city. We do not recommend individual citizens attempt direct engagement work with encampments. Those experiencing homelessness deserve social service solutions delivered by trained and trauma-informed providers. Please respect the autonomy of all encampments, including prioritizing your personal safety and boundaries. Consider a financial donation to trusted organizations serving our community: ZACAH, Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center, The Link, and Park Avenue Center.

Housed neighbors stand in solidarity with unhoused neighbors prioritizing humanitarian aid, while acknowledging systems, events and health issues that can lead to short-term and chronic homelessness. Informal mutual aid efforts provide food and minimal ice to as many parks across the city as possible, this is not a sustainable solution. We demand our elected officials immediately address the current humanitarian housing crisis in Minneapolis. Please contact your elected officials, today! And then copy that email to Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz.

More information to be communicated through KFNA in the near future, stay tuned.

MLK Park Housing Advocates 

What’s the Deal?: Housing Crisis and State Response

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Join Beacon on Wednesday, July 8 from 4 to 5 p.m. for What’s the Deal?: Housing Crisis and State Response

Speakers: Ben Helvick Anderson, Director of Public Policy and Craig Freeman, Community Connection Manager

Ben will provide a perspective on what the current Minnesota legislature has (or hasn’t) accomplished on behalf of our neighbors who experience housing instability on a daily basis. Also discussed will be a rundown of our future political goals and how Beacon’s policy work all leads toward our vision of a world in which all people have a home.

This is a good first step to learn more about advocacy work that neighbors can do to encourage and fund more affordable housing options in our State.

To register, please email me​ your name and if you are a member of a congregation or a community. Once registered, I will provide a login directions for the event.

Clara Lind,

Beacon’s Donor Experience Manager

Hennepin County Jeopardy: a virtual game show focused on how Commissioners can wield power to shape affordable housing policy

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Looking for something fun to do? Want to learn something while you’re at it? Have we got the game show for YOU!

Beacon invites you to watch and play Hennepin County Jeopardy on Thursday, July 9 starting at 6:30 p.m. Featuring our talented host Rev. Cindy Hillger, Deacon at St. Martin’s by the Lake Episcopal Church, and three live contestants, this fun evening will highlight some pretty serious stuff! With commissioner elections just around the corner, you’ll learn about the power of Hennepin County government and see the influence commissioners wield in shaping local policy, including housing policy.

Play along and build momentum around upcoming campaigns to push Hennepin County to invest in affordable housing developments like Bimosedaa and Vista 44.

It’ll be an evening of fun for the whole family, right from the comfort of your own home.

RSVP today to get the login information and let us know you’ll be there.

City of Minneapolis Housing Gap Fund Opens at 9 AM Today

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Application period for housing/utilities support is Wednesday April 21 at 9AM – Monday April 27 at 12:00 noon

The City of Minneapolis’s GAP fund will begin accepting applications for housing/utility support on Wednesday, April 22 at 9AM. An overview of this fund, including what documents are needed to apply, can be found in multiple languages here.

If you have questions about filing your application, call and leave a message at 612-302-3129 and your call will be returned. The application period will end on Monday April 27 at 12:00 noon. 

nformation that applicants will need to have available to apply:

  • Annual household gross income (before taxes) for May 2019 through April 2020
  • Current monthly household gross income
  • Amount of household income lost due to COVID-19 (EHA program)
  • Amount of assistance needed to solve household’s current housing emergency
  • Whether one or more children in the household are currently enrolled in a Minneapolis Public School elementary school. If yes, the name of the school (SHSS program).

Please note: Immigration or documentation status does not affect eligibility.

Kingfield Restaurants

currently open for take-out
(more info available here)

  • Tap Society
  • Sunstreet Breads
  • Royal Grounds
  • Rincon 38
  • Revival
  • Patisserie 46
  • Nighthawks
  • The Lowbrow
  • Hola Arepa
  • Grand Cafe
  • Good Times Pizza
  • Five Watt Coffee
  • Young Man
  • Dave The Pie Guy
  • Curran's
  • Cocina Latina
  • Cafe Ena
  • Butter Bakery Cafe
  • Boludo Empanadas
  • Apoy