Meeting the Moment
For the past few months, Minnesotans have been navigating deep uncertainty and pounding waves of fear and grief. As the situation on the ground is expected to change, we’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the heaviness our community has been grappling with.
Model Cities began in 1967 during an incredibly challenging time for our nation and for communities in Saint Paul. We’ve seen many of these same challenges to our collective sense of belonging and safety reverberating in the present day.
We also want to proudly acknowledge the power of our collective response. Minnesotans continue to stand with our neighbors, showing compassion and tangible support.
Internally, our staff and board have worked to build (and implement) a response plan following an on-site incident that impacted residential and commercial tenants of BROWNstone this January. We’ve since developed new tools to keep each other safe while continuing to deliver responsive programming and services.
As recovery efforts in Minnesota continue to develop, we will lean into all ways we can act as an organizational partner to support our community now and well into the future–a future we remain hopeful about and ready to help co-create. To echo Gov. Walz’s recent remarks, “We’re in this for as long as it takes.”
We invite you to find your own ways to connect with our neighbors and help create a shared community that is welcoming and just.
In Solidarity,
Model Cities of St. Paul, Inc.
Resources to give (or get) support
Support relief efforts statewide
This directory contains a list of places to give and actions you can take to support Minnesotans. This directory can also be easily shared with people outside of Minnesota who may wish to help.
Shop Local at BROWNstone
West Indies Soul
Support West Indies Soul Food for Shop Local Month in Minnesota. West Indies Soul is a community-rooted business right here on Victoria and University. Bringing Caribbean flavor to Saint Paul, you can order curbside pickup online directly from their website or via Google.
Partner Resources
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
SPMF has compiled a list of ways to support our immigrant neighbors and refugee neighbors: “As Minnesotans, we share something powerful: a deep belief that we care for our neighbors, a love for community, and a commitment to making sure every person belongs. This includes creating safe space for immigrant communities.”
City of Saint Paul
This list of resources includes a wide range of supports from legal to food and shelter, including economic support resources for Minnesota businesses based in Saint Paul.
Know Your Rights
City of Saint Paul
The City of Saint Paul Attorney’s office has compiled a list of community partners and other resources that may help during the immigration process. There are other resources available via this link.
Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota
The following resources have been compiled to help assist immigrants, refugees, advocates, and organizers in knowing your rights, preparing for the future, and meeting basic needs.
Make a gift to Model Cities
Help us co-create a future where we all thrive! Support Model Cities programs and services.
