Census Update from Hennepin County
April 1 Is Official Census Kickoff Day!
Today is the official Census Kickoff Day. We had hoped to mark the occasion with community celebrations and a rally at the capitol. But even if we can’t gather to celebrate together right now, the best way to kick off the Census is to complete it today!
While we are working together to stay home and slow the spread of COVID-19, participating in the 2020 Census is a practical thing we can all do right now to help our community. The information collected from all of us will determine the resources available to us for the next ten years – for healthcare, education, housing, transportation, emergency services and other vital programs.
How to complete the census Online:
If you received an invitation in the mail
– Go to https://my2020census.gov/
– Enter your unique census ID number you received in the mail
If you don’t have the unique census ID
– You can still complete your census online
– Go to https://my2020census.gov/
– Type in your address and the census ID number should come up
By phone Call the toll-free number: 844-330-2020.
For more information • https://census2020-hennepin.hub.arcgis.com/
• Or text your questions to 662020 (We Count MN)
Census Day Deadlines
What is the Census?
The census is a part of democracy that matters to all Minnesotans. $15 billion allocated to Minnesota by U.S. census data is at stake. This critical funding supports vital programs like Medicaid, highway planning, and programs that aid low-income households, rural communities, and communities of color. Every person we count matters and contributes to our beautiful and vibrant community.
When does the Census Happen?
These are the key dates to keep in mind for the 2020 census. Make sure the communities you work with are informed about when they will receive their invitations, and that they have access to a device, or are aware of the phone and paper options they can use to respond to the census.
- March 12-20 – Invitations to respond to the census will be sent out via mail (some households will receive paper questionnaire).
- March 16-24: Households will receive a reminder letter.
- March 26-April 3: Another reminder letter will be sent out to households that have not yet responded to the census.
- April 1: National Census Day! Save this date, attend a census day event in your area or organize one in your community
- April 8-16: A reminder letter and a paper questionnaire sent out to households that have not responded.
- April 20-27 Final reminder before the enumerator follow up period starts
The Census and Nonprofits
Nonprofits have a critical role to promote community participation and build power. The census is about equity and inclusion and making sure that there is fair political representation and distribution of resources. We are all stronger when our democracy is strong. We are all stronger when communities are using their voice and power to help shape and change the systems that impact them every day – especially communities that have been historically disenfranchised.
MCN Census Grants
Congratulations to 35 organizations across Minnesota who received one of MCN’s census grants for census mobilization:
Aeon
Alliance of Chicanos Hispanics and Latin Americans
Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging
Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency
Asamblea de Derechos Civiles
Campus Compact
Centro Tyrone Guzman
Community Action of Ramsey and Washington Counties
Cultural Diversity Resources
Deaf Equity
Hispanic Outreach of Goodhue County
Hmong Museum
Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association
Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners
Jordan Area Community Council
Korean Adoptee Ministries
KSMQ
Lao Assistance Center of Minnesota
Little Earth Residents Association
Living at Home Network
Organization of Liberians – Minnesota
Our Savior’s Community Services English Learning Center
Pelican Rapids Multicultural Committee
Pillsbury United Communities
Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota
Prairie Five Community Action Council
Project for Pride and Living
Promise Neighborhood of Central Minnesota
Rise, Inc
SEWA-AIFW, Inc
Somali Community Resettlement Services
Vietnamese Social Services of Minnesota
Women for Political Change
Wright County Community Action
Marshall Area YMCA
https://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/public-policy/census-2020
Computer Help Working from Home
Do you need to work from home? Neighbor and SNG supporter Zeke Cato is willing to do home office consulting for you on a sliding scale basis. His regular price is $200 for a home network/internet and workstation setup (not including hardware purchases or subscriptions from other vendors.) His web address is ZekeCato.com
Covid 19 Community Updates & Resources
In response to public health concerns around COVID-19, we will do our best to try and provide some local resources, opportunities and support for our community. Please check back regularly here for updates and changes. We look forward to hearing about creative ideas for the community to do safely so feel free to email us with suggestions! Thanks everyone and take care.
*Testing sites here:https://mn.gov/covid19/for-minnesotans/if-sick/testing-locations/index.jsp
*MN Dashboard here:http://www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard
*Student meal pick-up information during school closures due to COVID-19:
https://nutritionservices.mpls.k12.mn.us/uploads/meal_pickup_sites_covid-19_3_16_20.pdf
*Grants and RFP’s:http://www.minneapolismn.gov/health/GrantsRFPs/index.htm
*Email general requests and inquires on this form:
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a6ec5734947240a48d8782ceb5fdb908
* City of Minneapolis COVID-19 e-newsletter. The City of Minneapolis sends out a formal COVID-19 e-newsletter every week. Please visit the City’s COVID-19 website to sign up. Past editions are also available to review here.
*Communications materials. Two helpful handouts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: What to do if you are sick and How to clean and disinfect if someone is sick.
*Continue to donate homemade cloth face masks. There’s still time to donate homemade masks at your local fire station. Donated masks will be delivered to Minneapolis residents at high risk for contracting COVID-19 and the community organizations that serve them. Note: fire stations are not equipped to take any other donations at this time. Find your local Minneapolis fire station. Need instructions for making a cloth mask? Learn more at Guidelines on making homemade masks (please disregard the April 25 donation drive end date listed on this site; Minneapolis fire stations will continue to collect donated masks through May 8). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing cloth face coverings to help protect others from COVID-19. Cloth face masks can help prevent the wearer from infecting others – especially in situations when we can spread the virus without having any symptoms.
*E-SNAP. The federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act allows Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households that are not currently receiving the maximum benefit to receive additional SNAP benefits through a new, short-term program called Emergency SNAP, or E-SNAP. The Minnesota Department of Human Services will begin issuing the emergency supplements to qualifying households on April 28 and will continue throughout May on a staggered basis. People who qualify don’t have to take any action. Instead, the supplemental aid will be added to their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.Submit an application for SNAP online at ApplyMN.dhs.mn.gov. For help applying or additional food resources, contact the Food Helpline at 1-888-711-1151 or visit Hunger Solutions.
*TikTok video contest for youth. The City of Minneapolis Office of Violence Prevention in partnership with C.E.O. launched a tiktok competition for youth to create videos with COVID-19 facts in a way that’s relevant to them. Winners receive $50 gift cards. Instructions and details available at: https://vm.tiktok.com/7hAB8h/. Submissions due Friday, May 1.
*City of Minneapolis makes additional changes to transportation network in response to pandemic. The City of Minneapolis is making additional updates to the public right-of-way in response to COVID-19, including adding more space for active recreation on streets and reducing the need for pedestrian push buttons at intersections. Starting April 29, the City will implement 11 miles of Stay Healthy Streets routes to support more space for walking, biking and rolling while physical distancing. Three separate loop routes will mostly follow local residential streets. These local streets will generally be closed to thru traffic and calmed to allow for people to safely walk, bike, or roll in the street. Car access for residents will be retained. Additional details on Stay Healthy Streets are available on the City’s website.
*Minneapolis parks remain open but many amenities being modified or closed. Minneapolis park visitors have continued to congregate despite efforts to educate and encourage safe physical distancing. As a result, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) announced it is modifying or closing more of its amenities for the health and safety of park visitors and the community. The following modifications and closures are expected to be complete by May 1: playgrounds, skate parks and athletic fields will be closed; tennis court nets removed; basketball court rims blocked or removed; volleyball nets will remain down and trail users need to remain 6 feet apart. As the weather warms, signage will soon be added at picnic areas to limit gatherings to 10 people or less and signage will be added to disc golf areas with physical distancing guidelines, similar to new guidelines at MPRB golf courses. Learn more about the changes.
*4/22 Update from MN Department of Health HERE.
*Starting 4/13 Metropolitan Council to transport essential health workers to care for patients across the region. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. More info HERE.
*4/13 Update: Impact to Services from minneapolismn.gov
*4/8 What you need to know about Minnesota’s revised stay-at-home order.
* 4/5 Gov. Walz unveils new state website, outlines state’s priorities in responding to Covid-19. HERE
* Update from MPRB about park events and summer programs HERE.
* Updated 3/26 Covid-19 Updates from the City of Saint Paul
* A list of resources for Households Impacted from Family Housing Fund.
*Through 4/3 Minneapolis Public Schools Student Meal Pick Up Sites HERE.
* SNG’s March Board meeting will be meeting virtually via Zoom. You are welcome to join us. Click here for more information.
* Signed 3/23/20 Executive Order by Gov. Walz to suspend evictions HERE.
* Signed 3/23/20 Executive Order by Gov. Walz on Small Business Loans HERE.
* Resources for Neighbors during the COVID-19 Outbreak. Provided by the Seward Neighborhood Group (SNG) HERE.
* For announcements and community resources such as food shelf info, MPS school info, Metro transit, and emergency assistance from Minneapolis.gov click here.
* COVID-19 State Resource Document 3/16/2020 The following list is compiled from resources at DEED, MDE, DHS, MDH, DHS, MHFA, the Courts, and the Attorney General’s office. HERE.
* Notice from Comcast about Internet access increase and low-income internet service. HERE
* For Strategies to slow the spread of Covid-19 from the MN Dept of Health click here.
* Here is a link to the loan assistance program for small businesses in need of disaster relief. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
* Here is the link for employees who need to apply for unemployment benefits. Folks can call in to get translation, but encourage English speakers to use the online form to reserve phone lines for those who need them. 651-296-3644. https://www1.uimn.org/ui_applicant/applicant/login.do
* A list of businesses with unemployed workers you can support HERE. Updated 3/23/20
*3/22/20 Update from USPS on service HERE.
Contact: Kerry@sng.org
Updated: SNG Virtual Board Meeting March 25
Due to the coronavirus concerns and recommended social distancing, SNG will be have a virtual Board Meeting on Wednesday March 25 from 6:30 – 8:15 via the Zoom app.
Best way to join is on computer or smartphone (get the Zoom app).
Use headset (earbuds with a microphone for best sound quality), if you have one.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/415887073
Meeting ID: 415 887 073
One tap mobile +13126266799,,415887073# US (Chicago)
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
AGENDA
6:15 Virtual meeting will be activated 15 minutes before meeting start time to allow folks to troubleshoot / test their audio connections
6:30 Introductions with Icebreaker Question: What has been a positive aspect of (“silver lining”) or a way you’ve been coping with our current reality with COVID-19?
6:42 Agenda & Minutes Approval
6:45 AGRA development proposal for former Perkins site by Claire VanderEyk, Senior Development Associate, Newport Midwest (briefing of project proposal only with clarifying questions permitted; no time in tonight’s agenda for full community feedback – that will happen via an online survey launched during the week of March 30th and another virtual meeting open house during the week of April 6th)
7:10 Councilmember Update – if Gordon / Warsame attend, they can provide an update
7:15 Committee Motions
Update on Mia Tour with Marne Zafar!
Updated 3/23/2020. This event is indefinitely postponed. We will contact all bidders to arrange a later date when the museum reopens. Thank you for your support and understanding!
Tickets are $20 and can be bought on Eventbrite or at the SNG office.
This special SNG 1-hour tour will be in the Americas galleries. Dedicated to the creativity of the Native peoples throughout MN and the US, we will explore together the paintings, sculpture, weavings, pottery, beadwork and more that reflects the diversity of Native people in the Midwest, Southwest, Northwest and Plains.
The Minneapolis Institute of Art is home to more than 90,000 works of art representing 5,000 years of world history. Its permanent collection includes world-famous works that embody the highest levels of artistic achievement, spanning about 20,000 years and representing the world’s diverse cultures across six continents.
A former President of SNG, Marne Zafar is a Collection-In-Focus guide for the Americas galleries. She is known in the arts world for her vast knowledge of American Indian arts and indigenous global priorities, and had taken the lead at Mia to “show off” and introduce visitors to the differences of the respective Native nations. Recently she lead private tours for the much-acclaimed Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists special exhibition of which she was on the exhibition and community advisory boards, and was co-designer of award-wining book.
Space for up to 15 people. See Facebook Event page HERE.
This event is one in a series of great gatherings intended to build community and inspire fun while helping to support the Seward Neighborhood Group. The proceeds from your ticket are all donated to Seward Neighborhood Group.
Huge thanks to Marne Zafar for donating her knowledge and time!
Now that is a Great Gathering!
Thanks for Joining us at the FUNdraiser!
zThanks to those who could make it to the Party at the Playwrights’ FUNdraiser, and to our super volunteers for helping us put on a successful night. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Special thanks to the fabulous businesses that donated food: Soberfish, Tracy’s Saloon, Coastal Seafood, Pizza Luce, El Norteno and Zipps Liquor.
Seward Great Gatherings! Bid on these events at FUNdraiser!
A Mad Men Dinner Party, where you are invited to break out the cocktails and pistachios! Your hosts will prepare and serving a 4-course meal of your favorite 1960’s food and drink. Vintage attire encouraged!
Branching Out: Acrylic Painting Workshop for everyone. Kat Lange and Connie Lanphear are inviting you to unleash your creativity! Grab a friend and join us for an afternoon of play and experimentation using a simple masking technique with acrylic paints, tape and canvas. Take home a beautiful and unique work of art. All abilities are welcome!
Knitting Hour at the Gnome Home. Everyone is welcome, if you already knit or want to learn how, let’s get together and interlock yarn! We’ll have delicious appetizers and enticing conversations. This will be co-hosted by our lovely friend Pat Rosaves. So join us at Maggie’s gnome home for a good time.
A Tour of Mia with Marne Zafar. A former President of SNG, Marne Zafar is a Collection-In-Focus guide for the Americas galleries. She is known in the arts world for her vast knowledge of American Indian arts and indigenous global priorities, and had taken the lead at Mia to “show off” and introduce visitors to the differences of the respective Native nations. Recently she lead private tours for the much-acclaimed Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists special exhibition of which she was on the exhibition and community advisory boards, and was co-designer of award-wining book.
This series of great gatherings is intended to build community and inspire fun while supporting the Seward Neighborhood Group. While the food you eat, the relationships you build, and the memory are all yours to keep, the proceeds from your ticket will be donated back to Seward Neighborhood Group.
Can’t attend the fundraiser? You can can purchase individual Great Gathering Event tickets on the event link above on Eventbrite.
Or join us for our annual fundraiser, a celebration of our community at the Playwrights’ Center on Saturday, February 22nd to help sustain our work for another year! 2310 East Franklin Ave, Mpls, MN 55406.
Come by anytime from 7:00pm to 10:00pm to savor food and drink, live music, and bid to win items from our Star Studded Silent Auction!
Our Goal is to raise $5000 to invest back into the Seward Community and organize around issues that matter to all those that live, work, play, and pray in Seward. You are a big part of this.
Buy FUNdraiser Tickets
Tickets are $25 in advance, and $30 at the door!
Wine, Art, Dining, Yoga and more at the FUNdraiser Silent Auction!
World class wine from Gianni Buonomo Vintners out of San Diego (unavailable in MN except by club membership), art cards from Seward artists Dan Leisen and Lisa Boehlke, cribbage board from Wood From the Hood, Gift certificates and merchandise from Ghandi Mahal, Hi-Lo Diner and Big River Yoga and Northern Clay Center. Thank you to our generous donors!
Join us for our annual fundraiser, a celebration of our community at the Playwrights’ Center on Saturday, February 22nd to help sustain our work for another year! 2310 East Franklin Ave, Mpls, MN 55406.
Come by anytime from 7:00pm to 10:00pm to savor food and drink, live music, and bid to win items from our Star Studded Silent Auction!
Our Goal is to raise $5000 to invest back into the Seward Community and organize around issues that matter to all those that live, work, play, and pray in Seward. You are a big part of this.
Buy Tickets
Tickets are $25 in advance, and $30 at the door!
Bid on a Mia Tour with Marne Zafar at the FUNdraiser!
This special SNG 1-hour tour will be in the Americas galleries.
Dedicated to the creativity of the Native peoples throughout MN and the US, we will explore together the paintings, sculpture, weavings, pottery, beadwork and more that reflects the diversity of Native people in the Midwest, Southwest, Northwest and Plains.
The Minneapolis Institute of Art is home to more than 90,000 works of art representing 5,000 years of world history. Its permanent collection includes world-famous works that embody the highest levels of artistic achievement, spanning about 20,000 years and representing the world’s diverse cultures across six continents.
A former President of SNG, Marne Zafar is a Collection-In-Focus guide for the Americas galleries. She is known in the arts world for her vast knowledge of American Indian arts and indigenous global priorities, and had taken the lead at Mia to “show off” and introduce visitors to the differences of the respective Native nations. Recently she lead private tours for the much-acclaimed Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists special exhibition of which she was on the exhibition and community advisory boards, and was co-designer of award-wining book.
Space for up to 15 people. See Facebook Event page HERE.
Value: $20 per person
This event is one in a series of great gatherings intended to build community and inspire fun while helping to support the Seward Neighborhood Group. The proceeds from your ticket are all donated to Seward Neighborhood Group.
Huge thanks to Marne Zafar for donating her knowledge and time!
Now that is a Great Gathering!
Our annual fundraiser is a celebration of our community at the Playwrights’ Center on Saturday, February 22nd to help sustain our work for another year! 2310 East Franklin Ave, Mpls, MN 55406.
