In this moment we ask ourselves: how do we best show up for one another?

The answer: active radical care and love.  What does that look like?  For us that means standing firmly with our community; listening deeply and working in solidarity.  Our centers and programs are open. Today we are working hard to meet the ever-increasing needs of our neighbors while facing the same threats ourselves. While we are not new to crisis, this manufactured chaos and lawless assault feels different. Here are some of the ways we are activating care and love: 

On Saturday, January 17, a small group of anti-Muslim agitators and aggressors have planned an action in Minneapolis.  We will be following the guidance of our partners in Cedar Riverside about how to support within the neighborhood where our beloved Brian Coyle Center stands as a second home to so many.  We encourage our friends and allies to do the same. 

Beginning on Tuesday, January 20, we will be collecting donations of food and provisions at North Market Monday – Friday from 8:30 AM-9:30 AM to help facilitate and disseminate support across our networks.  This rapid response is one of many strategies we are using to help get food for people who are too afraid to leave their homes. 

On Friday, January 23rd, labor unions, immigrant rights organizations, community groups and faith leaders across Minnesota are calling for a “Day of Truth and Freedom” — a statewide economic blackout with the call of no work, no school, no shopping to stand against federal immigration enforcement and honor the life of Renee Nicole Good, who was fatally shot by a federal ICE officer in Minneapolis earlier this month. We will be closed in solidarity to support and hope you will join us. 

Lastly, we are setting up a Rapid Response Fund. This fund will allow us to continue to provide food, space for legal representation, personal care items, community connection and critical services and resources for our community as we navigate this terror with care and love. We will continue to show up for our community in these ways because that is what being a loving and caring neighbor looks like. 

Please stay connected and support one another during this moment of collective action.  

In Solidarity,

Anthony Washington
President & CEO 

This morning, we witnessed the continuation of state sponsored terrorism as ICE agents murdered a member of our community near an elementary school in Powderhorn Park. Pillsbury House and Theatre (PH+T) and Pillsbury Creative Commons (PCC) are a mere three blocks away from the scene where at the same time staff witnessed ICE agents circulating our beloved community center.  

As ICE continues to increase its violent presence in our communities, we encourage community members to support each other by ensuring loved ones are accounted for, and elders, children and vulnerable community members are in trusted locations. Despite the anger we are feeling, we ask our beloved South Minneapolis community to refrain from engaging armed ICE agents who appear to be willing to shoot unarmed people without provocation or cause. 

We condemn these actions. We condemn the weaponization of law enforcement agents against ordinary people—people who work, live, raise their children, take care of our elders and contribute towards making Minneapolis and Minnesota one of the most desirable cities and states to live in. No one deserves to face death while expressing their dissent with government policies; no one deserves to die while picking their children up from school, purchasing groceries, or carrying out the duties of daily living. 

The antidote to the fear and isolation being actively sown in our community is increased connection. We know that our actions of radical love and care will uphold our deep commitment to the very democratic ideals that have shaped our nation and continue to inspire so many people who seek refuge, freedom, and belonging.   

While our individual actions may sometimes feel insignificant, our connection to one another in action, solidarity, and care can be a powerful force for healing and justice.  We encourage all to embrace the neighbor and stranger alike, and to lean into our collective strength in support. 

MIRAC – Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee: Emergency Vigil in Response to ICE Shooting 

TODAY, January 7, 2026
5:00pm
E34th St and Portland Ave S
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CubZ9Kw2a/ 

Know Your Rights 

Documenting and Responding to ICE https://pillsburyunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Documenting-and-Responding-to-ICE-12_03.pdf 

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid: https://mylegalaid.org/
MN State Resources https://mn.gov/ombudfam/resources/immigration.jsp
Immigrant Advocates Network https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota https://www.lssmn.org/services/refugees/services/legal
CAIR MN https://cairmn.org/ 

While chaos and fear are deployed as weapons trying to fracture and isolate us, we know that linking arms with one another is our strength.  The vicious attacks intended to dehumanize our Somali family, friends and neighbors are vile attempts to criminalize an entire community. The pain reverberates and is felt deeply.

Our resolve is to stand in solidarity with love and clarity as we move together through this wave of violence and division.  In the face of unspeakable tragedy, we will not exploit our resilience. History shows that our ability to meet adversity with justice, care, and accountability prevails, and we will continue to offer our love, care and support for those who are being targeted today.

We turn toward collective action and away from panic and isolation. We place into sharp focus and uplift narratives that reflect the power, brilliance, innovation, humanity, and beauty of our neighbors.  The communities we serve are an essential part of the fabric of our city, our state and our country and the reason for our cultural, economic, and social vibrancy.

‘The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them”, said Ida B. Wells. And that must be our work continuously. In Mni Sota Makoce where treaties were broken and indigenous people were forcibly removed, we see the current U. S. administration committed to reconstituting the same despicable strategies.  We can see and expose this inequality for what it is.

It is with clarity and care we honor how Somali, Latinx, new immigrant, refugee and systemically marginalized people contribute to every facet of life in MN – human service, public safety, health care, education, government, business, food systems, arts and culture. And while our humanity need not be measured by our contributions, we celebrate the vast ways our lives are improved by our interdependence.

We remain unwavering in our commitment to one another because community is the antidote, not the problem.

In Solidarity,

Pillsbury United Communities

All community members are invited to join us at the Resilience Center at the Waite House. This is a place to connect with neighbors, rest, receive care, and access free support services. Everyone is welcome!

📍Waite House Community Center | 2323 11th Ave. S, Minneapolis

📅 Wednesday’s November 12 – January 14

🕛 Open from 1 – 4 p.m.

(Except not open 12/24, instead we will be open Tuesday 12/23 from 1-4pm)

Available Services (Free of Charge):

• Mental health care and emotional support
• Resources for individuals and families experiencing homelessness
• Information and referrals to community programs
• North Star Therapy Animals for comfort and grounding
• Hennepin County Economic Services & Assistance
• OJP Victim Services
• Minneapolis Homeless Response Team
• Snacks and water provided by the Neighborhood Association

Whether you need support, want to connect with others, or simply need a calm place to be, the Resilience Center is here for you.

Let’s heal together.
Please share this information with anyone who may benefit.

Held in partnership with:

Hennepin County, City of Minneapolis, and Pillsbury United Communities.

Share your input on Olson Memorial Highway! MnDOT wants to hear your input.

MnDOT is planning improvements for Olson Memorial Highway in Minneapolis between Border Ave./Oak Lake Ave. and the bridge west of Thomas Ave. This highway is an important route for the local community and surrounding region, including those that drive, walk, bike, roll and use public transit.

MnDOT conducted a study that included community engagement from August 2022 to May 2025 to better understand the needs of the community. Safety for all travelers, improved facilities, mobility, and travel times were identified as priorities shared by the community.

The next step in project development is preliminary design and will include collecting input from the public to help refine design concepts and share a preferred design alternative.

Public engagement opportunities

Each MnDOT hosted event will provide an opportunity for community members to share their stories about Olson Memorial Highway. Whether you drive, bike, walk, roll, or take transit, MnDOT would like to hear your experiences and how you think Olson Memorial Highway could be safer for all users.

Wed, Nov. 12
In-person public meeting
4:30-6:30 p.m.
PICA Head Start Donald M Fraser Early Childhood Family Development Center
700 N. Humboldt Ave., Minneapolis

There is no formal presentation at the in-person meeting, so the public may come and go at their convenience. A children’s activity will be available and light refreshments will be served.

Fri, Nov. 14
Virtual public meeting
noon-1:00 p.m.

This meeting will include a formal presentation on the project as well as time for community members to ask questions. Registration details and additional project information are available on the MnDOT project webpage.

Nov. 7-Dec. 7
Online survey
You can also share your feedback through an online survey, available on the project webpage from Nov. 7 through Dec. 7.

October-November
Community events
MnDOT will host a series of pop-up engagements at community events and locations throughout the project area in October and November. Visit the project webpage for the full listing.

Additional meeting information and registration, the online survey, pop-up events and project information are available on the MnDOT project webpage.

Powering People. Strengthening Place. Building a More Equitable Minneapolis.

At Pillsbury United Communities, we are creating a city where every person has the opportunity to thrive. Through a powerful network of neighborhood centers and social enterprises, we work alongside individuals and families to build pathways toward prosperity, equity, and community well-being.

Every day, our mission comes to life in ways both big and small — from a hot meal shared in fellowship, to a youth discovering their voice, to neighbors uniting for systemic change.

Why Your Gift Matters

Your donation fuels programs that meet urgent needs today while building long-term solutions for tomorrow.

• $100 provides fresh groceries or a week of hot meals for a family.
• $300 supports youth internships that prepare the next generation of leaders.
• $1,000 sustains neighborhood-based arts, education, and employment programs that empower whole communities.

Together, we’re building a Minneapolis where everyone—regardless of zip code—can live with dignity, opportunity, and hope.

Details

• Due to the federal government shutdown, you may not receive your SNAP or MFIP food benefit payment in November.

Hennepin County’s role

• County staff are ready to enter your information into the system and will continue to work on SNAP and MFIP cases as much as possible, to be prepared for quick approval when the shutdown ends. Please continue to apply if you might be eligible.
• We understand that this situation is confusing and frustrating, and that it will be disruptive for you and your family.

The state’s role

• [For people with existing SNAP and MFIP cases] The state sent out an electronic communication (text or email) on Tuesday, October 21.
• The state will be updating their federal shutdown webpage for SNAP and MFIP impacts. You may find useful information there. You can find it at Federal shutdown information | Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families.

Resources for residents

• There are resources available to you in your community.
• If you have children 5 and younger, you may be able to get help through the WIC program. Visit WIC: Women, Infants and Children | Hennepin County for information.
• If you visit Find Help – Hunger Solutions, you can enter your address to find resources near you.
• You can also call the Minnesota Food Helpline at 1-888-711-1151 or you can call United Way 211.
• Food shelves are very busy right now. You may have to leave a message and wait for a call back.
• The state will be updating their federal shutdown webpage for SNAP. You may find useful information there. You can find it at Federal shutdown information | Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families.

Photos provided by Juan Coleman

Participating Organizations:

• City of Minneapolis Health Department Green Careers
• Project Sweetie Pie
• Minneapolis Parks & Recreation
• Birch Tree/LLC
• To Succeed You Must Read
• Black Lives Matter
• Consultjssj
• The Minnesota Horticulture Society
• Abode Research
• Zintkala Luta
• Minneapolis PAL
• Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department