Cabrini Partnership Is Featured Nonprofit at Upswing Business EXPO

Visit us at the Metropolitan Ballroom Wednesday November 30, as Cabrini Partnership is the Charity of Choice at the Upswing Business EXPO! Showcasing our information to the public and expanding our connections with the business community, we will be there for the duration of the show from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, but space is limited. Register here.

The Upswing Business EXPO is the Twin Cities’ most popular business-to-business tradeshow and networking event for a variety of industries. Held five times a year, business leaders are drawn to the high caliber of networking potential and valuable vendor connections. For more information visit their website.

Strength through Partnership Event

It was a major success at our November 3rd Strength through Partnership Event as volunteers, employees and clients came together to celebrate the past 25 plus years at Cabrini Partnership and the future merger with Project for Pride in Living.

Over 200 were in attendance at the Minneapolis Club to hear a rousing presentation regarding Cabrini Partnership’s journey and the many long-term connections with PPL. Following the announcement, Steve Cramer joined Mary Morris onstage, as they both highlighted the successful relationship Cabrini Partnership and PPL have built over the years. The presentation was concluded by four individuals sharing their successful journey out of homelessness.

Unemployment Down, Homelessness Up

In a Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP) report analyzing the housing market, results showed that homelessness in children and youth have increased from the second to the third quarter dramatically.

Unemployment was down from last quarter but increased monthly. Unemployment figures only count those who are unemployed and actively searching for jobs, not unemployed residents who have given up on job searching. MHP reported that unemployed residents were unemployed for almost 40 weeks in the year. In fact, 14 percent of non-luxury units are late in payment this quarter. That’s enough to push eviction. Thus, homelessness in children and youth increased.

The MHP study reported that Hennepin County homeless shelters averaged 260 families each month. That’s a 21 percent jump in a year and a 50 percent jump in five years. From July 2010 to June 2011, 8,297 children and youth were identified as homeless. The rate has jumped by eight percent from the previous year and 18 percent from 2007-2008.

Unfortunately, the report shows that Minnesota has got a long way to go to end homelessness. Until then, we can do our best by helping as we can. At Cabrini Partnership, we understand that ending homelessness is more than just providing a roof and a bed. With your help, we can continue making a difference.

Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Join Cabrini Partnership’s mission.

Helping Out One Way or Another

Whether it’s through Cabrini Partnership or not, you can make a difference. Three years ago, John Larsen and Mike Stewart opened their home to a young homeless woman. “Larsen said the first few months were ‘really crazy’ because the young woman they were paired with had so many issues.” However, things began to improve. “Her first semester in college, she had three A’s and one A-minus,” Larsen told Star Tribune.

After 10 months, the youth moved out for school. Now she visits Stewart and Larsen year-round and even refers to them as her “gay dads.” Today, she is “a leader in her community and with her peers.” They began as strangers in a house, and now they are a family.  This was possible through Suburban Host Home Action Council (SHHAC).

The organization temporarily pairs a host home for homeless GLBT 18-to-20-year-olds who are working toward personal goals like finding a job, attending school, or improving mental health and well-being.

This is not a foster organization. Instead, the host guardians voluntarily provide basic essentials such as food, clothing and emotional support. However, hosts are required to complete a training session, attend monthly group meetings and work with a case contact.

By taking someone in, donating time, raising money or advocating, you are helping to end homelessness. See how you can help through Cabrini Partnership. [http://www.cabrinipartnership.org/getinvolved/index.html]

Learn more about SHHAC and visit their Facebook Page. Read about the Star Tribune article here.

Summer Picnic Success

On Tuesday evening Cabrini Partnership clients, alumni, staff, volunteers and board members gathered for the annual summer picnic at Van Cleve Park. The weather was gorgeous, and those in attendance relaxed in the sun enjoying conversation and delicious food generously prepared by volunteers from Our Lady of Lourdes Church.

"We couldn't have asked for a nicer night to come together as a community and enjoy ourselves," remarked Executive Director Mary Morris.

Thanks to everyone who came out!

What the Government Shutdown Means for the Homeless

With the shutdown of the Minnesota state government on July 1 came the devastating shutdown of many programs that serve people who are experiencing homelessness, including rental assistance and child care assistance.

Programs like Cabrini Partnership, People Serving People and Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless will continue to help clients—but individuals and families who are out on their own are facing serious obstacles with the shutdown.

People Serving People is organizing volunteers to help during this crucial time. See what you can do to ease the affects of the shutdown.

Visit People Serving People online.

Contact Cabrini Partnership to see how else you can make a difference during this time.

Transforming Apartments and Lives

Throughout the years, Cabrini Partnership and its clients have been fortunate to receive assistance from generous volunteers in transforming bare apartments into friendly, welcoming places that our residents can call home.

This is one such installation at Stafford Apartments. The change is incredible—what a team!