Introducing MPLS Neighbors

In the words of Alliance’s Board Chair Casie Moen at MPLS Homes 2026, we will stand up and say to each other, “we got you.”

Outside of a precipitating event, however, it can be difficult to know how to take those actions. How do we engage in the often-difficult work to make the structural changes needed to avoid future pandemics, change how policing is done, eliminate mass shootings, and welcome immigrants?

At Alliance one of the questions we ask ourselves is: How do we help build the movement necessary to ensure all our Minneapolis neighbors have a safe, secure home they can afford?

In partial answer to this question, we bring you MPLS Neighbors.

MPLS Neighbors is one way we aim to bring everyone who cares about our unhoused or unstably housed neighbors together to say, “we got you.”

MPLS Neighbors isn’t something you need to join and isn’t an obligation in any sense. Rather, it’s an opportunity for all of us to participate in achieving belonging, learning, and acting as a community. How and when you take part in that community is purely up to you.

Are you brand new to affordable housing work and don’t even really understand what that term means, but want to learn? MPLS Neighbors is for you.

Are you a housing expert looking to share the work with others? MPLS Neighbors is for you.

Do you just want to meet and spend some time with others who care about Minneapolis? MPLS Neighbors is for you.

You can learn some of the basics about MPLS Neighbors below, and the first chance to engage will be an Affordable Housing 101 Presentation and Building Tour at Kyle Garden Square on Thursday, February 18, 2027, from 7:00 to 8:15 pm. In the meantime, look forward to hearing more about MPLS Neighbors!

MPLS Neighbors Q&A

Q: What is MPLS Neighbors?

A: MPLS Neighbors is an opportunity for Alliance supporters, housing advocates, and those who care about their neighbors to come together on behalf of all those experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Q: Who can participate in MPLS Neighbors?

A: MPLS Neighbors is open to all. You don’t need to be a donor or supporter at any particular level. All you need is to believe in our work and have a desire to learn more.

You also do not need to live or work in Minneapolis itself. MPLS Neighbors is open to all who care about this city and its residents.

Finally, you don’t need to attend every event. Simply attending when it fits in your schedule and the topic appeals to you is sufficient.

Q: Why participate in MPLS Neighbors?

A: MPLS Neighbors is an opportunity to come together as a caring community to take steps toward understanding the housing market as it is and how Alliance and the wider housing community are working to change this status quo. Through MPLS Neighbors we’ll all achieve belonging, learning, and acting together.

Q: What are the benefits of MPLS Neighbors?

A: 1) Access to educational opportunities to learn more about housing in Minneapolis.

2) Increased communication through policy action alert emails and a monthly bullet point style rundown of what is going on at Alliance and in housing in general.

3) Invitations to quarterly events like building tours, brewery outings, volunteering opportunities, and a book club. These events will be a great chance to meet other Alliance supporters and introduce your friends and family to Alliance.

Q: What does it cost to participate in MPLS Neighbors?

A: Nothing! Those involved in MPLS Neighbors will, of course, receive our normal fundraising appeals asking for a personally meaningful gift, but there is no giving requirement. MPLS Neighbors is about coming together as a community to care for each other.

Q: How do I learn more about MPLS Neighbors?

A: Contact Alliance’s Craig Freeman at cfreeman@alliancempls.org or (612) 517-2323.