Urban Homeworks is a Christian Community Development organization working in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. We accomplish our mission by addressing the needs of people and property in the disadvantaged neighborhoods of our city.
Setting the Table in 2010
2009 has been quite a year, and we are “setting the table” for a great 2010. In the old story of Zacchaeus (you know, the ‘wee little man’), Jesus brings a salvation message to the entire household that gathered around the supposed “table” of this man. In the coming months, we’ll be highlighting an eclectic group of folks around the proverbial table that ALL contribute to a similar outcome… Salvation for the ENTIRE household (emphasis being ALL around the table, Zacchaeus, the disciples, the entourage of Jesus… ALL… with Jesus as the catalyst at this table of ‘exchange’).
We all have something to offer, and something incredibly precious to gain (I encourage you to read the story in Luke 19). When we engage one another in the grace and mercy of Jesus, the world changes (more specifically, MY world changes). Be encouraged. Pull up a seat at the table (or pull it up a little closer). There is room in this household for all. Buckle up… the world is changing.
-Chad Schwitters, Executive Director
________________________________________________________________________________
Building Robust Communities
Every project is different. But each one, when finished, adds to the whole of a livable, robust and connected community. The goal in redeveloping boarded, distressed, condemned and foreclosed homes is not just returning a physical structure into good condition. The goal is to create a “village” of people that know each other, interact and have ownership of the quality of community around them.
Historically, Urban Homeworks has been able to complete 8-10 projects each year utilizing the efforts of volunteers, trainees and committed subcontractors. Over the next 18-24 months we anticipate completing up to 65 projects. This increase has come about because of a cry for help in the neighborhoods where we work. The spike in foreclosures has created an atmosphere where many areas of places like north Minneapolis sit 30% – 50% vacant. The question is, “how can community happen when up to half the homes are uninhabited?” It can’t.
So in order to move toward a real, livable, robust and connected community, we must continue by acquiring the ugliest houses on the block to restore them. And while a rehabilitated house is by no means the end that we have in mind, it is essential to the restoration of the “village.”
You have a place at the table of the village we’re helping to create. Your role in this journey is essential to the process of restoring a true sense of community. We encourage you to involve yourself, your church, your company, neighbors and friends in this journey with us.
>>Click here to learn how you can join us by volunteering.
____________________________________________________________________
Life on Life Empowerment
by Janelle Walker
It’s a cold winter day in Minneapolis with fresh snow covering the streets and icy winds taking the temperature to -11 degrees. Despite the frigid weather, supervisors with small groups of trainees are out working. One group donned hard hats and face masks to gut an abandoned house on Fremont, while another put the finishing touches on a recently restored house on 25th. In both demolition and construction the words of supervisor Russ Barclay rang true, “This program’s people-based not building-based.” The training program centers on equipping individuals for future employment, but the experience affords much more. Trainees talked about learning discipline, becoming better workers, and gaining life skills. Beyond learning basic job skills, they were excited to be doing work that impacted their communities and would impact their futures in a downtrodden economy. The construction training program is a beautiful embodiment of life-on-life empowerment.
>>Click here to learn more about the Construction Training Program.