Union Settlement’s Post

Please welcome Elpis Enterprises to our network! Serving Minneapolis and the Saint Paul communities, Elpis Enterprises provides job training, work experience, and employment placement services for young people experiencing homelessness and unstable housing. The mission of Elpis Enterprises, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is to “Foster Youth Employment and Career Pathway Building Through Social Enterprise”. By operating social enterprises, Elpis provides the young people they work with opportunities to gain paid work experiences, while gaining the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to secure job placement with advancement potential and end the cycle of homelessness. Through opportunities to work in one of Elpis’ several social enterprises, the young people they work with have the opportunity to build skills, build experiences, and build relationships in the community. They leave with the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to overcome homelessness and become contributing members of our community. For more than two decades Elpis has operated social enterprises. The two primary enterprises are a decorated apparel enterprise and a product-centered woodworking enterprise using recycled cedar. You can support their program by donating cedar wood or other reclaimed wood, becoming an Earn and Learn business partner, purchasing one of their enterprise products, providing career development support, or making a financial gift. #reuse #ReuseMinnesotaMember #SocialEnterprise 

Whenever I hear someone say their polling shows the majority support housing as a human right, I cringe—because that’s not what we’re seeing. If true, we wouldn’t constantly fight to scale affordable or supportive housing. We lack the funding, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon, but I wish philanthropy would invest in targeted polling to figure out why surveys on housing or support for punitive responses don’t align with what’s happening in the real world. Is it response bias, terminology bias, or asking the wrong questions to the wrong people? It’s crucial to understand why there’s such a disconnect between polling and reality. I hope philanthropy steps up to help solve this.

Your home address is a privilege. Not just your home. The address itself. Have you ever thought about that? I definitely had not, until my eyes were opened wide at Unfaulted's volunteer training. Every day, I take simple things for granted that people who age out of foster care may not have. One of those things is a home address, because a number of them end up homeless. Lack of shelter is a major issue, but so is lack of an address. How do you apply for jobs? Where do you receive government documents? How do you open a bank account? That's just the tip of the iceberg. Have you ever thought about how much your family provided a support system during college? How much of what you learned about job hunting / college / life in general came from them? Even if it didn't come from them, what are the odds you were introduced to the person that taught you through your family? That doesn't even touch the unimaginable trauma these individuals endured before and inside the system. Share this post to raise awareness. Support Unfaulted and like-minded organizations who help people who age out of the system.

⭐️ Have you ever been called as a witness in court? It can be a really overwhelming experience. 🗓️ It may have taken months or even years for the case to come to court 📝 Witnesses often worry about remembering all the details in their statement 🏛️ Court buildings can be very busy & daunting places ⚖️ Witnesses are often unsure of court processes & procedures not knowing what to expect 🧑💼 Reliving difficult situations in detail in public is not easy Which can all cause stress & anxiety for witnesses & victims of crime. I’m a trained volunteer with Victim Support Scotland, working as part of the witness service team. We aim to provide information & emotional support to Crown witnesses in every Sheriff & High Court in Scotland. It’s incredibly rewarding helping to make a very scary time a little easier for many called as witnesses. If you have a bit of time to spare, see below for more info on volunteering opportunities. ⬇️ There’s excellent training & support & you know your contribution really makes a difference. 👍 #volunteering #victimsupport

Woodworking is a great skill to have.

Offering your time, energy and skills locally isn’t just about lending a helping hand; it’s a two-way street that often improves your life and that of those around you. The irony of our technology-driven world, where we’re constantly connected, is that many people have never felt more disconnected from others – including their neighbours and community. One simple yet potentially life-changing solution to this problem is #volunteering. https://buff.ly/3Sq22K3 #localestateagent

Litter costs money, and it affects ALL of us in Missouri! Businesses, city councils, and schools are all affected. That money could be used for something positive instead. Let's thank those who keep our community clean and volunteer to make a difference! Get involved with your city government today - there's something for everyone! #CleanMissouri #VolunteerOpportunities #MakeADifference www.como.gov/volunteer/ 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝘆. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆.

If you’ve been wondering how you can help others, here’s your chance. The link will take you to an Amazon list of things that are needed. Please help if you can.

Investing in community improvements such as housing is what we like to call "doing well while doing good." One reason we partnered with Jeff and his team for qualified opportunity zones is that they're building housing so that people can live close to the important jobs that glue our communities together, such as teachers, nurses, firefighters, police, and social workers. In other words, you might define QOZ funds as saving families hours off their commutes each week so they can spend time with their families while you defer your taxes on appreciated assets. Everybody wins. #opportunityzone #opportunityzones  #morningcommute  #affordablehousing  #housing  #housingmarket #taxstrategy #investmentproperty #investinginrealestate  #winwinwin

Here are a few key reasons to explore Austin, Texas for your next rental: 1️⃣ Diverse Neighborhoods: Austin boasts a tapestry of neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and character. From the cultural hub of East Austin to the bustling streets of Downtown, there's a perfect spot for everyone. 2️⃣ Community Engagement: Giving back is at the core of our values, and Austin's vibrant community offers numerous opportunities to get involved and make a positive impact. By supporting local organizations and engaging in charitable activities, you'll be contributing to a brighter future for all. 3️⃣ Resilient Living: Just as we value resilience and adaptability in our daily lives, Austin embodies a spirit of resilience that shines through in its diverse culture, thriving economy, and supportive community. At Belco Property Management, we believe that finding the right rental isn't just about a place to live—it's about embracing a lifestyle that reflects unity, resilience, and growth. Let's work together to create a future where your rental journey in Austin, Texas is nothing short of extraordinary. #AustinApartmentRentals #UnityInDiversity #ResilientLiving #BlackHistoryMonth #CommunityEngagement #BelcoProperties