Whittier Alliance

The Whittier Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit serving the residents and businesses of the Whittier neighborhood in Minneapolis.

Greetings and well wishes from the Whittier Alliance Neighborhood Association! As you consider supporting us with a donation, here is a look back at the past year of our organization's work, providing support to tenants facing difficult situations, implementing anti-displacement strategies for small businesses and residents, and creating space for engagement all year round through community art and authentic relationship building. This is how we put your contribution to work!

• Worked alongside our development partner, Alliance Housing, Inc. and community members to begin designing a 6-story building that aims to provide creative housing solutions and a long-term home for WA and AHI on the last remaining vacant lot on Whittier's stretch of Eat Street, 2116 Nicollet Ave.

• Continued to co-lead a consultant team of both community-based organizations and technical experts to engage the community deeply and creatively on the design of new public space and street connections at the former Kmart site, prioritizing the needs and desires of those currently living and working here.

• Began hosting monthly, donation-based Community Dinners to provide an opportunity for neighbors of all means to get to know one another in a welcoming, unstructured environment; community organizations and project teams host pop-up tables at each dinner, engaging folks on important topics and opportunities coming to the Whittier neighborhood.

• Partnered with Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) to create a public art project that humanizes and beautifies the former Kmart site with  community portraits and stories.

• Continued our housing process navigation program to help immigrant and refugee families one-on-one to navigate the rental housing process to find a new home in the Whittier neighborhood, helping many families relocate to Whittier or nearby.

• Provided one-on-one assistance for families navigating complex government programs such as access to energy assistance, rent and mortgage payment support, unemployment, and the MNsure marketplace.

• Continued our collaboration with HOME Line to prevent evictions and support tenants in organizing together when difficult situations arise with their landlords.

• Co-hosted an information session for Whittier landlords to learn the ins and outs of the City of Minneapolis' 4d Affordable Housing Incentive Program in partnership with City staff and surrounding neighborhood organization partners.

With your help, we can continue to advocate for this neighborhood and create opportunities for our sense of community to thrive. Donations in every amount are welcomed and are critical to continuing and building upon the work we do for the Whittier Neighborhood every year.  If a tax-deductible contribution is not possible, please also consider the following in-kind donation needs:

• In-kind food and beverage donations for our monthly, donation-based Community Dinner

• You! Volunteer your time and talents for Whittier Alliance to power our work

Thank you for making the choice to invest in your own community!

-The Team at Whittier Alliance