Whittier Alliance

The Whittier Alliance is an independent 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.

2022 Highlights

• Supported the 2116 Nicollet Ave Project Steering Committee to develop and release a RFP (Request for Proposals) and ultimately make a recommendation to the WA Board for a development partner; the opportunity presents a unique opportunity to meet community needs and invest in the Whittier neighborhood long-term by reactivating the last remaining vacant lot on Whittier's stretch of Eat Street.
• Convened and co-led a consultant team selected by the City of Minneapolis to design and implement a comprehensive community engagement process for the Former Kmart & New Nicollet Ave Redevelopment Project; other coalition members include FRAYEO, Lake Street Council, Lyndale Neighborhood Association, Phillips West Neighborhood Organization, Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization, Lyn-Lake Business Association, and Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
• Hosted the Eat Street Cup 3v3 Futsal Tournament in partnership with Futsal Society; the event featured a 16 teams and great community vibes with KRSM Community Radio, Fawkes Alley Coffee, MN United FC, MN Aurora FC, MCAD, MPRB, and a local henna artist.
• Hosted the Spring Fling Artist Market, an opportunity for community members to connect with local artists and makers in a fun atmosphere with music and free art activities provided by partners at KRSM Community Radio and Mia.
• 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.

• Continued our collaboration with HOME Line to prevent evictions and build capacity within our organization to support tenants and involve them in critical neighborhood issues such as the Former Kmart Redevelopment work.

• Continued our work to develop tools and actionable strategies to proactively assess commercial displacement risk for small businesses on Nicollet Avenue.

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:

• Food and beverage donations for community events

• Financial or in-kind sponsorship for the 2022 Eat Street Fall Arts Fest

• 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