District 1 Resilience Campaign

A Unified Front for SECO, District 1:

District 1 has always been powered by the people who build here.

From the Dakota homelands to generations of farmers, factory workers, immigrant entrepreneurs, and family-owned storefronts, our corner of Saint Paul has survived and thrived because of hard work and community connection.

Today, our small businesses are the heartbeat of the East Side. They are the neighborhood grocery stores where elders are greeted by name. The restaurants that carry flavors from across the world. The barbershops, childcare providers, auto shops, and markets that keep our local economy alive.

When small businesses struggle, the entire community feels it.

What Small Businesses mean to our community:

District 1 thrives because of the cultures, languages, traditions, and lived experiences that shape our neighborhoods. Many of our local businesses are owned by immigrant families and long-time East Side residents who invest everything back into this neighborhood. But economic instability, displacement pressures, and rising costs threaten the survival of these community anchors. Supporting small businesses is not just economic development. It is community preservation. It is cultural preservation. It is neighborhood stability. SECO, District Council 1 is working to ensure our East Side businesses have access to emergency stabilization support, resources, advocacy, and coordinated assistance when they need it most.

Why This Fundraiser Matters Now:

Right now, businesses and families in District 1 are facing urgent needs. A missed paycheck can mean overdue rent. A sudden disruption can mean empty cupboards. A legal challenge can mean months of instability. For many, there is no financial cushion to absorb these shocks. Your contribution creates that cushion.

Every dollar raised stays in District 1 and directly supports the people who call this neighborhood home. This is not distant charity. This is community care rooted in proximity, trust, and accountability. This is neighbors helping neighbors. 

How Your Donation Makes Impact:

1. Small Business Stabilization

Your support helps:

• Provide emergency financial relief for small businesses facing crisis
• Connect businesses to grant opportunities and stabilization funds
• Offer outreach and navigation support in multiple languages
• Sustain advocacy efforts that protect East Side entrepreneurs

When a small business stays open, jobs remain. Families remain stable. The neighborhood remains strong.

2. Food & Essential Needs Support:

Economic instability impacts families quickly. Your contributions also help provide:

• Groceries and culturally relevant foods
• Diapers and hygiene supplies
• School snacks and emergency household goods

This ensures families can focus on stability without facing immediate hunger or hardship.

3. Housing Stabilization & Crisis Assistance

Your donation also helps prevent displacement by supporting:

• Short-term rental assistance
• Utility support
• Emergency stabilization for families at risk of losing housing

Stable businesses and stable housing go hand in hand. When families stay housed, businesses retain customers. When businesses stay open, families retain income.

Stand With District 1:

Your involvement strengthens our collective safety and solidarity. Here’s how you can take action right here at home:

• Support the Front Lines: Volunteer as a constitutional observer before or after school to help ensure the rights and dignity of our neighbors are upheld.

• Provide Direct Mutual Aid: Donate food, school supplies, or essential goods for families experiencing transition or instability.

• Contribute to Crisis Funds: Help sustain emergency assistance for families facing displacement, legal challenges, or difficulty covering rent and utilities.

District 1 is coordinating these efforts so every resident has a clear path to support and solidarity. Our power lies in our unity and in our willingness to show up for one another.

Together, we protect District 1. Together, we rise.