“It’s an impressive innovation, and I am excited that we are introducing this unique center right here in Minnesota,” Congressman Keith Ellison said. “The Center for Changing Lives is a great example of public-private partnership and will be a significant asset in our state to help end homelessness in Minnesota, move people out of poverty and give people the tools they need to become healthy and contributing members of our community.”

LSS Board member Renee Sayles and LSS President/CEO Mark Peterson recently took Congressman Ellison on a personal tour of the Center for Changing Lives and the Park Avenue Apartments. Renee Sayles was emphatic in telling Congressman Ellison how much the project was going to mean to her and to her neighborhood. For years, LSS has been part of the renewal and stabilization of the Phillips West neighborhood through the development of housing opportunities. From market-rate owner-occupied condominiums, to supportive-housing apartments for those who have dealt with homelessness, more housing options for a wide range of people exist in Phillips West than ever before because of LSS.

Renee has a personal interest in the service center and the housing. Her congregation, Messiah Lutheran, will be moving into the first floor of the Center for Changing Lives in November. Messiah has a long history of ministry to the people of Phillips West, and this move will allow them to continue to serve. With regard to the housing, her niece will be moving into the Park Avenue Apartments. Renee told those on the tour that her niece previously moved out to Burnsville to find housing, even though she works downtown. The move back into affordable housing in Minneapolis will solve a host of problems for her and her children related to childcare and long commutes. Renee and her niece are truly thrilled.

Minneapolis City Councilmen Robert Lillegren and Gary Schiff were also on hand for tours during the week of August 18. The City of Minneapolis has been extremely supportive of this project, and has put forth significant funding. With Hennepin County and the State of Minnesota also supporting the Center for Changing Lives financially, the number of public and private partners that have assembled to help LSS make this a reality is truly astonishing. The community is certainly rallying around the value that LSS can bring to the people of Minneapolis and the metro area as a result of this new venture.