LVC City: Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
The Minneapolis-St. Paul area, collectively called the Twin Cities, forms the progressive heart of the upper Midwest and is one of the best places to live for nature lovers, musicians, and activists. There are almost 200,000 acres of public parkland in the area, dotted with lakes, criss-crossed with bicycle paths, and offering recreational opportunities during all seasons. Many bicycle-commuters use a combination of public park bike paths plus on-road bike lanes to get to work, or take their bike on the bus or light-rail system to ease the trip. Numerous co-op grocery stores further enhance the possibility for a sustainable urban lifestyle. Minneapolis is said to have one of the best local music scenes, while visual art and theater are also abundant in the area. Many refugee and immigrant groups call the Twin Cities home, bringing East and West African, Southeast Asian, and Central/South American influences. While there is significant diversity in the Cities, it is far from being an interdependent multicultural community. By living in diverse neighborhoods and working in antiracist ways on critical issues like housing, workers rights, education, and full LGBTQ inclusion in churches, Volunteers can participate in changing the Twin Cities from being merely progressive to being a just place to live.
LVC TWIN CITIES HOUSES
Wellstone House
Paul and Sheila Wellstone were known for their political work for peace and justice, but in 1996, U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone voted in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act. He later asked his supporters to educate him and by 2001, Wellstone admitted he had made a mistake. We, too, make mistakes, but through learning from each other, we are made stronger.
Imani House
Imani means “faith” in Swahili. We draw on our faith to serve the greater community and each other.
Winona House
In the Lakota and Dakota language, Winona means “Strong Woman.” We rejoice in the strength that women bring to the struggle for justice and peace.
Redeemer House
Redeemer is named after Redeemer Lutheran Church in North Minneapolis, an anchor of the community in the Harrison neighborhood, a long-time LVC placement organization, and the church home of numerous LVC alumni.