Stories

How we’re making progress.

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child outside holding stuffed animal bear

Reducing trauma in the foster care system

Children entering foster care are experiencing trauma. In Children and Family Services, the Placement Support Team works with children, parents and foster providers to reduce some of the trauma at this critical time.

young women writing on a displacement paper

Preventing displacement, helping communities thrive along the Blue Line Extension

Hennepin County works closely with communities to create a plan for the light rail line that prevents displacement and supports residents and businesses along the corridor.

group photo in the board room of Hennepin county

Hennepin partners with community organizations with anti-racism initiative

In 2022, Hennepin County allocated $300,000 in the county budget to fund an anti-racism initiative, contracting with existing community organizations to support community-building, healing, and anti-racism efforts.

Faced with high demand, housing assistance teams use new strategies

Applications for the emergency programs are up 63% since 2019, demonstrating just how much need exists in the community around supporting stable housing.

multiple different types of flags in a room inside

Hennepin County adopts Land and Water Acknowledgment and launches Tribal Flag Lending Library

Hennepin County is committed to supporting indigenous representation and creating more opportunities for partnership and collaboration with Minnesota's American Indian Tribes.

Helping people facing the deepest food insecurity

Using ARPA and local funds, Hennepin County has allocated almost $3 million to provide food to underserved or struggling communities.

Reducing racial disparities and seeking climate justice

The effects of climate change will exacerbate health threats, especially for people of color.

Government, community study anti-displacement with Blue Line extension project

An anti-displacement work group is working to prevent displacement and inequity in the new light rail project.

Illustrations of accepted foods for the NorthPoint food and fund drive

NorthPoint steps up to feed the community

Learn how you can help with the annual food and fund drive

mapping prejudice screenshot of university of minnesota website

Mapping Prejudice Project, Hennepin County receive award

The 2021 Freedom of Information award honors the partnership of the Mapping Prejudice Project and Hennepin County.

map of minneapolis, golden valley and hopkins

Covenants of yesterday still haunt families today

Hennepin County has provided data for identifying restrictive discriminatory covenants connected to property deeds.

Mental health during the pandemic

COVID has worsened mental health, and these effects are disproportionately impacting people who already experience health disparities.

Tackling disparities in digital access

Lower-income families, many of whom are people of color, are more likely to lack the connectivity and technology needed to learn and work from home. 

Tomme Beevas, owner of the Pimento Jamaican Kitchen restaurant

A lifeline for entrepreneurs

Hennepin County’s Open to business program unlocks doors for Pimento Jamaican Kitchen

Dropping racially biased tool create more equitable access to services

Can the tools we use to do our work be racially biased? Yes, according to Hennepin County's Housing Stability unit. And Hennepin is taking action.

Education success in a year unlike any other

Coordinating support so students get the help they need

Productive Day was a 'life-changing experience'

Construction training program provides employable skills for residents on probation or parole

Community member receiving COVID-19 immunization

Bringing vaccination to community

Working with dozens of community partners to administer the COVID-19 vaccine

State leaders celebrating in front of the C-line

Moving forward on the Northside

Partnering to maximize community and economic benefits of Bus Rapid Transit

Cell phone displaying rent assistance program

Rent assistance gives help, hope to thousands

Maximizing impact for the most vulnerable county residents

Hennepin County Library goes fine-free

Removing late fines makes the public library accessible to more residents

Artist rendering of an affordable housing complex

Affordable housing along transit corridors

Bringing the opportunities that are critical to reducing disparities

Stable Homes Stable Schools has tremendous impact

Partnership supports students experiencing or at risk of homelessness