How We’re Responding To Urgent Needs Right Now
Urban Ventures has been here for more than 30 years. We are not going anywhere. Our community is living through a hard and uncertain moment, and our job is simple: stay present, stay steady, and keep showing up for our neighbors in South Minneapolis.
Right now, we are:
Continuing programming
Continuing programming across in-person, online, and hybrid formats so youth and families stay connected even as circumstances shift. When things feel unstable, relationships matter as much as resources.
Meeting urgent needs
We’re providing practical support that helps families make it through the week, including food access and housing stability support. We’re working to help prevent crises from becoming catastrophes.
Coordinating mental health support
Coordinating mental health support with trusted professionals, because the emotional toll is real and care has to include more than logistics.
Coordinating with trusted partners
We are working closely with community partners we know and trust so support is coordinated, not scattered.
Listening closely
We are paying close attention to what families are experiencing and what they need most. It is how we respond wisely and respectfully, and allows us to adapt as needs change.
How you can help right now
1) Give to keep support steady
A gift today helps us respond to what's urgent now, and stay with neighbors through the long work of rebuilding. Whether it's food this week or stability six months from now, your support keeps us present.
2) Support Lake Street
If you’re local, choosing Lake Street businesses for your meals, errands, and everyday spending is a tangible way to strengthen the neighborhood.
3) Stay in the loop
Stay connected. We'll keep sharing updates and practical ways to help as things evolve.
Looking for help?
If you or someone you know is looking for support, you deserve care, clarity, and a path forward.
Right now, we're able to serve families who are already connected to Urban Ventures through our programs, or who come to us through partner organizations we work with directly.
If you’re seeking immediate assistance and you’re not currently connected to Urban Ventures, we encourage you to reach out to a South Minneapolis community organization you trust. Many organizations are actively supporting neighbors right now, and in some cases they may be able to connect with us directly through established partnerships.
A few places that may be able to help:
Your child’s school or school social worker
A nearby community center or neighborhood organization
A local church or faith community you trust
Any nonprofit you already have a relationship with
We're working to expand our capacity to serve more neighbors, but we're not there yet. Please don’t stop seeking support. You’re not alone.
New here?
If you’re new to Urban Ventures, welcome. We exist to support young people and families in South Minneapolis with long-term relationships and real pathways forward.
