by Ron Kimlinger

At LogiSolve, we are privileged to partner with several charitable, non-profit organizations such as Flourish Placemaking Collective (https://www.flourishplacemaking.org/) and The Park Place. (https://www.theparkplace-mn.org/).  As we value our continued partnerships and commitment to our shared values, we wanted to to share updates that highlight the meaningful impact our nonprofit partners are making in their communities. Many thanks to  Tim Anderson, Co-Executive Director of the Flourish Place Making for our longtime friendship and partnership.

What’s New at the Flourish Placemaking Collective – Center of Belonging

After five years of vision, renovation, and relentless commitment, the Center of Belonging is now fully alive in the way it was always imagined with nearly all space being remodeled and leased.  What began as a long‑term effort to restore a church building has become a vibrant community hub with every inch of space now in use. This fall marked major milestones; Flourish completed the purchase of the entire building, the team officially moved in, the gym was remodeled, the sanctuary remodel is well underway, and the entire building now offers flexible, multipurpose space designed to serve the neighborhood in meaningful, practical ways.

As we know, the weekly food shelf/market that our Logisolve team was helping with volunteering was paused this past summer due to funding. With the market open one day
a week, it was challenging to compete for grant dollars with programs open five days
a week. Also, cuts in federal funding for food security left it to a difficult decision to pause
the food market operations until more sustainable funding can be found. We hope the future holds a path forward to continue to help in providing the needed food shelf/market to the community.

The organization’s identity has evolved as well. While the Center of Belonging remains strong and active space for the community, Flourish has intentionally pivoted to meet the realities facing neighbors in south Minneapolis today. The mission has always been (even back in the days of Ace in the City) “people over programs and policies,” and that philosophy is guiding every decision as the neighborhood navigates unprecedented challenges.

A Fundraiser That Became Something Much Bigger

Recently, Flourish launched what was expected to be a small, focused fundraiser — perhaps $10,000 — to support neighbors facing fear, instability, and barriers to basic needs. What happened next was extraordinary.

As immigration enforcement activity increased in the neighborhood, many families became afraid to leave their homes. One mother of four had not stepped outside in three weeks. Stories like hers were not isolated; they were the daily reality shared quietly among neighbors. Flourish’s role was not to debate policy but to respond as good neighbors: ensuring people had access to healthy food, rent support, and safe transportation to work.

What began as a simple call for help quickly grew into a movement. Within two weeks, more than $450,000 was raised. The response was so overwhelming that Flourish paused the campaign to ensure funds could be distributed quickly and responsibly — especially with rent deadlines approaching on January 31.

So far, $263,000 has gone directly to rent support for 170 families, with assistance ranging from $400 to $3,700 depending on family size and need. What started as a food‑focused effort expanded to rent support because the need — and the trust — was so clear.

The volunteer response was equally remarkable. More than 1,700 volunteers stepped up to deliver groceries, provide transportation, and distribute food. Each volunteer was vetted, assigned to a specific neighbor, and empowered to shop according to that family’s needs. The model is simple, relational, and deeply human — neighbors helping neighbors.

The impact has now spread beyond the immediate community. Flourish and its community organizers have equipped leaders in Cottage Grove, Richfield, Roseville, and St. Paul (and other urban ring and suburban communities) to build their own local mutual‑aid networks. The movement has truly been neighborly at its heart, overwhelming with generosity and encouragement. To ensure program efficiency and scalability, Flourish has collaborated alongside other neighborhood groups, including the Family Housing Fund, to transition this campaign and its continued coordination to best ensure neighbors are supported as they navigate these uncertain and difficult times.

At the heart of it all is a simple truth: regardless of politics or policy debates, every neighbor deserves access to healthy food, stable shelter, and the ability to safely get to work.

How the Logisolve Team Can Support Flourish

The needs are real, and the momentum is strong. Here are three meaningful ways that we, the Logisolve community can help:

1. 1. Share the Campaign

Spreading the word amplifies the impact. Sharing the link with your networks helps connect more people to the work. https://www.gofundme.com/f/a4ar9-twin-cities-ice-relief-fund

1. 2. Volunteer

There is ongoing need for grocery delivery, transportation support, and food distribution. Even a few hours can make a real difference. Email Tim Anderson (tim@flourishplacemaking.org) for more information.

1. 3. Consider Giving

Financial support — whether small or large — directly fuels rent assistance, food access, and neighbor‑to‑neighbor care. https://www.gofundme.com/f/a4ar9-twin-cities-ice-relief-fund

Note: The Park Place has been similarly impacted by the current environment in south Minneapolis. The Park place Executive Director, Bekah Simposon recently welcomed twins into her family. You can read her recent newsletter on the link below. We will be looking to partner again with the Park Place on their backpack drive later this year.

https://mailchi.mp/899ccbd888a0/the-latest-at-the-park-place?e=9f6a5ef9e1