Outreach and Social Justice Ministries
Minnehaha is a church of action. We share our many blessings with our community through our gifts, work, and prayer. Here is just a sampling of projects Minnehaha United Methodist has engaged in as we work for social justice for all. For additional information, contact the church office.
Affordable Housing (see update below!)
Minnehaha UMC is a leader in our community in a grass roots effort encouraging government and developers to allow for lower income housing in our community.
Bibles
Each month at the MinneHarvest, we give away bibles in English and in Spanish to anyone who would like to take one.
Christmas Gifts
Donations are needed so that we can give gifts to approximately 75 children the Tuesday before Christmas
Community Events
As a good neighbor, Minnehaha opens its doors to community non-profits for meetings and events.
Disaster Relief
At times of natural and man-made disasters, Minnehaha collects donations to UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief—possibly the only place where you can donate relief money and know that 100% of your donation will go to the cause.
Ecology
Through programming, recycling, and mindful stewardship (as well as the UMW “Sustainable Markets) we strive to support the well-being of our planet.
Emma Norton
The two housing facilities and other services for women and children in transition are sponsored by the United Methodist Church.
Food Shelf
Every Tuesday, Minnehaha operates as the local food shelf supplying food to persons living in our area. Volunteers from the Community are welcome to help us serve the public.
Global Ministries
The United Methodist Church provides education, health care, agricultural training and well drilling, as well as spiritual support.
Habitat for Humanity
Several times each year members of MUMC spend a Saturday doing construction on homes to help provide affordable housing.
Meals via Wheels
Hot meals prepared locally are delivered by MUMC members on a regular basis.
MinneHarvest
The 4th Saturday at 8:30 a.m. each month we provide perishable food for anyone who is hungry, no questions asked.
Paint-A-Thon
Two weekends each summer members of MUMC volunteer as a team to prep and paint a home of someone who needs help.
Reconciling
Minnehaha Church not only welcomes GLBT (gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender) persons, but also celebrates every person’s sexual orientation.
School Supply Drive
Each fall we gather supplies to aid families in starting their kids off well equipped for the new school year.
United Methodist Missions
In addition to paying our apportionments, or assessments, from the Minnesota Conference of our denomination, Minnehaha Church gives to special askings and “Advance Specials” for specific missions (such as Native American Ministries) during the year.
Work Trips
Trips out of state to areas where people are in need are periodically organized for both teen and adult groups.
Financing Approved for Affordable Housing Project
After more than six years of tireless work, the Deep Roots, New Branches Initiative (Riverview) senior housing development has been awarded $6 million in Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 202 funding. 
42 Senior Housing Units
This innovative project will create 42 units of affordable senior housing at East 54th Street and Riverview in the Nokomis East neighborhood—just three blocks from an LRT station and within walking distance to Minnehaha Falls. Groundbreaking is set for fall 2011.
Fully Funded
The $8+ million project is now funded thanks to the efforts of the Plymouth Church Neighborhood Foundation, Minnehaha United Methodist Church and Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church.
Partners in Mission: Minnehaha UMC and Lake Nokomis
Since 2004, the members of Minnehaha United Methodist Church have been committed to the vision and mission of providing affordable housing in their community. In partnership with Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church, these congregations have raised project funds for senior housing and worked with the neighborhood and the community at large to build support for Riverview. Upon completion of construction, the churches will work together to create a rain garden on the premises, volunteer opportunities and ongoing engagement with residents at Riverview.
Thanks to the Plymouth Church Neighborhood Foundation, Minnehaha United Methodist Church, Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church, CommonBond Communities, the City of Minneapolis, MHFA, and Federal Home Loan Bank for their commitment to affordable housing in our neighborhood.
