Community leaders came together at Ascension Thursday, Sept. 21, to celebrate the symbolic groundbreaking of the Emerson Village project. Mayor Jacob Frye was among those who praised the persistence of the Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative that drove this project to reality. Emerson Village, being built at 18th and Emerson Ave. N, will provide 40 apartment homes for families whose annual income is less than $30,000. On-site support services will be adapted for each member of the family. Ascension is a member of the Beacon Collaborative, and members of the Social Justice Group have worked on behalf of Emerson Village.
Fr. Dale Korogi opened the event with a prayer and welcome.
Mayor Jacob Frye praised the persistence that moved the project forward.
The lower level of Ascension church was full.
Council member Jeremiah Ellison was enthusiastic in his support.
Amanda, a resident at Cranberry Ridge – family supportive housing from Beacon – told how her new home changed her family.
Clergy from participating congregations closed the service and lead the way to the site.
