Three weeks have passed since a tragic, unprecedented fire at one of the housing authority’s buildings. In that time, MPHA staff and residents have joined the families and community in grieving the friends we lost and absorbing the shock of this event. We wish to express our deepest thanks to a community who stepped forward with both compassion and action.

Our gratitude begins with the Minneapolis Fire and Police Departments, who bravely confronted the fire in those early morning hours. The Red Cross, Volunteers of America, and Korean Service Center were on the scene immediately and have continued to provide comfort and resources to residents. The People’s Center and others rallied an extraordinary fundraising effort. The faith and business communities provide a bedrock of emotional, spiritual, and material support, including the Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center, Darul Quba Cultural Center, ICNA Relief, and Somali North American Business Professionals. Finally, we thank our local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development office and those Minnesota leaders who offered immediate support, and who remain engaged with the essential conversation about the city’s public housing: Mayor Jacob Frey, Council Member Abdi Warsame, Rep. Mohamud Noor, Sen. Kari Dziedzic, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, and U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar.

The community’s inspiring response has shown its strength through a time of great sadness. To these and many more than we could name here, thank you.