When Derryl was released from prison several years ago, his convictions for possession of drugs and attempted assault made finding a home impossible. Receiving only denials, he was forced into homelessness. He now lives in Aeon’s Coyle, part of a program to help people transition from homelessness. “At my age, I don’t want to wander the streets at night,” Derryl says. At age 70, he says he wants to work or volunteer, but hasn’t yet found a place that will look past his two convictions.
Stephenie
There are 500 restaurants downtown and each one of them has servers and dishwashers and other staff. Where are they going to live? There are beautiful condos and apartments downtown, but the apartments rent for $800 to $1200. When you're a server, that just isn't feasible." Stephenie chose Aeon’s Continental Hotel because its convenient location and 24-hour staffing helps her feel safe arriving home from work late at night.
Matt
Matt credits the support of his caseworker at Aeon’s Alliance Apartments for helping him stay sober three years. Working is hard because of his chemical dependency, mental illness and also polio, which makes standing difficult. He hopes to find work through a job placement service.
Home for the Holidays Star Tribune - December 20, 2008 The Twin Cities area is home to dozens of nonprofits that help people find housing. Aeon hopes to revitalize a once-blighted intersection in south Minneapolis with an ambitious new development.
A painful choice for homeless youth: a place to live or an education MinnPost.com - December 19, 2008 Rep. Keith Ellison met with formerly homeless students who live at Aeon's St. Barnabas apartments. The youth asked Ellison to change a law that prevents them from going to school full time.
Students forced to choose between housing and education KARE 11 News - December 17, 2008 To get into Aeon's St. Barnabas apartments, federal tax laws requires formerly homeless youth to give up their full-time student status. Youth met with Congressman Ellison to ask for help in changing the law.
Formerly homeless youth forced to choose between a home and education 12/18/2008 9:22 AM Formerly homeless youth living at St. Barnabas gave Congressman Keith Ellison a tour of their home on December 18. The youth seek to change a federal rule restricting them from being full-time students.
Happy New Year! 12/17/2008 11:46 AM The new year often inspires us to reflect upon the things for which we are grateful. At Aeon, we are grateful for individuals like you, who support our mission to create and sustain quality affordable homes that strengthen lives and communities.