Aeon

Today is Give to the Max Day, and YOU can make a difference. You can help a family find the safety and stability of home. Yesterday, we told you a bit about one of Aeon’s residents. Matthew has dreamt of being a painter since his teenage years. But he had to work odd jobs to make ends meet, and he didn’t have the time or the money to truly pursue painting. At the beginning, he brought his portfolio of drawings around to local coffee shops, hoping someone would like his work. He got lucky – someone did. The owner of a local jazz cafe saw Matthew’s work and asked him to create art that would match the cafe’s theme. He created pieces featuring jazz stars like Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong, and the owner loved his work. With that taste of success, he thought his career as an artist might be easier moving forward. Fast forward a few years, and Matthew found himself still working odd jobs to make ends meet. He had gained more painting jobs from that first opportunity at the jazz cafe, and he loved painting. But he didn’t have the funds to practice – the supplies were expensive, so he couldn’t afford to hone his skills off the job. For a while, he lived in an artists’ cooperative, which gave him some time to gain experience and learn from other painters. But he was more introverted than the other residents in that community, and eventually, he decided to move somewhere a bit quieter. He found that opportunity with Aeon. Since moving into his Aeon home, Matthew has had the space and stability required to paint – a big step up from his early days as an artist. At Aeon, we are doing everything in our power to help residents like Matthew meet their goals. We are assisting Aeon families to access the resources they need, so they have time to do what they love. Matthew and so many other Aeon residents need you, too. Donate here for #givetothemax2024. https://aeon.org/gtmd24/

Give to the Max Day is TOMORROW, and Northmarq has stepped up to increase the power of your gift! They will match your donation dollar-for-dollar (up to 25k). When Matthew moved into his Aeon home nearly ten years ago, he had already begun his career as an artist. He was entirely self-taught, as he had dropped out of art school because he couldn’t afford the cost of tuition. Matthew found a home with Aeon that met his interest in living downtown while still having somewhere quiet. With the support of a Resident Connections staff member, Matthew received help with the rent when he lost work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, he’s found steady employment that pays his bills and allows him to paint in his free time. Like many Aeon residents, Matthew’s dreams depend on having stable housing. For Matthew to paint, he needs a safe place to call home. At Aeon, we are doing everything possible to help residents like Matthew have a safe, stable place to call home. With your support, we can continue to help Aeon residents reach their goals. Donate here: https://aeon.org/gtmd24/ #givetothemax2024

Homelessness doesn't always look the way you think it does. In this video, Angel talks about our current housing crisis.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT! Meet Rachel! She’s always ready to dive in and solve any problem that comes her way. Rachel takes the time to explain what went wrong and shows others how to fix it. We’re so grateful for everything she does to support our team – thank you, Rachel!

Over two decades, Matthew has learned a lot – not only about techniques and color theory, but also about his painting style. As a self-taught artist on a tight budget, it took some time. But he has found his stride as a painter. His most recent piece, a mural at his former artists’ coop, epitomizes what he hopes the Minneapolis community will be in the coming years: a place for neighbors to work together to create something beautiful. Matthew’s affordable, stable home provided him the opportunity to do this learning. His home allowed him to grow. YOU can be the reason other Aeon residents have these opportunities, too. You can still make a gift now and have it DOUBLED by Northmarq up to $25,000! Your gift will support our frontline staff as they work to maintain safe, stable homes for our residents. These staff help residents stay housed, so they can do what they love. For Matthew, that’s painting. For other Aeon residents, that might be playing with their kids, writing short stories, or participating in their building’s garden club. Your donation today will make a lasting impact for these residents. Donate here: https://aeon.org/gtmd24/

We are honored to be included in Mpls. St. Paul Magazine’s first-ever Giving Guide for 2024! This guide highlights local charities, foundations, and nonprofits across a range of sectors, inspiring individuals and families to give back during the holiday season. Aeon is featured in the Housing category, alongside other impactful organizations working to address homelessness and support community stability. Check it out here: https://rpb.li/DznWb

All jokes aside, sometimes it takes stepping outside our comfort zones to make real change happen. We’re committed to doing just that—pushing boundaries and striving for new connections to support our mission. And hey, if anyone has a direct line to Mackenzie Scott, we’d love a connect! Every little step counts when it comes to making a difference.

This is the impact of a safe and stable home: the chance to look beyond survival and start truly living. ??

Aeon residents are nurses, teachers, and frontline workers. They are youth and seniors. They are parents. For all Aeon’s residents, having a stable home affords the opportunity to pursue goals that would not be possible otherwise. Aeon staff help residents maintain stability so they can follow these dreams. Take advantage of this opportunity by making your Give to the Max Day gift now. You can help Matthew and other Aeon residents stay housed and pursue their goals. And thanks to Northmarq, your gift will be doubled up to $25,000. Pictured: Artwork by Resident Matthew Donate here: https://aeon.org/gtmd24/

Today, we honor our veteran residents and all who have served. Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication inspire us every day. Thank you for your service and for being part of our Aeon community. Happy Veterans Day!