NENA News – October 2015

Printed in the October/November Longfellow Nokomis Messenger

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NENA is Hiring, Lake Nokomis Craft Crawl, Fall Resource Guide & More

NENA Accepting Applications for its New Program and Communication Manager Position
NENA is a growing community-based nonprofit organization serving over 17,000 residents and dozens of businesses in the southeast corner of Minneapolis.  NENA is dedicated to bettering the quality of life and building a sense of community pride by sponsoring actions which help our environment, businesses and homes.

The Program & Communication Manager position will lead the organization’s programming initiatives in Housing, Commercial, Environment and Neighborhood Development.  Also, this position will develop and implement a coordinated communications plan.

This is a full-time position.  Applications packets should include cover letter, resume, three references and three work samples highlighting skills in program management and/or communications.  Complete applications are due by 5:00 pm on Nov. 6, 2015, and should be emailed as PDFs to nena@nokomiseast.org.  No phone calls please.

EEO/AA Statement:  NENA is an equal opportunity employer.  NENA will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, disability, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, affectional preference or sexual orientation, citizenship, age, veteran status, marital status or status with regard to public assistance.

Visit the NENA Website for more information and the full job description.

Lake Nokomis Craft Crawl (11/14)
Mark Your Calendars for the Lake Nokomis Craft Crawl on Nov. 14, 2015.  Start your holiday shopping here!  Stops at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, Minnehaha United Methodist Church and Nokomis Square Cooperative.  The crawl also features the 7th Annual Nokomis Urban Fall Craft & Art Fair with over 48 local indie crafters and artists.  Find Handmade Gifts • Art • Woodworking • Textiles • Jewelry • Paper • Goods • Soap • Ceramics • Candles • Glass & more.   Free admission includes fantastic kids’ activities and scavenger hunt.

Visit the NENA Website for more information.

2015 Fall Resource Guide

NENA Home Improvement Loan Programs Available
Whether by choice or necessity, starting planning your next project now with the help of a home improvement loan from NENA.

Owners of 1 to 4 unit residences can apply for up to $15,000 to make improvements to their properties.  Owner-occupants and investors may apply. Interest rate is either 2% or 3% depending on income.  No income restriction applies.

A limited amount of funds are available for emergency repairs.  Only owner-occupied households are eligible.  Income restrictions apply.  The maximum loan amount is $7,500.  The loan is 0% interest and there are no monthly payments.  The loan is due in total on sale of the property or transfer of title.

For more information or to request an application for either of the NENA loan programs, call our partner, the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation’s Housing Resource Center (612) 722-7141.  Or visit www.gmhchousing.org.  Loan applications are processed on a first-come first served basis.

Free Home Security Check from the MPD
Reduce the opportunity for your home to be vulnerable to forced entry by scheduling a free Home Security Check.  Please call or email our neighborhood’s Crime Prevention Specialist Sue Roethele at (612) 673-2839 or Sue.Roethele@minneapolismn.gov to schedule your security check today.  With homeowners and renters, Sue will visit your home to assess vulnerabilities and make helpful suggestions to protect your property.  This free service is offered by the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) SAFE Unit. 

Household & Outside Maintenance for Elderly (HOME) Program
Senior Community Services, a Twin Cities-based nonprofit organization, mobilizes open-hearted people to bring affordable home maintenance and chore services delivered by trusted professionals and community volunteers.  The Household and Outside Maintenance for Elderly (HOME) program offers services including housekeeping, handyman tasks, shoveling, mowing and painting.  HOME’s goal is to provide low cost services to help seniors continue to live independently in their own homes.  A network of reliable workers and volunteers provide indoor and outdoor chore services to residents ages 60 and older.

HOME is able to offer services based on a sliding fee scale.  This means seniors contribute to the cost of the service based on their monthly income and ability to pay.  HOME also accepts some insurance payments as well as the Elderly Waiver and the Alternative Care Grant.

How do I get started? For program details, please call (952) 746-4046 or visit seniorcommunity.org/programs/h-o-m-e/

Energy Assistance Program
The Energy Assistance Program, offered through Community Action Partnership of Suburban Hennepin (CAPSH), can help you pay energy costs – such as a heating bill – between Oct 1 and May 30 each year. If you qualify, you could receive a grant to cover some of your energy expenses. This grant is paid directly to your energy provider, to reduce your energy bill.  Applications for the 2015-2016 Energy Assistance Program Year are now available. You can print an application from www.capsh.org/services/energy-assistance/ or have one mailed to you by calling our Energy Assistance Program intake line at (952) 930-3541.

Energy Related Repairs Program
CAPSH’s Energy Related Repairs (ERR) Program provides emergency repair or replacement of broken/non-functioning heating systems (ex. furnace) for Energy Assistance clients.  For more information about problems with your heating system please call (952) 697-1411.

Energy Conservation Program
The Energy Conservation Program helps low-income families and individuals improve the energy efficiency of their residencies, in order to lower energy bills.  The program can help you reduce your home energy bills, save energy and make your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.  It is free to those who qualify, and can include energy audits, assistance with furnace repair and replacement and home weatherization.  To qualify for the Energy Conservation program, you must first enroll in Energy Assistance (above).  Please call us at (612) 872-3294 or visit www.src-mn.org/energy-bills.

Solar Energy
The MN Department of Commerce has all of the information you need to learn more about solar thermal and electric technologies, including purchasing considerations, benefits, challenges, and a list of renewable energy installers.  Visit mn.gov/commerce/energy/consumers/

New Finance Program for Solar
The Lending Center at the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) is happy to announce a new solar financing resource for Minnesota residents to purchase Solar PV systems.

The CEE Solar program offers: Up to $50,000 for solar PV systems; Online applications; and NO INCOME LIMITS!  The ability to finance portions of Solar PV projects covered by Federal / State tax credits and utility rebates

Upcoming Meetings and Events:
11/04/15: NENA Housing, Commercial and Streetscape Committee, NENA Office, 6:30 pm
11/12/15: NENA Executive Committee, NENA Office, 7:00 pm
11/14/15: Lake Nokomis Craft Crawl, Multiple Locations, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
11/19/15: NENA Board Meeting, Crosstown Covenant Church, 7:00 pm