April Update

Taylor Durry

4/30/20262 min read

I wanted to give a little update on what has been going on lately within Dakota County Mutual Aid because things have been incredibly busy over the last couple of weeks.

We have been partnering closely with La Viña Burnsville Church to help connect families with rental assistance and utility assistance support, and so many families have been able to get current on bills because of this collaborative effort. We are constantly finding more families in need, helping verify balances, coordinating with landlords and utility companies, assisting with applications, organizing paperwork, and helping get checks out as quickly as possible.

So so many families have gotten support.

We helped support a family where one parent was just diagnosed with cancer and must begin treatment after months of not working, just as he felt safe leaving his home after the peak of Metro Surge.

We helped coordinate with a landlord to help prevent an eviction so a mom and her children could stay in their home.

Another family had already packed up their entire trailer because they thought they were going to lose their housing the next day. Everything was in boxes. After the funds came through and the check was picked up, one of the five children asked if they could unpack the TV because they realized they were going to be able to stay.

These are real families in our community who have been carrying an unbelievable amount of stress and fear over the past few months, and I’m really grateful that people have stepped up to help create a little more stability for them during incredibly difficult moments.

I also wanted to share an update about the donation post for the family I shared recently. Every single thing on their list was brought together by this community. The kids received clothes, dresses, and items they had specifically asked for, and the mom received needed items as well.

One moment that made me emotional was when the 3-year-old little girl saw the new sparkly purple shoes someone donated for her. She ran outside, squealed, grabbed them, and hugged them to her chest.

There has also been a lot happening behind the scenes lately. Some really amazing volunteers have been helping with rental assistance pop-ups, deliveries, organizing paperwork, translation, applications, and admin work, and that support has made such a huge difference.

If anyone is interested in helping more or learning how to get involved, please feel free to reach out. There is still a lot of need right now. Also, if you are in need, please reach out and I am so happy to help you connect with resources.

I’m really grateful for this community of helpers who continue to show up for our neighbors with kindness and care.

- Taylor