Minnesotans respond to housing crisis with outpouring of support at Aeon’s Beyond Bricks & Mortar Event
Aeon’s annual Beyond Bricks & Mortar gathering was attended by 450 individuals and raised more than $300K to date
“I’m calling on you to be part of the solution to the crisis we’re seeing in affordable housing,” said Dr. Eric Anthony Johnson, Aeon President and CEO
MINNEAPOLIS (May 28, 2024) – Nearly 450 Minnesotans gathered Thursday, May 23, 2024, to support affordable housing nonprofit Aeon at its annual Beyond Bricks & Mortar fundraising breakfast.
Aeon is a developer, owner, and manager of affordable homes serving more than 17,300 Minnesotans across 2,000 homes, 60 properties, and 15 Twin Cities communities.
Dr. Eric Anthony Johnson, Aeon President and CEO, called on participants to be part of the solution to the housing inequities and crises we see throughout our communities and state. Speaking to the tremendous challenges housing nonprofits experience as they respond to the growing need for affordable housing amidst a period of profound social and economic disruption, Johnson was clear that the need is urgent and the moment is critical:
“Aeon keeps people housed and invests in fixing what’s broken. In a time of rising need and rising costs, it’s never been more important that anyone who cares about the accessibility, availability, and abundance of affordable housing steps up to help. Whether as an individual, an elected official, an organization, or a governmental entity, now is the time for action.”
Aeon is committed to providing desperately needed affordable homes through partnerships with city and state governments, relationships with industry and nonprofit sectors, and with the support of thousands of generous donors and investors.
At the event last week, an Aeon resident, John, spoke about how a stable home – an affordable apartment in an Aeon property for homeless teens – helped turn his life around: “Those first few nights in my home, I felt something new: comfort. Aeon made me feel safe.” Now, 20 years later and still living at Aeon, John reminded attendees that there are many others who need a chance like the one he got. “Every day, Minnesotans find themselves with nowhere to go and with no other choice than the path that they’re dealt. They need your support.”
Twenty-two sponsors supported the event, including presenting sponsor Dominium, a private affordable housing development and management company.
Vitrual and in-person attendees included individuals, Aeon residents, for- and non-profit organizations, and elected officials from state and local government. More than $300,000 was raised to date through gifts and sponsorships, funds Aeon will use to increase the production and preservation of affordable homes and deliver services that help residents thrive.
About Aeon
Aeon believes that home is at the center of everything. With a home, people succeed, families thrive and our region remains strong. At Aeon, we act boldly to create and preserve quality, affordable homes for those who need them most. We develop and manage affordable homes that serve more than 17,300 people in the Twin Cities each year. For more information, visit aeon.org or follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
