For Amelia Johnson, East Village is more than an apartment building… it’s home. In every sense of the word.
Over the past seven years, Amelia has become a familiar face throughout the community. Whether she’s volunteering, helping with resident meetings, passing out flyers, or lending a hand whenever it’s needed, she believes that neighbors should look out for one another.
“We are one family,” she says with a smile.
That philosophy is something Amelia lives every day. She and her husband, Aaron, regularly help support the community by keeping an eye out for neighbors and letting management or security know if something needs attention. They’re especially attentive to the area near the entrance, helping make sure everyone feels safe and welcomed.
Before moving to East Village, Amelia worked in Dubai as a nanny and housekeeper. Today, she spends much of her time volunteering, including at St. Olaf Catholic Church, where she continues to give back to others.
Family remains at the center of Amelia’s life. She and Aaron have four children: three living in the United States and one daughter in the Philippines, where Amelia also has a grandson. While they may be separated by thousands of miles, technology helps keep them connected through regular Zoom calls.
The past year has brought unexpected challenges. After being diagnosed with a brain tumor, Amelia underwent treatment and is now continuing her recovery through physical therapy. During one of the most difficult times in her life, she discovered just how strong her East Village community truly is.
“When I got sick, everyone helped,” she said.
Neighbors brought meals, fruits, and vegetables. The Elliot Park Neighborhood, Inc. (EPNI) provided groceries and other essentials to support her recovery. The kindness she received left a lasting impression.
“It’s something I’ll never forget,” she says.
When Amelia first moved to East Village, she admits she felt nervous. As a Catholic, she wasn’t sure how people from different backgrounds would receive her. Those worries quickly disappeared.
“Everyone has been so kind and respectful,” she says. “The people are why I love living here.”
She’s formed close friendships throughout the building, including a special connection with Amran, a Resident Connections Coordinator, and says it’s incredibly easy to make friends. Community activities like bingo have made those relationships even stronger.
Amelia also appreciates East Village’s location in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. Everything she needs is nearby, and living next to U.S. Bank Stadium has an unexpected perk:
“I get free outdoor concerts,” she jokes.
Her husband has called East Village home for 15 years, and together they’ve watched the neighborhood continue to grow. Amelia is especially excited about the improvements happening throughout Elliot Park, including the nearby park project expected to be completed later this summer in August.
As the neighborhood evolves, one thing remains constant: the people who make East Village feel like home.
For Amelia, community isn’t just about sharing a building. It’s about caring for one another, celebrating together, and showing up when someone needs help.
“We are one family.”
