Housing Justice is Community Justice: Al-Maa’uun’s Bold Vision for Equity in Minneapolis

“A home is more than four walls — it’s where healing begins.”

At Al-Maa’uun, this truth guides our Housing Justice Initiative. We see every day how the lack of safe, stable housing ripples into every aspect of a person’s life — their health, employment, education, and overall dignity. That’s why we’re taking a stand. In the face of persistent racial disparities, rising housing insecurity, and the deep impacts of systemic incarceration, we believe in solutions rooted in justice and community.

Understanding the Crisis

In Minneapolis, the racial housing gap is staggering. Nearly three-quarters of white residents own their homes, while only about 20% of Black residents do. This isn’t a coincidence — it’s the result of decades of redlining, discriminatory lending practices, and ongoing systemic barriers that keep Black families from building generational wealth.

For individuals with past justice involvement or a history of substance use, the barriers are even higher. A single charge from years ago can still block access to housing — even if someone has rebuilt their life in every other way. These are the very people our society often calls “second-chance” citizens — yet we continue to deny them their first chance at housing stability.

We refuse to accept that.

Our Vision: A Housing Ecosystem Rooted in Justice

Al-Maa’uun’s Housing Justice Initiative is not just about putting people in homes. It’s about transforming the systems that decide who gets to have one. Our work includes:

• Policy Advocacy: We push for local and statewide reforms to eliminate discriminatory housing practices against justice-impacted individuals and renters.
• Housing Navigation and Support: We walk alongside families and individuals who are housing insecure, helping them find emergency shelter, permanent housing, and resources for long-term stability.
• Homeownership Pathways: We’re building partnerships to create more affordable homeownership opportunities for Black families in North Minneapolis — addressing the racial wealth gap head-on.
• Restorative Housing Solutions: We’re designing housing models that integrate support for people re-entering society after incarceration, offering wraparound services like employment coaching, mental health support, and addiction recovery.
• Community Voice and Leadership: We center the voices of those most affected, ensuring they’re not just beneficiaries of change — but leaders in shaping it.

Meet David: From System-Impacted to Stable

David* came to us after being released from incarceration. Though he had a job offer and years of sobriety under his belt, every landlord turned him away because of his record. For months, he couch-surfed, slept in his car, and feared losing the job he’d fought so hard to get.

With support from Al-Maa’uun’s housing team, David secured an apartment through one of our partner landlords. Today, he’s not only employed — he’s thriving, mentoring young men in our community who are facing the same barriers he once did.

(*Name changed for privacy)

The Bigger Picture

This is what housing justice looks like: not just shelter, but stability. Not just access, but equity. Not just repair, but reimagination.

When we build housing, we build health. We build safety. We build futures.

How You Can Be Part of the Movement

We need you. Whether you’re a landlord willing to partner with us, a policymaker ready to champion housing equity, a volunteer with time to give, or a donor moved by our mission — there’s a place for you in this work.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Volunteer with our housing support and outreach teams.
• Donate to support transitional housing and direct assistance.
• Spread the word about housing justice and share our stories.
• Advocate for equitable housing policy in your community.

We Are Our Neighborhood

At Al-Maa’uun, we know our neighbors. We know their stories, their struggles, and their dreams. Housing justice isn’t abstract — it’s deeply personal. And it’s central to building the kind of community where everyone belongs.

Let’s make sure every person in North Minneapolis — and beyond — has a place to call home.