Expressions of Community

The nonprofit where I work is a leader and active participant in a local community that desires to become its best self. We work together across sectors and systems - in concrete and visible ways - to give expression to a vision of community where everyone knows that everyone counts.

This year will be the fourth time I’ve participated in our annual Sleep Out campaign that always begins in November and ends the last day of December. The generosity that people show helps our organization provide emergency housing assistance to people in our service area; doing what we can to prevent homelessness.

I remember the first time I slept in my car on our campaign kick-off night. I was cold, even with layers of clothing (this IS Minnesota), feeling cramped in my small car, and unable to fall asleep. Throughout the night, I thought of the many, many people - some I have met - for whom homelessness is a lived reality.

Together, one day at a time, my work and extended community of visionaries are co-creating a community where people try to look after one another, knowing everyone counts. Where and to what is your sacred venture calling you?

Tanya Williams, OP
St. Louis Park, MN