MetroLutheran

An anonymous donor has given $2 million to Redeemer Center for Life, Inc. The gift, channeled through the Minn-eapolis-based Lutheran Com-munity Foundation, enabled the community revitalization arm of Redeemer Lutheran Church (ELCA), in north Minneapolis, to avoid taking a mortgage to pay for a new 3-story community center. The new facility was dedicated March 11.
The building, which is already in operation, provides a new home for Milda’s Corner, a neighborhood restaurant that faced closing when its lease was not renewed. In addition, the new 13,500 square foot center houses an internet service provider, Godsnetwork.net, that trains churches to become internet savvy; four apartments providing transitional housing for low-income families; and three market-rate rental units.
The Phase 1 structure is located across the street from the congregation’s worship center. Phase 2, which Redeemer Center for Life hopes to bring on-line within three years, will be physically connected to the existing worship center. It will provide affordable, accessible housing; a multi-purpose hall (including fine arts center, gymnasium, and fellowship area); a home repair education center for neighborhood homeowners; a medical/dental clinic and educational center, including a pharmacy; a community bank and offices to be made available for community agencies; and a wood-metal shop to help residents learn rehab/job training/home-ownership skills.
Redeemer’s pastor, the Rev. Steve Lomen, told Metro Lutheran, “Our vision is to be a catalyst for development of the Harrison Neighborhood,” an 8 x 20 block economically challenged residential community just north of highway 55, between Interstate 94 and the Golden Valley city limits.
Originally a Finnish congregation, Redeemer’s 145 members are 50% Afro-American and 50% Euro-American.