Phillips West Neighborhood Organization

Phillips West Neighborhood Organization Phillips West Neighborhood Organization (PWNO) is a community nonprofit that serves the Phillips West neighborhood in south Minneapolis.

The Phillips West Neighborhood Organization (PWNO) strives to ensure safety and livability for all those who live, work, and spend time in the Phillips West neighborhood. Founded in 2000 by a small coalition of neighbors, businesses, and local institutions, PWNO focuses on strengthening vitality and building connections among and between neighbors in the area bounded by Chicago Avenue, Lake Street, 35W, and 24th Street. PWNO is governed by a 7-member volunteer Board of Directors.

04/15/2026

This week, we reached an important milestone for the New Nicollet Redevelopment on the former Kmart site in South Minneapolis.

The City Council voted to award exclusive Phase 1 development rights to Trellis, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit developer. Next, Trellis will secure financing and refine the project design, plans and cost estimates. It will take about three to five years for the Phase 1 building to be funded and constructed.

Learn more about the New Nicollet Redevelopment project: https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/new-nicollet/

Image credit: BKV Group

Warmer weather! Rising gas prices! The utilities moratorium! There are a lot of things affecting your utility bills righ...
04/13/2026

Warmer weather! Rising gas prices! The utilities moratorium! There are a lot of things affecting your utility bills right now. Join PWNO and Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota - CUB on Wednesday, April 15th at 6:30pm to learn about things like energy efficiency programs, what the Cold Weather Rule is, how to make sense of your utility bills, and what options are available to you if you can't pay your bill right now. This event prioritizes renters but anyone is welcome to join!

Bring your questions or send them to us in advance at [email protected].

Register at https://tr.ee/rrforum.

Thank you to everyone who came out to our community meeting on February 12th! It was wonderful getting to meet new folks...
03/09/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out to our community meeting on February 12th! It was wonderful getting to meet new folks and connect on ways we can come together as a neighborhood!

Given the recent events in our city, and after discussing with the attendees from the February 12th meeting, the PWNO Board has decided to make the focus of our Board Meeting more open to hear from folks in the community and to create a space for connecting with one another while still attending to the business side of the organization.

Starting this month, we invite you to join our Board Meeting on March 16th to learn about the inner workings of the organization and a longer community discussion about the future of PWNO and our neighborhood organizing during and beyond this moment. You can join us at our office at 2400 Park Avenue South or online via Zoom.

Agenda:
6:00 PM: Organization Business, Staff and Board Reports
6:30 PM: Community Meeting/Discussion
8:00 PM: Close

Food will be available for in-person attendees. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at [email protected]! We hope to see you there!

There are a lot of rental support funds popping up. Some are specific to a family or a neighborhood. Here’s a non-exhaus...
02/20/2026

There are a lot of rental support funds popping up. Some are specific to a family or a neighborhood. Here’s a non-exhaustive round up of some of the ones PWNO supports/has communicated with over the last month. If you need support, connect with these groups (application deadlines vary) and if you’re looking for somewhere to donate, consider one of these!!

Hay muchos fondos de apoyo para el alquiler. Algunos son específicos para una familia o un vecindario. Aquí tienes un resumen breve de algunos de los que PWNO apoya o con los que se ha comunicado durante el último mes. Si necesitas apoyo, contacta con estos grupos (las fechas límite de solicitud varían) y, si buscas dónde donar, ¡considera alguno de estos!




El alquiler vence el 1 de febrero y muchos miembros de nuestra comunidad no han podido trabajar durante semanas debido a...
02/03/2026

El alquiler vence el 1 de febrero y muchos miembros de nuestra comunidad no han podido trabajar durante semanas debido a la presencia de ICE en nuestros vecindarios. Si no paga el alquiler, ¡no se preocupe! cuenta con protecciones para inquilinos relativamente sólidas, y PWNO y están aquí para ayudarle a comprender lo que viene.

In solidarity with our neighbors, with our local businesses, and with the people of Minnesota, PWNO’s office will be clo...
01/23/2026

In solidarity with our neighbors, with our local businesses, and with the people of Minnesota, PWNO’s office will be closed on Friday, January 23, 2026. Our board and staff will be out in the community so come say hi if you see us out and about!

Stay warm and stay strong Minnesota!

"As the federal occupation of our streets intensifies, agents from ICE, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Customs ...
01/15/2026

"As the federal occupation of our streets intensifies, agents from ICE, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Customs & Border Patrol, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have shown their clear disregard for the humanity of our community, the laws of our state, and our constitutional rights. Following the murder of Renee Nicole Good, ICE has escalated their violent abductions of community members and the indiscriminate use of chemical agents against legal protestors, observers, and detainees. Our federal government has made clear that this is in no way a temporary siege of our city.

To protect our neighbors who cannot attend work and earn money for rent without risk of being kidnapped by ICE, we urge you to implement an immediate eviction moratorium and utility shut-off protection. Our neighbors are scared. They fear for their safety, their loved ones, and their lives.

We can do everything we can to protect our neighbors, but bills are still due and people are afraid to leave their homes to go to work. Our residents are losing the means to support themselves and their families. No one should face the decision to risk abduction or risk eviction, especially in the heart of winter.

The entire country, and much of the world, is watching how Minnesota responds to the Department of Homeland Security’s operations and threats. Now is the time to be a leader and show them what we can do when we move together.

To the Minneapolis City Council and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey: we urge you to advocate for an eviction moratorium and utility shut-off protection on behalf of the Minneapolis community. We also urge the City to establish equivalent eviction protections for our unhoused neighbors living in encampments.

To Minnesota Governor Tim Walz: we urge you to declare a state of emergency, instituting an eviction moratorium and utility shut-off protection through executive order to keep our most vulnerable housed. Only you have this power, only you are able to provide this level of protection.

Our neighbors have shown up and will continue to do so, no matter how long this siege takes. It’s time for our government to do the same."

Full statement in bio

What do we do now... We are struggling to find the words to express our horror about Renee Nicole Good’s murder on Wedne...
01/10/2026

What do we do now... We are struggling to find the words to express our horror about Renee Nicole Good’s murder on Wednesday. This, on top of the weeks of terror that ICE agents have inflicted upon our city, has left us heartbroken and outraged. We are also steadfast in our commitment to our immigrant neighbors.

We won’t mince our words, things feel grim and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. But we are more powerful and more capable than we know. When no one else takes care of us, we take care of each other–this has always been true for Phillips. We know that it’s through caring for our neighbors that we can make the biggest difference. Hold your loved ones close and keep calm, keep vigilant, and keep being active in your community.

To our neighbors, and those beyond Phillips West, who are looking to help and aren’t sure where to begin, here are some places to get started:

1. Always carry a whistle
You can wear it around your neck or put it on your keys. Do you need a whistle? Send us a message and we’ll get one to you!

2. Spend some time on Lake Street (or another major street)
Do you have an hour to spare? Find a bus stop on Lake St and hang out with your whistle visible and your eyes up. Most abductions are quick, but having a person whistling and recording can drive ICE away. If you don’t see anything happen while you’re out that’s a good thing!

3. Volunteer with a local food shelf
Food shelves are always looking for volunteers and right now they are carrying a heavier load than usual. We have some in our community we can connect you with but there are tons all over the Twin Cities that your neighborhood organization probably knows!

4. Knock your block!
We highly recommend getting to know your neighbors and exchanging numbers. Some neighbors might be nervous to answer the door right now, so you can also make a flier to leave at people’s doors. We can help with fliers, door knocking, and creating group chats!

5. Support your local immigrant-run businesses
Dine in or carry out, take your car to the local auto shop, or pick up household necessities at the corner store! Financially support, make your presence known, and get some errands done!

From the City of Minneapolis (8/31/2025). For the full announcement head to minneapolismn.gov/news.City of Minneapolis o...
08/31/2025

From the City of Minneapolis (8/31/2025). For the full announcement head to minneapolismn.gov/news.

City of Minneapolis opens neighborhood resource center to anyone who needs support.

In partnership with state and local partners and several neighborhood organizations, the City of Minneapolis is opening a Neighborhood Community Support and Resource Center to provide tangible support and resources for anyone affected by the trauma of the shooting at the Church of the Annunciation, regardless of their direct connection to the event itself.

The new center was opened in response to needs communicated by neighborhood associations and community members for a place that extends help and support to the broader communities surrounding Annunciation, all of whom have been impacted by such an enormous tragedy.

Where:
Lynnhurst Park, 1345 West Minnehaha Parkway

When:
Sunday, Aug. 31 from 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 1 from 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 2 from 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The resource center – staffed by volunteers with the Minneapolis Park Board – will be open between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. today, Monday and Tuesday. Future hours and locations for the center behind these first three days will be announced at a later date, but we expect to remain open for at least a week.

“In the wake of this horrific tragedy, our City is grieving alongside the families, neighbors and students whose lives have been forever changed. No one should have to navigate this kind of pain alone,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “That’s why we’ve partnered with neighborhood leaders to open a dedicated support center at Lynnhurst Park – a space where neighbors can find care, comfort and connection. Minneapolis is strongest when we show up for one another, and right now our community needs exactly that.”

If you’re interested in volunteering at the center, please let us know and we will put you in contact with the city officials.

August 27, 202512:56 PMMinneapolis, MNPWNO staff and volunteers are heartbroken, horrified, and outraged about the two m...
08/27/2025

August 27, 2025
12:56 PM
Minneapolis, MN

PWNO staff and volunteers are heartbroken, horrified, and outraged about the two mass shootings near or at schools in Minneapolis over the last 24 hours.

Yesterday, on August 26th, a shooting occurred directly behind Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in the Phillips West neighborhood, resulting in one loss of life and six injuries. As far as we know the shooter is still at-large.

This morning, August 27th, a gunman opened fire at Annunciation Catholic School in the Windom neighborhood while students attended mass celebrating the beginning of the school year. So far we know that at least two students have died and at least 17 other students and adults are injured. The shooter took their own life and is assumed to have worked alone.

There are no active threats to communities at this time but community members are being asked to avoid the area of West 54th from Lyndale to Nicollet to allow for emergency response vehicles.

The start of the school year should be a time of excitement and joy; our students, families, and educators should not fear for their safety or lives for any reason including education. We share the sentiment that Mayor Frey expressed this morning that “thoughts and prayers are not enough.” We need results-oriented action and legislation including gun control and social programs aimed at ending violence before it takes root.

Though our thoughts aren’t enough, they are with the families, students, staff, victims, and survivors of both of these acts of violence. Take care of each other today and every day.

———

UPDATE (8/27/2025): Mayor Frey’s direct quote was not that “thoughts and prayers are not enough,” instead he said “Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now.” We affirm that we do not believe thoughts and prayers to be enough and that direct legislative action must be taken.

Additionally, as a nonpartisan organization, this is not an endorsement of any political candidate.

UPDATE: Given the two tragic shootings that occurred in South Minneapolis over the last 24 hours we have decided to post...
08/27/2025

UPDATE: Given the two tragic shootings that occurred in South Minneapolis over the last 24 hours we have decided to postpone our Renters Rights 101 training to next week.

We will still be in the zoom room today from noon-1pm in case anyone would like to have some time with neighbors. We are thinking of the students, staff, and families of Cristo Rey and Annunciation and the broader communities that surround them.

Please take care of yourselves and your neighbors. ❤️

Rents are a hot topic right now in the city but do you know what your rights are as a renter in Minneapolis? Find out on...
08/14/2025

Rents are a hot topic right now in the city but do you know what your rights are as a renter in Minneapolis? Find out on Wednesday, August 27 from 12-1pm when PWNO is hosting another virtual Renter's Rights 101! Our Renter's Rights 101 training is designed to give you a crash course in renting, from unenforceable clauses to emergency responses. While we focus mainly on Minneapolis, the curriculum does cover general Minnesota laws and regulations and anyone is welcome to attend regardless of what neighborhood or city you live in! No registration required; zoom link available on our website phillipswest.org/events.

Want more in-depth training? Keep an eye out for the launch of our next Renter's Rights Training Program cohort later this year! This is a four week progam that walks you through not only your rights but also how to organize your builidng and community to fight for housing justice for all!

If you have any regarding either the Renter's Rights 101 or the Renter's Rights Training Program, please email [email protected]!

Address

2400 Park Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN
55404

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16124240786

Website

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