How to Help Your Neighbors and Keep Our Local Economy Strong

In recent weeks, federal immigration enforcement has rippled through our neighborhoods with consequences that extend far beyond a single workplace or block. Families have lost weeks of wages. Breadwinners have been detained. Small business revenues have dropped dramatically. Other businesses have closed permanently. The economic shock has been swift and deeply felt.

And yet, Minnesota has always been defined by something stronger than crisis: we show up for one another.

You’ve already done it. You’ve delivered meals. You’ve driven neighbors to school and work. You’ve checked in, shared information, and made sure people weren’t alone.

Now, the question is: what does showing up look like next?

Stability Is the First Step Toward Wealth Building

At GroundBreak Coalition, we believe wealth building begins with stability — with the ability to stay in your home, keep your business open, and plan for the future without constant fear of displacement.

If thousands of families are pushed into eviction, if small businesses collapse under sudden revenue loss, the path to generational wealth becomes steeper. Evictions are costly for families, schools, cities, and taxpayers. Business closures hollow out corridors that have taken decades to build.

Preventing that harm is a smart, community-led economic strategy.

“In Minnesota, we care about our neighbors and are interconnected, no matter our background. The scale of human and economic harm caused by the ICE surge cannot be overstated. It is critical that we tell the truth about the impacts of federal immigration enforcement on families, workers, and small businesses and do everything we can to provide relief.” – Kenza Hadj-Moussa, GroundBreak’s public policy lead

If you believe in a Minnesota where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, here is how you can help right now.

1. Contact Your Legislators

Policy is the backbone of systemic change. When lawmakers hear directly from constituents, it matters.

We are joining partners across the state to call for a $50 million investment in emergency rental assistance and a $100 million investment in small business relief. These measures are lifelines that keep families housed and neighborhood economies intact.

Call or email your state representative and senator. Ask them to support emergency rental assistance and small business relief. Tell them why housing stability and neighborhood businesses matter to you. Share what you’re seeing in your own community.

You do not need to be an expert. You only need to be a neighbor.

A short message can make a difference:

• Evictions will cost our state more in the long run than prevention.
• Small businesses are economic anchors and job creators.
• Our immigrant neighbors matter and contribute in all areas of life.
• Stability today protects prosperity tomorrow.

This is how we follow up after mutual aid: by ensuring systems respond to the needs communities have already identified.

2. Support Emergency Rental and Relief Funds

If you have the means, donate to trusted local organizations providing emergency rental assistance or direct support to impacted small businesses. Immediate dollars can prevent an eviction filing, keep utilities on, or cover payroll during a downturn.

Community-based organizations are often the fastest and most culturally responsive responders. Supporting them strengthens an inclusive ecosystem of care and economic resilience.

3. Keep Spending Local

Continue to shop, dine, and purchase gift cards from neighborhood businesses, especially those owned by immigrants, Black entrepreneurs, and others historically excluded from capital.

Revenue today keeps doors open tomorrow. It protects jobs. It sustains commercial corridors that are essential to long-term wealth building.

When you choose local, you are choosing an economy rooted in community.

4. Share Information and Reduce Fear

Misinformation compounds harm. Share verified resources about tenant protections, legal support, and business assistance. Help neighbors understand their rights. Connect people to trusted community groups.

Sometimes stability begins with knowing you are not alone.

We Get Through Difficult Times Together

GroundBreak believes that this moment requires both compassion and courage. Compassion for families navigating fear and financial strain. Courage to insist that our systems reflect our values of equity, justice, and shared prosperity.

But systemic transformation depends on shared action and now is the time to show up in a new way.

Call your legislators.
Support local relief efforts.
Keep your dollars circulating in community.
Invite others to do the same.

This is how we protect stability today while building a more equitable tomorrow.

Minnesota has already demonstrated what collective action can look like. Let’s continue shaping an economy grounded in justice, sustained by partnership, and powered by neighbors who refuse to let one another fall behind.