The conference was one month ago now, and we are still reminiscing over the wonderful moments. We want to lift up the winners of the Annual Awards and share a little more about their great work across the state. Here is a recording of the Annual Awards Ceremony; keep reading to learn more about our winners.
2024 Annual Award Winners
Each year at the Annual Conference, the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless recognizes individuals and organizations for their outstanding work in ending homelessness in Minnesota.
Below are the 2024 winners:
- ⭐ Rising Star Award — N’Dea Young
- ⭐ Luminary Award — James Lewis
- ⭐ Catalyst Award — Chelsea Marten
- ⭐ Catalyst Award — Amber Holmstrom
- ⭐ Northern Light Award — AVIVO
- ⭐ Northern Light Award — Patty Beech Consulting
⭐ Rising Star Award — N’Dea Young
- NDea’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and leadership. As the program coordinator for the Winona Area Kitchen Table, NDea has made incredible strides in advancing housing stability in Winona County. Since May of 2023, she has worked tirelessly to support others, drawing from her own lived experience of poverty, homelessness, and housing instability. Her journey has been filled with challenges, but it’s through overcoming those challenges that she has become the powerful leader and advocate we see today.
NDea is also a graduate of the Jeremiah Program, where she built the foundation for stability for herself and her two young children. This foundation, along with her unshakable belief in the power of support, has fueled her leadership. She’s stood before crowds, spoken to legislators, and continues to lift up the voices of those who need it most.
⭐ Luminary Award — James Lewis
- This year’s recipient has 23 years of experience working in emergency shelters, housing programs, and supportive services, taking a special interest to help youth facing similar or worse circumstances as he did in his youth. James has a strong dedication to helping those experiencing homelessness. During the pandemic, he helped set up a food and crisis distribution site when all of the stores and public transportation had shut down. He is always ready to put on a suit and head to the Capitol to advocate for the youth, pushing for systems change on all levels.
From starting his career working in the emergency shelter program at the Bridge for Youth to his recent promotion at The Link to everything in between, he has proven himself to be a genuine leader and a valuable asset. At The Link, he has assisted in opening programs that are culturally specific, and inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community, a low-barrier shelter for 10-17-year-olds that helps youth who can not be served in other placements or shelters. He also desires to expand mental health support and youth leadership at The Link. He is equally loved and appreciated by his youth and his colleagues alike. He is a single father of 2 and they are as incredible as he is.
⭐ Catalyst Award — Chelsea Marten
- Chelsea is the Housing Director at Oak Tree Support. When it became clear that the Transitional Moving Service was falling short, she didn’t just make excuses, she went to her boss and got permission to work to change the system. Chelsea worked with stakeholders and legislators to increase the funding from $ 3,000 to $5000, she collected stories of clients and testified on behalf of those with disabilities to make a solid plea for the increase. Those who know Chelsea say she is always willing to work with the needs of clients even if they are a bit “outside of the box” to come up with creative ways to make the service fit the client’s needs.
A co-worker said that Chelsea lives advocacy in her daily life whether it is managing her team or working with other agencies for the common good of everyone. Chelsea once said, “it is not enough to justify failings and make excuses- you have to be willing to do the hard work for those who can’t do it themselves”. She’s a daughter/leader/mom/advocate and she is making Minnesota proud.
⭐ Catalyst Award — Amber Holmstrom
- Amber joined West Central MN Communities Action, Inc. in January 2015 as a part-time facilitator, her dedication and passion quickly led her to a full-time housing advocate position within six months. Amber’s commitment to helping those in poverty, especially those facing housing crises, has been remarkable. She has grown their homeless programming from a staff of one to a team of eleven, securing safe, affordable housing for many despite the challenges of rising rents and difficult landlord negotiations. Her work with the Launch Pad program, in partnership with Alexandria HRA, has been a significant success, providing housing and extensive case management to formerly homeless individuals.
Recently promoted to Director of the Family and Community Services Department, Amber has excelled in her new role, earning the respect of her team and colleagues statewide. She also achieved her Certified Community Action Professional accreditation, a testament to her dedication and expertise.
⭐ Northern Light Award — Avivo
- Avivo is an exceptional organization actively championing to eradicate homelessness by tackling housing challenges at various levels from local to expanding statewide, with a unique focus on advocating for racial justice, LGBTQ+ equity, and other marginalized groups. Their commitment to addressing the complex intersectionality of social justice issues sets them apart and makes them a deserving winner of the 2024 Northern Light Award for Inspiring Organizational Leadership.
At the heart of Avivo’s mission is a deep understanding of the intricate web of factors that contribute to homelessness, going beyond just providing shelter to addressing the root causes of housing insecurity. Avivo demonstrates a holistic approach to tackling homelessness that is both inclusive and effective. Avivo is not only helping to ensure equal access to housing but also fostering a more just and equitable society for all.
⭐ Northern Light Award — Patty Beech Consulting
- Patty Beech Consulting is more than just a small business; it’s a source of hope and support for communities and people often overlooked and underserved. Driven by a deep passion for social justice and a commitment to uplifting vulnerable populations, Patty Beech-Dziuk and Cara Oakland specialize in not only addressing homelessness but also empowering the people and organizations they work with. Their work goes beyond traditional consulting—it’s about building relationships, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that the voices of those in rural and tribal areas are heard and respected. With a focus on expanding resources for housing and supportive services, they bring people together to create real, sustainable change.
We are so proud to be a part of this community of advocates and changemakers. Congratulations again – we are honored to work alongside you all.
- Team MCH