Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary annually awards its John Fischer Rotary Hope Award to a nonmember who is dedicated to a cause that makes a significant difference in the lives of many people and gives them hope for the future.

The club named Gabrielle Clowdus, CEO and co-founder of Settled, as its 2020 recipient. Settled is a Twin Cities nonprofit addressing chronic homelessness. Its  community-first model emphasizes the importance of companionship and a support system, and builds “tiny homes” that for the homeless.

Settled seeks to bridge the gap between emergency shelter and costly conventional development by creating simple, efficient, permanent housing. Settled attempts to reconnect the homeless to self, family, and community through advocate-befrienders who help navigate the system and achieve personal goals.

Clowdus urges Rotarians to join Settled’s effort through service projects such as sponsoring, building and/or furnishing a home, planting garden beds, and bringing other skills and expertise to see this movement flourish. Learn more about Settled’s Sacred Settlement at settled.org/model or watch the recent KARE 11 feature.