<div>Mercado Central, a cooperative founded by latino entrepeneurs
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<div>with the immense support of community building organizations
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<div>has been for 26 years, the back bone of the improvement and
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<div>economic development of the vibrant Eeast Lake street corridor in Minneapolis, as well as serving as ambassador of culture and community gathering place.
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<div>In 2020, Mercado Central suffered the consequences of the
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<div>violence derived from the social unrest caused by the murder of
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<div>George Floyd; today we are again victims of violence. This time in the form of violent racial profiling, that has alienated all costumer bases, not only those of Mercado Central, but also those of all the South Minneapolis area.
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<div>This situation has driven customers away from Mercado Central,
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<div>which houses 35 small family businesses that serve not only
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<div>latino immigrants in the area and throughout the state, but also
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<div>the broader South Minneapolis community. Most of these
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<div>businesses have experienced sales reductions of more than 90%, and in many cases 100%. This trend is likely to continue for an indefinite period as customers, despite of immigration status fear harassment when circulating in public spaces.
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<div>Family businesses located within the building are unable to
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<div>generate sufficient sales, they cannot pay rent. If rental income is
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<div>not received, not only will the 35 families lose access to their
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<div>commercial spaces, but the cooperative may also lose the
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<div>building. Rental income is the primary source of funds the
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<div>cooperative relies on to cover all operational expenses and
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<div>property taxes. This is why, today Cooperative Mercado Central is
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<div>reaching out for help.
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<div>Please HELP if you can, we would greatly appreciate your contribution.
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<div>The direct beneficiary of this fundraiser is Cooperativa Mercado Central Inc. Funds raised will be deposited into a bank account owned by the cooperative and administered by the Mercado Central Board of Directors of the cooperative.
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<div>Donations will be used exclusively to support the ongoing operation of the Mercado Central building, including but not limited to: Utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet, and phone service), maintenance of equipment, cleaning services and supplies, security services, garbage and recycling management, administrative and management costs, accounting and bookkeeping services, and other essential operational expenses required to keep the building open. A portion of the funds may also be used to cover upcoming property taxes.
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<div>While funds will not be distributed directly to individual businesses or families, if sufficient funds are raised covering these operational expenses, it may allow the cooperative to place on discussion the abatement of rents  for approval by voting of  the Board of Directors.
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Caleb Wesen

Jack Brorsen Shimizu

Anonymous

ERIC NIEHANS

Merry-Ellen Hopcia

Cody Smiglewski

Carina Servin

Ryan Taylor

Johanna Price

Kameron Murphy

casey smart

Gregory Ballenger

Lynzy Abress

Ellen Kranz

kristin clarke

Help Save Mercado Central from Closure

Help Save Mercado Central from Closure

Nog $149,010 te gaan. Help ons de vaart erin te houden.