Editor’s Letter: The Foundation of Housing

“Ownership” is a troublesome word in this country. In so many ways, the United States has been shaped for 250 years by the pursuit of possession — of land, of resources, of wealth, even of power over one another. As one recent example, private equity has bought up properties and land for profit over people, reducing access to affordable homes.

There is, however, another way to understand ownership — the concept of shared stewardship. Minnesota Women’s Press has long explored the nature of collectives and collaboration. Our 2022 issue “The Commons,” for example, explored the deeper human instinct to share resources, to build spaces of connection, and to create meaningful lives together.

Especially this year, many Minnesotans demonstrate these ideals, with pods of people linked by compassion and mutual, respectful aid. Conscious consumerism, such as the ongoing Target boycott, challenges the notion that we are beholden to purchase from corporations that do not value its workforce and community. Record-setting rallies indicate we are not passive participants in civic life.

Embodied in these living networks is the reminder that a healthy community does not depend on dominance — the best aspects of society are co-owned and co-created.

The voices in this issue embody that truth. Advocates remind us that housing is not a privilege but a fundamental right, as essential as food and clothing. Others share their personal vulnerabilities, helping illuminate both the urgency of the crisis and the pathways forward. Still others are building new models: housing cooperatives, intentional communities, even construction alongside students and neighbors.

This magazine issue was shaped in part by Dodd Wilson and the Wilson Social Justice Fund. He believed that storytelling could spark community action. A few months ago, he green-lighted the funds to develop these stories and to print and distribute this issue. Unfortunately, he passed February 1, and will not see what that investment brings.

Yet his community-oriented spirit infuses this magazine. I find myself asking: How do we show that ownership is not about what we hold, but what we help create, sustain, and pass on? In a nutshell, that is why Minnesota Women’s Press is transitioning into a consumer-owned media co-op this year — multiple stewards, instead of one gatekeeper. I look forward to sharing more about that in the coming months.

Important Note

For decades, Minnesota Women’s Press has offered free issues to 10,000 to 30,000 people via hundreds of distribution sites. Unfortunately, the days of large print runs are no longer sustainable. This is our last massive print run for free.

However, there are three ways you can still receive our unique stories:

1) Become a member: Magazine subscribers and members will still receive print publications, as well as discussion invitations and future co-op information

2) Sponsor a distribution site: We can still deliver packets of 50 copies to favorite community spots for $100/year. To sponsor sites for our summer “250 Years” issue, contact distribution@womenspress.com by June 1 or sign up here. We will update our “find a copy” list online to reflect locations for the next issue.

3) Sign up for our free newsletter: You will get notified of new weekly stories and the PDF e-edition version of the magazine.