UniteCloud Ceases Operations

(KNSI) – A St. Cloud social justice organization is shutting its doors for good.

UniteCloud says its last day of operation is Tuesday, February 20th, also known as World Day of Social Justice. The nonprofit was formed eight years ago in 2015 to end discrimination in central Minnesota as St. Cloud’s Somali refugee population exploded.

According to a post on its website it says, “Although we are shutting our doors, we encourage you not to lose hope in the vision of peace and social justice that so many of you share with us. Your support and encouragement through the years kept us going, even when the fight was rough.”

The group was not without controversy. In 2020, it was sued for claiming Rollie’s Rednecks and Longnecks had hung a noose behind the bar and using anonymous testimonials about the business alleging racist or homophobic acts. Rollie’s owner denied the accusations and said the group spread false rumors to tank the business. The two sides reached an undisclosed agreement in 2021.

UniteCloud also butted heads with former St. Cloud Police Chief Blair Anderson over their involvement in the community policing agreement signed in 2018.

According to its 2022 annual report, the organization showed about $130,000 in revenue, including $100,000 in grants. The money came from organizations like the Minnesota State Arts Board, the Central Minnesota Arts Board, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and the Minnesota Humanities Center. They reported about $143,000 in expenses.

Read UniteCloud’s statement by clicking here.

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