In This Issue
- 2014 Legislative Session
- LTHSSF and Regional Project Allocations
- Homeless Youth Act Increases Services
- New Participant Video!
- Charlie Cook Joins Hearth Connection
- Upcoming Events
 
Read up on Medica Supportive Housing Projects in the News!

 

MPR News recently did a story on the connection between health care and housing,  "Growing evidence that patients need an affordable, stable home to be healthy,"  featuring the Medica Supportive Housing Project. Also if you didn't see it yet, check out the Star Tribune article on Minnesota health groups investing in housing

 

New participant video! 

Robert, a participant in the CD Project, and his case manager Andy from Blue Earth County share how they work together.
 
Robert's Story
Robert's Story

 
Latest Blogs
 
Robert's story and the value of services (video) by Amy Brix, Communications Coordinator

DIY preventive health resources by Tom Ashberry, Information Manager and Web Developer

by Amy Highness, Metro Regional Manager
 
visit the blog
 
Homes for All 
 
Legislative Agenda 2014
 

Hearth Connection
2446 University Ave West
St. Paul, Minnesota 55114
651-645-0676


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2014 Legislative Session: Bonding, Forecasts 

 

The 2014 Minnesota legislative session has officially started!  Because the state's two-year budget was completed in 2013, this 
year's session will focus on capital bonding requests.  The state may also have a projected budget surplus this year, which increases the chances of appropriations through a supplemental budget.

 

Hearth Connection is dedicated to building services and housing resources to support vulnerable Minnesotans caught in the cycle of homelessness.  It takes a combination of rental assistance, supportive services, and affordable housing to end long-term homelessness, and each year we may need to focus our legislative agenda on a particular element of this. Hearth Connection will continue to convey the message that even in a bonding year, there is an ongoing need for services and rental assistance.

 

Our legislative priorities this year include:

 

  1. Support the Homes for All legislative request for housing bonds to expand the supply of affordable and supportive housing in Minnesota; 
  2. Restoring and expanding funding to the Long-Term Homeless Supportive Services Fund (LTHSSF), which remains below FY2011 funding levels.

 

Affordable housing: Homes for All Supports $100 Million for Housing Development

 

Hearth Connection is a partner in Minnesota's Homes for All Coalition, which is calling for a $100 million state investment in bonds for housing this year.  The $100 million in bonds would create new housing opportunities through construction and renovation projects to help address the critical shortage of affordable housing across the state.   

 

In January, the Governor released his bonding proposal for almost $1 billion in bonding projects across the state, including $50 million for housing-the highest allocation for housing bonds to date and a strong signal of the Governor's commitment to affordable housing.  House and Senate committees will release their proposed bonding bills after the Legislature comes into session, and advocacy momentum will build as Homes for All members work to include $100 million for housing in the final bonding bill.

              legislative summary | news on Twitter

 

February Forecast and Supplemental Budget

 

The state is likely looking at a budget surplus this year.  The November Economic Forecast, an assessment of Minnesota's financial status, showed a $1 billion+ surplus in the state budget.  A portion of the funds would be used to finish paying off the school funding shift, but a significant portion of the surplus funds could remain.   The status of the surplus will be better understood when the February Budget Forecast is released tomorrow; policy-makers wait until this information is available to propose supplementary budgets.

 

Hearth Connection encourages public funding to be focused toward programs that offer permanent housing solutions and measurable outcomes for our most vulnerable populations.  The completion of Minnesota's original State Business Plan to End Long-Term Homelessness--as well as progress with veteran homelessness and the solid commitment of public officials--help reinforce that ending long-term homelessness is an achievable goal, and one within our reach with the right tools.  Hearth Connection will explore any opportunities to expand funding for the LTHSSF during this session.  

 

The LTHSSF and Regional Project Allocations

 

In the last legislative session, Hearth Connection and its allies successfully restored $2 million to the Long-Term Homeless Supportive Services Fund (LTHSSF).  This key state fund provides services in five regional projects across the state, but in 2011 it suffered a loss of $3 million in one-time  funding.  In 2013, the Governor and state lawmakers increased the base allocation for the LTHSSF by $2 million.

 

Of the additional $2 million in the FY2014-2015 budget, $1 million went to replace a source of funds used temporarily for the LTHSSF.  The MN Department of Human Services released a RFP for allocation for the other $1 million, and Hearth Connection submitted applications on behalf of counties and projects in the Northeast, Central, Southern, and Metro regions.  Additional funding was awarded to the Northeastern and Southern Projects.

Homeless Youth Act Increases Services for Youth

 

The MN Department of Human Services recently announced that Homeless Youth Act funds are being dispersed to increase services for homeless youth.  In a press release from DHS, thirty organizations across the state are listed as receiving funds to expand services including street outreach, drop-in centers, emergency shelter, transitional and supportive housing.

 

The Homeless Youth act received $4.2 million in funding from the Governor and Legislature last year--the state's most significant investment in homeless youth services to date.  Check out some media on how the Homeless Youth Act funds are being used: 
New Participant Video! Watch "Robert's Story"

 

Robert joined the program as a participant in the Chemical Dependency Expansion.  He had been camping outside with his two dogs for over a year and struggled with substance use to cope while on the streets.                        

 

He began working with the South Central Supportive Housing Initiative (SCSHI) team based in Blue Earth County in 2010.  He soon had an apartment and support from a case manager.

 

Two years later, Robert maintained his housing, decreased his drinking, reconnected with family, and took on volunteer and part-time work projects. A couple members of our staff caught up with Robert and his case manager Andy for a video interview.  Robert's Story

 

Check out the quick video and feel free to share this story with others.  A huge thanks to Robert and Andy for sharing their perspectives!

Charlie Cook Joins Hearth Connection

 

Our Board and staff are happy to welcome Charlie Cook as Hearth Connection's new Executive Director!  This is Charlie's first week at Hearth Connection. If you missed the announcement, please read the full letter here from Hearth Connection's Board Chair.

 

We would like to thank Janel Bush for her work as Interim Executive Director and leadership during the transition.  Janel will resume her position on the Board of Directors.

Upcoming Events - Days on the Hill

 

March 6: Homeless Day on the Hill

If you haven't registered for Homeless Day on the Hill, please take a minute to sign up today (registration is free but required).  Homeless Day on the Hill is hosted annually by the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless and gives people an opportunity to talk with their legislators and hear about key policy initiatives affecting homeless populations.

 

March 6: Mental Health Rally

This year's Mental Health Day on the Hill features a legislative briefing in the morning, meetings with legislators, and a rally. Buses to/from Greater MN available for free, but must pre-register for a spot.

 

March 13: JRLC Day on the Hill

The Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC) is hosting its Day on the Hill on March 13th with briefings on JRLC policy issues, presentation of awards, and meetings with legislators.

Thank you for all that you do.
 
Sincerely,
Hearth Connection