In this legislative session the Homes for All coalition, which represents over 100 diverse organizations including educators, faith organizations, and community agencies, is advocating for $39 million in strategic investments in housing and services. Homes for All bills regarding DHS and MHFA programs have been introduced in the House and Senate.
The Homes for All Senate bill regarding homeless service programs was heard in the Health and Human Services Budget Committee last Wednesday and was laid over for possible inclusion in the Senate HHS omnibus bill. Sue Abderholden, Executive Director of NAMI Minnesota and Hearth Connection Board Member, provided compelling testimony on Housing with Supports for Adults with Serious Mental Illness and the Long-Term Homeless Supportive Services Fund.
Hearth Connection is proposing an increase to the base funding for the Long-Term Homeless Supportive Services Fund (LTHSSF). The increase would help address existing gaps in the capacity to serve those currently unserved or underserved in counties and Tribal nations throughout the state. Specifically, the increase in funding would return funding cut previously, cover some of the additional costs involved in providing services due to inflation, expand capacity in the Northeast region, and add to services focused on families as well as provide unique services for capital projects in parts of the Central and West Central regions which are currently not funded by the LTHSSF.
We will continue to work with you, our amazing partners, legislative allies, and the Homes for All coalition throughout this important budget session to promote resources that end homelessness and promote stability for Minnesota's households. Please support and follow the Homes for All services bills SF551/HF1054, housing bills SF456/HF886, and the LTHSSF bills SF869/HF977.
Please remember that your support is critical to ending homelessness. Contact the legislators in your district and urge them to support the Homes for All agenda and investment in the LTHSSF to promote stability for Minnesota's most vulnerable households.
Also, if your organization is not a part of the Homes for All coalition please talk with your leadership about endorsing the campaign.
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