Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless has a bold vision to end homelessness by addressing the urgent needs of those currently experiencing homelessness while promoting strategies that will prevent homelessness.
The Coalition’s legislative agenda will focus on securing funding, resources, and policy change that will:
- ensure everyone has safe, decent, affordable housing; and,
- address the root causes of homelessness by strengthening service systems that address the varied needs of people so they do not become homeless.
With these goals in mind, the Coalition has set a legislative agenda for 2006 that addresses current needs, builds momentum for future efforts, and recognizes the special opportunities before us in the 2006 session.
The Legislature passed a two-year budget last year. During the 2006 session, there may be opportunities to make small changes to the budget, and the Coalition will be prepared to weigh in as those opportunities arise.
However, the most significant progress can be made as the Legislature considers capital investments in Minnesota’s infrastructure through what is called a bonding bill. These investments must be publicly-owned.
Another important consideration is that the Legislature will convene on March 1, 2006, a month later than usual.
With that in mind, the Coalition adopted a targeted agenda for maximum impact on our priorities. Several of our priorities will include:
- Leading an effort to secure a statewide, significant, new, dedicated funding source for affordable housing.
- Leading an effort to secure $10 million in bonding for transitional housing to meet the needs of a range of people experiencing homelessness.
- Co-leading an effort to pass $33 million in bonding for permanent supportive housing to fund the state plan to end long-term homelessness.
- Partnering with the Minnesota Youth Services Association to pass portions of their Homeless and Runaway Youth Act.
Our full legislative agenda is detailed on our
© Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless