Homelessness is not inevitable.
Good public policy can help create an environment where homelessness is rare and it is dealt with quickly when it occurs. Good public policy promotes wide-ranging prevention strategies while ensuring a seamless affordable housing and homelessness service continuum. A seamless continuum includes street outreach, emergency shelter, transitional and permanent supportive housing, and a mix of affordable housing options.
The Coalition advocates for policies that promote a comprehensive, flexible, and appropriate community response to homelessness, and advocates for resources that will be available to all populations (e.g. unaccompanied youth, single adults, families) and communities statewide (e.g. rural, urban, and suburban).
During the 2007 legislative session, the Coalition will lead efforts to:
- Pass the Housing Solutions Act
- Expand the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program
- Prevent homelessness by improving transitions from corrections
- Increase funding for Emergency Services and Transitional Housing operations
- Expand and make permanent the homeless outreach pilot project
- Secure funding for Continuum of Care planning in Greater Minnesota
- Partner with youth service providers to pass the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act
Additional initiatives will be considered as more information becomes available before the start of the legislative session on January 3, 2007.
For a full details about the Coalition’s 2007 legislative agenda, please visit the 2007 session page »