Hundreds Rally at State Capitol for New Resources for Affordable Housing

The Coalition sends a big thank you out to everyone who participated in our 2006 Day at the Capitol!

More than 400 people from across Minnesota joined us to demand support for the Housing Solutions Act, bonding dollars for Transitional Housing and Permanent Supportive Housing and new funding for youth services.

This year’s rally reminded us all that we can make our collective voice heard.

The Coalition is excited that so many people from Greater Minnesota and the cities came together around these incredibly important issues.

“It was very crowded and hard to walk through this year,” added Rachel Mallinger, an attendee from Eagan. “The second balcony was filled; there were even people on the third level this year,” she added.

This year’s rally was very powerful and energetic.

“I am glad you decided to hold the rally before my team met with our legislators. I appreciated coming together to reaffirm our commitment to the work that we do in our day-to-day lives,” said Krystal Klein, an attendee from St. Paul.

After the rally, 28 teams of constituents split up to meet with their legislators. Collectively, we met with 56 out of 67 senators and 87 out of 134 representatives. People experiencing homelessness from the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota served as team leaders for about a third of the constituent teams.

As a result of this year’s lobby day, many people began–while others deepened–long-term relationships with their legislators.

Several members of the X Committee, a group of people who have or are experiencing homelessness in St. Paul, appreciated the chance to engage in conversation with their state representatives and senators.

Gerald and Carlos said they learned a lot and looked forward to getting more involved in the legislative process.

Sheila added, “I’m glad I’m here and happy the Coalition wants to help me understand the issues being dealt with at the Capitol. It’s all so new to me and it helps to have them helping me figure it all out.”