Action Alert 12/06/09

Downtown Congregations to End Homelessness

Action Alert   December 6^th, 2009

TODAY’S ACTION: Invite your legislators to join the community wide Homeless Memorial March on December 17 to honor those members of our community who died in 2009 while experiencing homelessness

The message:  The community is coming together to honor those members of our community who died in 2009 while experiencing homelessness.  Send your legislators a note inviting them to the Memorial March and Silent Vigil as well as the Service of Remembrance.

The 5pm Memorial March and Silent Vigil begins from the Hennepin County Government Center, 3rd Avenue South and 5th Street South, to Simpson UMC, 2740 1st Avenue South, Minneapolis.  At 6:30pm there will be a Service of Remembrance.

It is unacceptable for people to be dying while without a home. Ending Homelessness needs to be a top priority at the state legislature.

Whom to Email/Call: Your State Senator and Representative.

Talking points:

• Tell your story.  Include your experience with people experiencing homelessness and why ending homelessness matters to you!
• Last year’s service honored a record 131 homeless and formerly homeless people, as well as homeless advocates, who died in Minnesota in 2008.
• On any night in Minnesota, there are at least 1,000 people out on the street. The average life expectancy in America is 77 years. The life expectancy of a person who is homeless is 47 years.

Sample:

Dear Rep/Sen __________

I am writing to invite you to attend a community wide Homeless Memorial March and Service of Remembrance that will take place December 17.   On any night in Minnesota, there are at least 1,000 people out on the street. The average life expectancy in America is 77 years. The life expectancy of a person who is homeless is 47 years.  I am committed to maintain contact with you during the 2010 legislative session about policy and funding legislation needed to end homelessness.  I am doing this because I find it unacceptable that despite the great resources within our state thousands of families, youth, and adults will be without a safe and decent place to sleep tonight.  Everyone deserves a placed to call home.  Please do what you can to work for legislation that will end this injustice.

Sincerely,

Name (legible)

Address

Phone