Message:
Investing in $50 million for housing and homeless programs is vital to our people, the business economy, and the health of our state.
SF 797 and HF 937: $25 million to Department of Human Services for homeless services for families and youth
SF 811: $25 million to Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for housing programs for families and youth.
Whom to Contact:
Please take a few minutes today to call or email your state representative and state senator to let them know that housing and homelessness is a priority for you. Find your District:http://www.gis.leg.mn/OpenLayers/districts/
Talking Points for a Sample Letter/Phone Call:
- Minnesota faces a severe housing crisis – overflow shelters are full, waiting lists for rental housing are full, over 11,000 school children were identified as homeless or highly mobile in 2011-2012 (with 6,000 in Minneapolis Public Schools alone).
- We know what programs work immediately and long-term to prevent homelessness and create more affordable housing, which is what the $50 million increase would support.
- Homeless and housing advocates from across the state are united around a $50 million increase for strategic and effective programs.
| Department of Human Services Program | Purpose | 2012 – 2013 Funding Level | Proposed Increase | Total Base Funding Proposed |
| Long-Term Homeless Supportive Services Fund | Services to individuals, youth, and families in supportive housing(1,689 households in SFY10) | $9.9 million | $10 million | $19.9 million |
| Transitional Housing | Housing and services for individuals and families who have been homeless(3,812 individuals in SFY2010) | $5.9 million | $6 million | $11.9 million |
| Emergency Services Program | Services and emergency shelter for people who have been homeless(3,980 individuals in SFY10) | $688,000 | $1 million | $1.7 million |
| Runaway and Homeless Youth Act | Housing and services for youth who are homeless or at risk of homelessness586 individuals in SFY10 | $218,000 | $8 million | $8.2 million |
| Total Ask: $25 million |
| Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Programs | Purpose | 2012-2013 Funding Level | Proposed Increase | Total Base Funding Proposed |
| Family Homeless Prevention Assistance Program (FHPAP) | Direct assistance and services to households at risk of losing housing or transitioning out of homelessness | $14.93 million | $2.5 million | $17.4 million |
| Challenge Fund | Financing for affordable housing development statewide | $13.91 million | $9 million (Restored)$5 million Increase | $27.9 million |
| Housing Trust Fund | Rental assistance for households previously homeless | $19.11 million | $2 million (Restored)$2.5 million Increase | $23.6 million |
| Rental Rehab Loans | Assistance for owners of smaller rental property improvements | $4.898 million | $3 million (Restored) | $7.9 million |
| HECAT | Homebuyer/homeowner education, counseling and training services | $1.502 million | $250,000 (Restored) | $1.75 million |
| Capacity Building | Regional coordination leverages federal funding | $250,000 | $250,000 (Restored)$250,000 Increase | $750,000 |
| Homeownership Assistance Fund | Down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time homebuyers | $1.594 million | $250,000 (Restored) | $1.8 million |
| Total Ask: $ 25 million |