In 2025, MCH partnered with Homes for All (H4A) to ensure the entire housing continuum would be represented at Homeless Day on the Hill. A lesser-known fact about why we partnered with H4A is that MCH was considering not holding the event this year due to MCH staff capacity and budget constraints. Staff met with our Fellows and they responded with a resounding, “We HAVE to have Homeless Day on the Hill!”. Luckily, we listened to the Fellows and had arguably our best DOTH yet- and our largest, with approximately 1,200 advocates joining! Pre-COVID we would have 500-600 attendees so thanks to everyone who joined the day in some way, and encouraged people to attend this year.
My biggest highlight of the day was the opening program.
Every speaker except myself and two others had lived experience of homelessness, and they brought the energy and wisdom that only they can provide. These speakers are leaders in many ways and we are so thankful they were willing to share with everyone in attendance. Jason kicked us off with an amazing opening speech and he co-emceeded with Ranee (both Fellows). Angela and Ms Jackson went over the H4A priorities and I shared a bit on MCH’s strategy this legislative session. Kirsten and Claudette thanked our sponsors and gave instructions on what to expect for the rest of the day. The Heading Home Ramsey Youth Advisory Board, led by Jartue, Tori, and Dakota was beyond amazing and powerful. From there we had two champions towards ending homelessness Rep Gomez and Rep Keeler speak and set the tone for what we need to do in our advocacy. As usual, we had our favorite speaker for many years, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flannagan, address the audience, who emphasized people with lived experience of homelessness need to be heard by lawmakers. We closed it out with Ranee sharing how a lawmaker visit could look by giving examples of her own advocacy centered around the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program. We also tried something different this year and had the StreetSong MN choir open and close the program, including Sherry and Robert addressing the crowd in a fun and inspiring way.
All in all, DOTH grounded me in my work and showed that MCH made the right decision in prioritizing lived experience in everything we do.
In my role as Interim Executive Director, I would be remiss if I did not ask you to consider a donation to MCH. We receive zero of the funds we advocate for at the Capitol, and every little bit helps! Will you join us with a gift today?