We have big news! The Homes for All and Prosperity for All campaigns have announced priorities for the upcoming legislative session. A $39 million increase for housing and homeless services The MFIP Workforce Transportation Bill, adding $130 per month in assistance for striving families We have a lot of work ahead but first we need […]

Around the State in 4 Days, or What I Learned About Transitional Housing During My First Week at MCH By Atom Robinson Hi. I’m the new guy at the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless. My name is Atom Robinson and I’m going to be doing outreach and policy campaign work for the Coalition. I’m really […]

Do you know someone who is an outstanding organizer for social change? Do you know someone who has provided extraordinary service to people in need? Please help us honor and recognize champions in our community. Submit your nominations for the Steve O’Neil Outstanding Organizing Award and Bruce Vento Distinguished Service Award by August 22, 2014. […]

In 2014, advocates and community members from across the state rallied to pass a record-breaking $100 million in bonds for housing at the State Capitol. On May 20, 2014, Governor Dayton signed the bill into law.  This funding will be used to build and preserve over 5,000 units of affordable housing for homeless and low-income Minnesotans. […]

Here is a list of all the affirmative and positive MFIP policy changes that passed last week.  Your Prosperity for All support and advocacy paid off in big ways! EDUCATION.  The MFIP workforce education changes will take effect July 1, 2014:  Unlimited participation will be allowed in adult basic education, GED coursework, ESL, and post-secondary education/training (including 4-year programs).  Several statutory barriers […]

Both the Senate and House released their bonding proposals. The bill may head to the House Floor as soon as Friday. Can you make three phone calls now? ***Action Alert*** 1. Call your state senator and state representative ASAP. Ask them to VOTE YES on the bonding bill and to support $100 million in bonds for housing. Find who represents you. 2. […]

Rochester Schools homeless liaison Melissa Brandt wrote an illuminating piece about homeless students and the role of government and individuals in meeting their needs. Did you know public schools had a homeless liaison? As the homeless liaison, Melissa Brandt helps assist those kids and their families experiencing homelessness. Brandt eloquently stated: “Honestly, most of the […]

Policymaking 101 requires you to put yourself in the shoes the people affected. Let’s jump into the shoes of one of the 10,000 adults without a high school diploma or GED who participate in Minnesota’s welfare program (Minnesota Family Investment Program, or MFIP). MFIP is the primary economic safety net for low-wage workers with children. COUNSELOR: […]

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As the first phase of the legislation session wraps up, lawmakers are hunkering down. In the coming weeks, they will be decide what to include in the final bonding bill package. Sending a letter to the editor is an effective way keep housing on lawmakers’ radar and raise awareness among the general public. We know […]

Good news came out of the Capitol last week. The House Capital Investment Committee released it’s bonding bill proposal: it includes $100 million for housing! The Senate will release its bonding proposal next month. The MFIP Workforce Education Bill was also approved by key committees. Lawmakers will need to decide if it will be included in the final Health […]