We have a special edition reflection email for you from our MCH Advocacy Fellow, Ranee! Keep reading to hear about her experiences with MCH Homeless Day on the Hill this year.
Hello everyone,
This was my second Homeless Day on the Hill as an MCH Fellow. It was powerful, amazing, and important, and this year MCH Homeless Day on the Hill stands out for two reasons:
1. The first reason is related to the bodies in the chairs this year. As I was speaking and looking out at everyone, I felt so much joy to see both the lower and upper levels of the church nearly full which is a contrast to previous years. People with lived experience, lawmakers, and service providers showed up to advocate with us this year and it was very powerful. Additionally, the vibe in the room was invigorating, energized and extremely contagious. I had a good time on the stage speaking and attending the day with everyone.
2. The second reason – my favorite moment of DOTH- is related to the wonderful and impactful speakers this year especially true of the Ramsey Youth Advisory Board as those testimonies were authentic and mind-blowing in my opinion. I found both of the youth members testimonies to be captivating and raw, done with class and confidence, and very courageous of them to say what . This year’s Homeless Day on the Hill was incredible and one I will never forget.
– Ranee, MCH Advocacy Fellow
⭐ Other Highlights from Homeless Day on the Hill
Over 1,200 people joined us from across the state, and we took powerful messages to the Capitol. Check out these highlights from the day:
- The construction at the State Office Building didn’t slow us down! This was our largest Homeless Day on the Hill, with over 1,200 people gathered throughout the day for a full day of advocacy.
- The Lt. Governor came to the Homeless Day on the Hill opening program to share her support to ending homelessness. We also had champion lawmakers Representative Keeler and Representative Gomez join us for the program, and they are committed to finding solutions to homelessness and investing in services.
- MCH Fellows, Jason and Ranee, were the program emcees, with Claudette, Kirsten, and Matt also speaking. Find the program here.
- StreetSong opened the program with a few original songs. The crowd sang along and got energized for the day.
- Jason also delivered a powerful opening message during the Rise & Repair Rally in the rotunda. You can find the full recorded version of the rally here.
- We had 16 wonderful sponsors who made the event free for advocates to attend. You can check them out on our website.
- We continue to hear great messages about our program speakers. We want to give a big shout-out to Tori and Dakota, two youth speakers from The Heading Home Ramsey Youth Advisory Board, for sharing their stories and giving two powerful messages to the MCHDOTH advocates.
- Over 25% of registrants identified they have had lived experience of homelessness.
- Just over 130 lawmakers were confirmed to meet with their constituents from across the state.
- Thank you to Homes for All for partnering with us this year to make this event successful. With their help, we were able to represent the full continuum of housing throughout the day of advocacy.
- Check out the hashtag #MCHDOTH on social media platforms, and you can see all the advocates’ and their organizations’ posts. Be sure to tag us when you post so we have your pictures too.