Historic Opportunities to Invest in Our Community this legislative session

Minnesota has a historic state budget surplus, and Catholic Charities is at the Capitol this Legislative Session advocating for increased public funding to support emergency shelter services and for policies that promote better housing outcomes for our community. Check out the progress we’ve made on some of our top priorities and how you can help:
 

SECURING PUBLIC FUNDING FOR EMERGENCY SHELTER (HF444, SF388)

Less than 5% of operating dollars for Catholic Charities’ emergency day services, like those provided at the St. Paul Opportunity Center, come from public funding. We’re joining forces with partners to prioritize early passage of The Pathway Home Act (House File 444/Senate File 388). This bill would significantly increase public funding for the Emergency Services Program and Homeless Youth Act, the State’s most flexible funding sources to support youth and adults experiencing homelessness.

We’ve provided testimony, met with legislators and even spoke at a press conference calling attention to the urgency of this bill, but we need your help getting it to the House and Senate floor for a final vote. In less than 2 minutes, you can send a message to your legislators to show your support and ask for theirs!
 

 

SUPPORTING STABLE HOMES FOR VETERANS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES (HF732, SF992)

Housing Support is a statewide program designed to prevent and end homelessness. However, for people receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and veterans benefits, accepting Housing Support can mean giving up as much as 90% of their income. This leaves them with just $121 each month for basic expenses like food, a phone, clothing and transportation.

Catholic Charities is leading a diverse coalition of partners from across the state to ensure veterans and individuals with disabilities aren’t forced to pay more than 30% of their monthly benefits toward Housing Support costs. This would help more people exit homelessness and help those with housing keep it. Our bill (House File 732/Senate File 992) was included in the Governor’s budget recommendations and already cleared two committees in the House, so our attention now turns to a to-be-scheduled hearing in the Senate.
 

 

Photos & Videos

FEBRUARY 7, 2023: PRESS CONFERENCE URGING LAWMAKERS TO ADVANCE THE PATHWAY HOME ACT (HF444, SF388)

 

FEBRUARY 1, 2023: SENATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE HEARING ON PATHWAY HOME ACT (SF388)

 

JANUARY 19, 2023: HOUSE HUMAN SERVICES FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARING ON PATHWAY HOME ACT(HF444)

 

FEBRUARY 16, 2023: HOUSE HEALTH FINANCE AND POLICY COMMITTEE HEARING ON HOUSING SUPPORT (HF732)

 

FEBRUARY 1, 2023: HOUSE HUMAN SERVICES POLICY COMMITTEE HEARING ON HOUSING SUPPORT (HF732)

 

In the News this legislative session

“Storm led homeless day center to stay open all night: Catholic Charities Opportunity Center kept its doors open 36 hours straight as other homeless day centers closed in during the storm.” (February 23, 2023) — John Croman, KARE 11

“Twin Cities’ unsheltered people batten down for snow, seek refuge in new warming hubs.” (February 23, 2023) — Susan Du, Star Tribune

“Minnesota lawmakers push to pass act to help end homelessness.” — KARE 11

“These Minnesotans get shelter at a price too steep” — Jennifer Brooks, Star Tribune

“Major new study highlights the deadly toll of being homeless in Minnesota: Homeless individuals are dying at three times the rate of the general population, researchers found,” — Chris Serres, Star Tribune

“People who experience homelessness face earlier and greater risk of death, report finds” — Minnesota Department of Health

“Discussion on the Homeless Youth Act (HF444)”— Cirien Saadeh, Minnesota Women’s Press

“State lawmakers take on ‘urgent need’ to address homelessness,”— Susie Jones, WCCO Radio