In partnership with Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless (MCH) and Homes for All-MN, the Simpson community has been actively engaged in advocacy efforts, urging MN legislators to approve funding and resources to support emergency shelters and rental assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Simpson and its partners are focused on MCH’s bold 2020 legislative agenda that will ensure safe and stable housing to all Minnesotans.
In March, the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless, a collaboration of more than 120 member organizations that advocates for housing stability for individuals and families statewide, encouraged legislative leaders to immediately pass a COVID-19 response package including $50 Million of support for emergency shelters and $100 Million in rental assistance.
Leaders from Simpson and other Minnesota nonprofits serving the homeless convened in a virtual conference on March 26 to press legislators to immediately provide money and resources to support shelter guests amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “Once we do get a case of COVID-19 in the shelter, it’s going to spread like wildfire,” said Simpson’s Executive Director Steve Horsfield. The speakers also requested rental assistance for households that will desperately need the economic support. Click here to read the Star Tribune article.
COVID-19 Response Legislation
HF4531 – House COVID-19 Response package passed on March 26th.
SF4451 – Senate COVID-19 Response package passed on March 26.
The COVID-19 Response package provides $26.5+ million in Emergency Service Grants including resources for emergency shelter: additional shelter space, funds for hiring staff, and hygiene/sanitation supplies.
Funding for rental assistance was not included in the COVID-19 response legislation.
On March 23, Governor Walz signed an executive order to suspend evictions throughout the peacetime emergency.
Click here to read more on MCH’s website.
Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless 2020 Legislative Agenda
During the 2020 legislative session, Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless is focusing on a bold legislative agenda what will provide safety and stable housing for all Minnesota.
Expanding emergency shelter beds will provide immediate and temporary housing for our most vulnerable Minnesotans. Emergency shelter beds generate a short-term solution for individuals and families sleeping outside. Investing in resources to expand emergency shelters will make improvements to Minnesota’s rental and housing markets while sustaining a healthy and prosperous community.
Bills HF3326 and HF3358 focus on the Homes for All – MN priorities: $50 million for expanding emergency shelter beds, $15 million for Investment to strengthen the Emergency Services, and $500 million in bonds for housing.
Help Simpson and MN Coalition for the Homeless build support for a bold Homes for All – MN legislative agenda to ensure no one has to sleep outside, investing in programs that cultivate long-term stability, and guaranteeing everyone in our community has a permanent place to call home.
How You Can Help
Click here to become a Shelter Supporter through MCH.