SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives approved the “Pathway Home Act.” The legislation invests in and establishes resources and support systems to keep youth housed in Minnesota, including a $150 million investment in emergency shelter facilities, preserving or adding over 3,000 shelter beds. The bill passed on a vote of 73-57.
Rep. Liz Olson (DFL – Duluth), a co-author of the legislation, voted for the bill.
“Everyone deserves a place to call home. The Pathway Home Act supports the collective efforts needed to disrupt the cycle of homelessness, and guide Minnesotans on a path toward housing stability,” Rep. Olson said. “This is a deeply inspiring piece of legislation that will make a big impact for Minnesotans as we seek to ensure everyone can have the warmth, safety, and shelter they count on.”
The package includes emergency services grants which provide essential services and emergency shelter. These grants are awarded on a competitive basis and provide emergency shelter, motel vouchers, day shelter, and essential services to children, unaccompanied youth, single adults, and families who are experiencing homelessness. The bill also funds the Homeless Youth Act, providing services to people who are 24 years of age or younger who are unaccompanied by a parent or guardian and without shelter where appropriate care and supervision are available, whose parent is unable or unwilling to provide shelter and care, or who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
The transitional housing programs in the bill provide housing for a homeless person or family at a rental rate of 25% of family income for a period of up to 36 months. Transitional housing may also include up to six months of follow-up support services for persons who complete transitional housing as they stabilize in permanent housing.
The bill also includes investment in the Chosen Family Program, providing resources for close relatives and friends to provide housing and access to medical and mental health care for at-risk youth, and funds updates to the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).