Representative Sandra Feist Introduces Hennepin County Homelessness Funding Bill
SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, the House Human Services Finance Committee approved legislation authored by Representative Sandra Feist (DFL - New Brighton) to provide ongoing sustainable funding to maintain the shelter service models that better serve people and ensure that homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring.
“The Hennepin County Homelessness Program is incredibly robust and meaningful on the state level,” said Rep. Feist. “40-50% of beds are in Hennepin County, one-third of residents in homeless shelters in Hennepin County are from Greater Minnesota, and it’s a uniquely effective program based on the data we have collected. We must ensure our neighbors have the help they need, and that includes helping those who need shelter and a pathway back into a home.”
Hennepin County Commissioner, Jeffrey Lunde, Hennepin County Director of Housing Stability, David Hewitt, CEO of American Indian Community Development Corporation, Mike Goze, and Avivo Vice Chair of Ending Homelessness, Emily Bastian all testified in support of the bill. The Salvation Army, Simpson Housing Services, and Agate Housing and Services also provided letters of support for this funding. The bill, HF 135, has been laid over for further consideration by the committee.
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