MICAH's News from January 2020
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January
Policy Highlights
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Plans for the 2020 legislative session are taking shape.
Governor Walz announced a $276 million affordable housing bonding proposal as the first of his priorities for bonding this year, and the most ever proposed by a Governor.
The Homes for All Coalition and MICAH appreciates this level of support and will continue pressing for the entire $500 million in bonding on their agenda because of the great need.
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On January 22, the House Housing Finance and Policy Committee held a hearing on culturally appropriate housing, lead by MICAH and featuring board member Gary Kwong
. The hearing was very moving and it was clear there is a great need for funding cultural groups to train and license navigators; and funding this session for certified housing counselors for their constituents so they can find and keep affordable housing and buy homes.
On January 30, the House Housing Finance and Policy Committee held a hearing on the intersection between mental health and housing.
Both in this hearing and the one on January 22, Sue Watlov Phillips testified for MICAH about the needs for these communities to have resources available in order to find stable, affordable housing.
MICAH Legislative Breakfasts
held throughout the metro area in January were attended by over 300 people. See chapter highlights below for details.
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Join MICAH and the National Coalition for the Homeless in honoring the 30th Anniversary of the HousingNOW! March.
5:30-7:30pm - February 10 & March 3
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Meet the People Who Make MICAH Happen
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Jerry Daily
Board Member
MICAH impresses me by staying true to their mission of advocating for affordable housing and avoids partisan politics.
MICAH works with all to help all!
Our South Chapter work has us involved.
- directly with people and congregations
- standing up to voice support for housing issues at city council/planning meetings and with elected officials
- as advocates for homeless, seniors, those needing a hand, the forgotten
Not a better place to be!
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MICAH's Board Members discuss the importance of making sure that the people impacted by homelessness and housing crisis are the key decision makers in finding and creating solutions to ensure that everyone has a safe, decent, accessible, and affordable home.
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Over 90 people participated in the MICAH South Legislative Breakfast on January 29th.
We were honored to have State and Local Policy makers along with homeless experts from the Matrix shelter!
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Point in Time Count
24 MICAH South members and community advocates assisted in carrying out the annual HUD mandated Point in Time Count of Homelessness in Dakota County over 1/22 and 1/23.
These volunteers greeted folks at 9 outreach locations including community suppers, food shelves and a library. They engaged the guests in conversations about housing issues, shared resources and conducted surveys about homelessness.
Read more
about this effort and learn how you can help.
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The St. Paul chapter narrowed our Fair Housing agenda to 4 main points, three of which are being considered by the St. Paul City Council.
The chapter has also identified fifteen possible goals for 2020, including a focus on family homelessness, and are narrowing them down at the February 20 meeting.
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On January 30, the MICAH St. Paul Chapter held its legislative breakfast, attended by over 90 people, including 11 public officials.
The room was electric with energy, as tables discussed needs for housing with their elected officials. Notes on recommended next steps and actions will be compiled and shared with the entire MICAH email list.
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On January 14th, the NorthEast Chapter hosted our Annual Legislative Breakfast at Ascension Episcopal Church.
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This was another successful breakfast, in a beautiful setting with committed people. We moved forward the cause of affordable housing in the northeastern suburbs!
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Designing Upper Harbor Terminal
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In a time when we have to fight for affordable housing and the numbers of homeless are ever increasing, the city of Minneapolis began a proposition to build an entertainment center along the river in North Minneapolis.
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"Northside Eco-Harbor has been engaged in a campaign to educate and engage North Minneapolis residents and stakeholders about the Upper Harbor Terminal Concept Plan and the project’s implications.
We have called on City of Minneapolis leaders to set a new standard for community development by truly addressing the needs and aspirations of the Northside using equitable design principles and empowering public participation."
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On January 28, over 70 people came to
St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church to participate in the MICAH Housing for All Legislative Breakfast.
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Aeon purchased Huntington Place!
MICAH provided a letter of support, along with ACER (member of Housing for All and the key resident and community organizer) and other organizations.
MICAH assisted in connecting Aeon with investors to assist in the purchase of Huntington Place -
834 units with over 3,000 residents!
This is the 3rd time in three decades MICAH has successfully worked with the community and residents at Huntington Place to save this valuable affordable housing!
We know Aeon will be a great owner and will provide great management services to the residents!
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In Case You Hadn't Heard
Excerpted from the story:
“People outside our community are just guessing how people in a homeless situation should live,” said Dewayne Parker, an SVOC leader. “Envision was designed by people with lived experience of homelessness.”
Envision's housing is expected to cost 60 percent less per person than other housing for the homeless. Units will not have their own kitchens or bathrooms.
Those amenities will be in a shared common house. And residents will help build the homes, using factory-built panels and modules. There won't be extraneous space.
Overall, the project may have as little as 325 square feet per person. Rents will be pegged to residents’ income.
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MICAH Funding Awards This Month:
- Target Foundation Equity Grant - $20,000
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422 Dorothy Day Pl., St. Paul, MN 55102
February 18th -
4:00 to 6:00 PM**
** From 3:30 to 4 PM, staff will offer tours of the new St. Paul Opportunity Center. If you are interested in attending, please register SEPARATELY for the tours on the ticket page
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Daytime and Overnight Winter Shelter Spaces in Stillwater, MN
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115 4th St. N., Stillwater, MN 55082
Daytime:
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch provided.
Overnight:
5 p.m. to 9 a.m. when the actual temperature is predicted to be –10 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
Supper and breakfast provided.
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On January 7th, roughly 100 people attended the Winter Volunteer Training session in Stillwater.
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